driving a car to TRNC

mikeythespark



Joined: 10/11/2009
Posts: 224

Message Posted:
29/11/2009 12:39

Hi Everyone, this is my first posting on the site. My wife and I have had a home in Catalkoy for 5 years and we are finally moving out permanately early next year. Can anyone tell me pls, if we drive our car into TRNC, how long we can keep it on the Island? It is more than 3 yrs old so I don't think I can import it and pay the duty. Would appreciate anyones help on the matter. Thanks

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
29/11/2009 12:42

Heres the best advice you gonna get, sell you car in uk and buy one here..

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
29/11/2009 13:38

If you have owned the car from new, you will still be able to import it.

Not sure of the current state of play re length of stay, people report that Customs are playing Silly Buggers (again!) - best to check with them direct.

Incidentally, the advice given in msg 2 is really good, solid advice! - You'll remember this post if you ignore it !

mikeythespark



Joined: 10/11/2009
Posts: 224

Message Posted:
30/11/2009 10:35

Thanks guys,

I did import a car a couple of years ago, and then when we thought our permanent move would be delayed sold it for what the import tax had been quoted at, but this time I want to drive the car over and after the year drive it back to UK. That way I can stock up on items we would usually shove in or case when we visit. What I was interested in is if I can drive the car on UK tax and insurance for that year and if I wanted to do a round trip and drive it back again fro another year would I be allowed. It is my wifes car, a lovely Mercedes convertable and she has had it, not from new unfortunately, but fro an ex demo, mores the pity.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
30/11/2009 10:51

Mikey,

Buy a car in trnc less hassle matey,

Paul.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
30/11/2009 16:33

Mike,

The rule 'USED TO BE' that you could dtive it on it's UK tax disc for the length of time yt remained in force - so that if you taxed it just before you set off, you would have near enough a full year.

I also know people who applied for, and got, extensions, so that the car could remain a while longer, although I think that they had to pay the local road tax.

Local insurance HAS to be paid from day one, as no insurance company anywhere else recognises TRNC

BUT - as I said previously, they do mess about and change the rules, so you really do need to check with Customs etc FIRST!

As Newlad said, it's a lot less hassle buying a car here - although prices are ridiculously high - and if it wasn't for the fact that you're wanting to bring stuff over, I would have said "Don't even consider it!"

One final point - you are allowed ONE shipment of USED household goods/possessions free of TAX - you're quite likely to get soaked by Customs any other way, so again, check first!

FatgrumpyB


Joined: 11/03/2009
Posts: 48

Message Posted:
30/11/2009 18:08

I did exactly what you are proposing,I brought my car over and kept it here for 12 months and then drove back to the UK. Your insurance will cover you till you reach Cyprus providing you get a green card,once you arrive in Cyprus you have to take out local insurance

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
30/11/2009 19:51

If you have bought a car in before they may want you to pay duty on it immediately as them in Lefkosa customs office take your log book with you .

There was a previous on this topic where a guy was refused import on a vintage motor cycle and had to take it back

mikeythespark



Joined: 10/11/2009
Posts: 224

Message Posted:
02/12/2009 10:10

Thanks guys for your advise. i do intend to buy a car once settled, but though for the short term driving my car over as a touring car may have helped me out.

Will try and contact London TRNC Embassey and see what their latest advise is!!

Next question will be about the dog and his visa requirements!!!