last edited Dec 11, 2019
Buying a Vehicle While Travelling
Location Map of Destinations
Destinations
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Why Buy a Vehicle
North America, Europe, Australia, and occasionally Argentina/Chile and South Africa are possible places for those who want to buy a vehicle. But how do you buy one, where, from whom, and most importantly, what are the formalities to complete? Not to mention what to do with the vehicle afterward: sell it (to others or back to the previous owner) or repatriate it to your home country?
Clearly, buying a car, camper van, or even a motorcycle only makes sense if you're away for several months, planning to spend time in the country or region where the purchase is planned, and where transport is expensive or poorly developed. Otherwise, public transport or rental will undoubtedly be more practical, especially financially.
But be careful—this isn’t something you can improvise. It’s best to be informed beforehand, be somewhat resourceful, and at least comfortable in English or have a good intermediary to handle the transaction.
For now, there are only a few places (or travel zones) where buying a vehicle remains worthwhile or even possible.
Buying by Country
North America
The "classic" choice for travellers buying a vehicle. Typically, this happens in the USA or occasionally Quebec/Canada, and rarely in Mexico. Most buyers plan a multi-month trip across North America, sometimes continuing into Central America.
United States
- How to find and where to buy?:
- The purchase:
- The formalities:
- Resale:
Canada and Mexico
Australia
The other classic option after the USA for those planning a long journey on the island continent.
- How to find and where to buy?:
- The purchase:
- The formalities:
- Resale:
Europe
While Europeans might buy a vehicle to explore North America or Australia, the reverse is also true. Typically, the purchase location depends on the country’s language; English speakers often choose England, while Quebecers prefer France.
France
- How to find and where to buy?:
- The purchase:
- Formalities for non-residents:
- Resale:
Other European Countries
Argentina/Chile, South Africa
Occasionally, travellers buy a vehicle in Argentina and increasingly in Chile (where it’s "simpler") for trips within these countries and their neighbours. The same goes for South Africa for travel in Southern Africa. However, in both cases, things are less straightforward (and the practice less common) than in the USA or Australia, for example.
Elsewhere
Apart from the countries already mentioned, buying a vehicle is rarely worthwhile due to the cost of local transport (including vehicle charter), administrative or customs issues, or even legal restrictions for foreigners.
Repatriating Your Vehicle
For you to expand: The benefits of repatriating a vehicle bought abroad. By sea: costs, procedures, and especially the formalities for departure and, of course, return to your home country.