Shipping &
Payment
Guide
Everything you need to know about how we ship your dream car from Japan — transparently, securely, and on time.
How It Works
From choosing your car to receiving it at your port — we handle every step of the export process with full transparency.
Browse our stock or request a specific model. We search Japan's top auctions on your behalf.
Receive a full cost breakdown: car price, shipping, insurance, and port fees — no hidden charges.
Pay securely via T/T bank transfer or other approved methods. Deposit confirms your order.
We prepare all export documents: Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, and original title.
Your car is loaded onto a Ro-Ro or container vessel. You receive tracking details.
Car arrives at your destination port. We provide all documents needed for customs clearance.
Shipping Information
We ship using two proven methods depending on your destination, vehicle type, and budget.
The most common and cost-effective method. Your car is driven onto the vessel and secured for transport. Ideal for standard vehicles going to popular destinations.
- Most economical shipping option
- Available to all major ports worldwide
- Transit time: 2–8 weeks depending on destination
- Suitable for all standard cars, SUVs, and vans
- Vehicles protected by professional car decks
- Regular scheduled sailings from Japan
Your vehicle is loaded inside a 20ft or 40ft container, offering maximum protection. Recommended for luxury, classic, or modified vehicles.
- Maximum protection from weather & elements
- Ideal for high-value, classic, or modified cars
- Load personal items (up to a limit)
- SOC (Shipper's Own Container) available
- 1–4 cars per 40ft container
- Available to all destinations globally
Destination &
Transit Guide
Approximate transit times from Japan. Actual times may vary based on port congestion, customs, and shipping schedules.
| Region / Country | Transit Time | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 4–6 weeks | RoRo / Container |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya / Tanzania | 4–5 weeks | RoRo / Container |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana / Nigeria | 5–7 weeks | RoRo / Container |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2–3 weeks | RoRo |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 2–3 weeks | RoRo |
| 🇦🇪 UAE / Middle East | 3–4 weeks | RoRo / Container |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 5–7 weeks | RoRo / Container |
| 🇷🇺 Russia / CIS | 2–4 weeks | RoRo |
| 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea | 1–2 weeks | RoRo |
| 🌍 Other Africa | 5–8 weeks | Container |
Payment Methods
We offer multiple secure payment options to suit buyers in any country. All transactions are fully documented and receipted.
Telegraphic Transfer is our primary and most trusted payment method. A 30% deposit secures your vehicle, with the balance paid before shipping. Full receipt issued.
For international buyers, SWIFT transfers are fast, secure, and accepted from all major countries. Our bank details are provided after vehicle confirmation.
Available for deposit payments. Ideal for buyers in regions where bank wire may be slow. Contact us to confirm availability for your country.
Available for corporate and bulk buyers. L/C payments provide maximum security for large-volume transactions. Contact us for terms and conditions.
Payment Terms & Conditions
Standard Terms
- ✓ 30% deposit to confirm your vehicle purchase
- ✓ Balance due within 3–5 days of invoice
- ✓ Full payment required before shipping
- ✓ All prices quoted in Japanese Yen (JPY) or USD
- ✓ Official receipts provided for every payment
Bank Details
Our official bank details are shared privately after vehicle confirmation to ensure security. Never send payment to unverified accounts.
Request Bank Details →Your Shipping Timeline
A realistic week-by-week guide of what happens after you confirm your purchase.
You send your 30% deposit. We issue a proforma invoice and formally confirm the vehicle. Your dedicated contact is assigned.
The vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection. We send you a detailed condition report with photos and video before the balance payment.
You send the remaining balance. We issue the full invoice and begin export documentation — title, deregistration, and customs paperwork.
Your car is transported to port and loaded onto the vessel. You receive the Bill of Lading and vessel name with estimated arrival date.
All original documents — Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, and Invoice — are sent to you via courier (DHL/FedEx) for customs clearance.
Your car arrives. Use the documents to clear customs and register your vehicle. We remain available for any post-arrival support you need.
Documents You Will Receive
- 📋Bill of Lading (B/L)Key shipping document — proof of ownership during transit.
- 🪪Export Certificate (輸出証明書)Japanese government issued deregistration proof.
- 📄Commercial InvoiceItemized invoice for customs declaration and duties.
- 📦Packing ListDetailed description of the vehicle and any additional items.
- 🛡️Marine Insurance CertificateFull coverage during ocean transit from Japan to your port.
🛡️ Marine Insurance
All vehicles are insured during ocean transit. Our comprehensive marine insurance covers total loss, damage from accidents, and fire during shipping. We strongly recommend all customers take full insurance.
Insurance cost is typically 1.5%–2% of the vehicle's declared value. Coverage from port of loading in Japan to your destination port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've answered the most common ones below. Still unsure? Contact our team directly.
What Our Customers Say
Trusted by buyers in 48+ countries. Here's what they say about our shipping and payment experience.
"The entire process was smoother than I expected. From payment to receiving my Land Cruiser in Nairobi, Dream Car handled everything professionally. The documents arrived before the car — perfect!"
"I was nervous about sending money overseas, but the team was transparent at every step. I received my receipt instantly and got regular updates. My Nissan Patrol arrived in great condition to Dubai."
"Third car I've bought from Dream Car. They know exactly what I need — right hand drive, low mileage, clean history. The shipping is always on time and the paperwork is always complete."
"Fast, honest, and reliable. I bought a Toyota Hiace for my business in Accra. The T/T payment was easy, they sent me all the documents by DHL, and my vehicle cleared customs without any issues."
"As a car dealer in Dar es Salaam, I import 10–15 cars a year from Dream Car. The pricing is competitive, the shipping is reliable, and their after-sales support is excellent. Highly recommended."
"Dream Car's team guided me through every step — from choosing the car at auction to clearing it in Cape Town. The marine insurance saved me once when there was minor dock damage. Worth every penny."
Ready to Import Your Dream Car?
Get a free shipping quote today. Our team is standing by to help you find and ship the perfect vehicle from Japan.