Import Cars from China to Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the fastest, most affordable routes DriveSino ships — freight from just $1,155 USD with 7–12 days transit to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. BYD, Wuling, and Haval all have real, growing demand among Vietnamese buyers. The one thing worth knowing upfront: Vietnam applies some of the highest vehicle taxes in Southeast Asia on vehicles from outside ASEAN, so total landed cost needs checking before you commit, independent of how fast and cheap the shipping itself is.
At DriveSino, we handle the entire export process from China to Vietnam — vehicle sourcing, multi-point inspection, export documentation, and shipping.
Why Import from China to Vietnam?
- Fast, affordable shipping: Vietnam's proximity to China makes it one of the quickest, cheapest routes DriveSino offers — 7–13 days versus 30+ for most other markets
- Real brand demand: BYD, Wuling (especially compact EVs), and Haval all have genuine buyer interest in Vietnam
- Left-hand drive standard: Vietnam drives on the right, matching the LHD configuration Chinese manufacturers produce as standard
- Be clear on tax first: Vietnam is not an ASEAN-preferential source for Chinese vehicles, so total tax (import duty + special consumption tax + VAT) can be substantial — confirm total landed cost before ordering, not just the vehicle price
Shipping from China to Vietnam
3 ports serving Vietnam
Freight from $1,155 USD
DriveSino ships vehicles from major Chinese export ports to Vietnam's main ports:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | $1,155 | 7–12 days |
| Da Nang | $1,188 | 7–12 days |
| Hai Phong (Hanoi) | $1,238 | 8–13 days |
* Rates are estimates. This is one of the fastest, most affordable routes DriveSino offers — but freight is only part of the total landed cost; see Duties below.
Import Duties & Taxes for Vietnam
Vietnam applies vehicle taxation that's genuinely high relative to most markets DriveSino serves, since China doesn't benefit from the ASEAN-preferential rates Vietnam gives fellow ASEAN members. The structure typically stacks import duty, a Special Consumption Tax that scales with engine size, and VAT — high enough in combination that we won't publish a specific total percentage here, as it would likely understate your real cost. Confirm total landed cost with DriveSino before ordering so there are no surprises.
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Import duty and VAT for this destination aren't included in this estimate yet — contact us for an exact landed-cost quote.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
DriveSino provides all export-side documentation for shipping from China to Vietnam:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
Vietnam's import-side requirements (customs valuation, registration inspection, and tax payment) are the real cost driver here — confirm total cost with DriveSino before anything else.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on Vietnam-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about VietnamUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to Vietnam
- Confirm total landed cost first: talk to DriveSino about realistic total tax for your specific vehicle type — this determines whether importing makes financial sense
- Browse inventory: once cost is confirmed workable, explore our selection of export-ready vehicles
- Confirm and pay: a sales contract is issued. Payment by international bank transfer
- Export documentation: we prepare all Chinese export documents
- Shipping: your vehicle ships to Cat Lai, Da Nang, or Hai Phong — one of our fastest routes, 7–13 days
- Customs clearance: you or your customs agent clear the vehicle through Vietnamese customs
Tips for Importing to Vietnam
- Confirm total landed cost — including tax — before ordering. This is the step most likely to change the economics of a Vietnam import
- Don't let the fast, cheap freight rate distract from the tax side of the total cost picture
- Use the DriveSino cost calculator for the vehicle and shipping portion, then confirm tax on top with us
Importing Cars from China to Vietnam — FAQ
Is it expensive to import a car from China to Vietnam?
Vietnam applies vehicle taxation that's high relative to most markets DriveSino serves, since China isn't an ASEAN-preferential source. Confirm total landed cost with DriveSino before ordering — tax is likely to be the largest cost component, more than the vehicle price or freight.
How long does it take to ship a car from China to Vietnam?
Sea transit from China to Vietnam takes 7–13 days depending on port (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi) — one of the fastest routes DriveSino offers.
Does Vietnam use right-hand drive cars?
No, Vietnam drives on the right, so left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles from China are required — the standard configuration for Chinese-market cars.
What Chinese car brands are popular in Vietnam?
BYD, Wuling (especially compact EVs), and Haval all have genuine buyer interest in Vietnam.
Can DriveSino help me import a car to Vietnam?
Yes, but given Vietnam's high vehicle taxation, we recommend confirming total landed cost first so there are no surprises. Contact DriveSino to discuss your specific vehicle and situation.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to Vietnam?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.