Travel

Ensure you deal with a reputable forwarding agent who will liaise with shipping companies to ship your car overseas. 

One of these companies is General Cargo Fowarders (Australia) Pty Ltd

You can start preparing your vehicle for shipping from a couple of months or up to more than a year depending on where you are shipping your car to.

The time it will take to ship car will vary and it is dependent on how many times a month there are sailings.  Please see below of some examples of shipping times.

Ex Melbourne to Southampton UK, approx. 69 to 89 days, normally 2 to 4 sailings per month

Ex Mel to Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch/Nelson, approx. 6 to 12 days, fortnightly sailing service

Ex Mel to  Port Kelang, Malaysia, approx. 17 to 27  days, 2 or 3  sailings  per month.

For rates and more information on what is required please email General Cargo Forwarders at enquiries@generalcargo.com.au

Your forwarding agent will be able to advise you on your options for insuring your car while it is being shipped. 

A Carnet de Passage en Douane (Carnet) allows visitors to temporarily import a motor vehicle or motorcycle overseas for a limited period of time (maximum 12 months), without the need for payment of customs duties, sales taxes or the duties that would otherwise apply. This can be extended if necessary but must be organised prior to the original document expiring.

A Carnet is essential for the temporary importation of vehicles into New Zealand, most African, Asian, Middle East and South American countries.  It is not required for motor vehicles, campervans and motorcycles entering the UK, Europe or the continent of North America for touring purposes.

Download a Carnet de Passage application form (PDF 571KB)

For more information call 13 13 29.

If you are temporarily touring overseas then you must keep your Victorian registration current.  While you are overseas you will need to display a nationality plate (a small plate) which represents the nationality of the vehicle.  Australia’s plate is AUS and it is $22 for a motorcycle plate and $11 for a car sticker.

These can be purchased through RACV on 13 13 29 (please note that these cannot be purchased in RACV Shops).

Australian insurance companies won’t insure your car while it is overseas so you will have to find a company that will insure your vehicle while touring around other countries.

For classic cars please contact Haggartys Insurance for options on insurance.

Throughout Europe you will be required to obtain a Green Card (Europe only) which covers your third party liability insurance. You will have to check with each individual country for their third party requirements.

The Green Card is a document that is recognised in over 40 countries through Europe and is proof that the minimum legal requirements for third party liability insurance are met. This does not insure your car in case of accident or theft.

For more information on how to obtain a Green Card and the countries it covers go to The Green Card System

RACV members who have current Emergency Roadside Assistance can receive reciprocal benefits from affiliated overseas auto clubs when travelling overseas. To obtain these services from affiliated clubs, members must present their current RACV membership card. Your membership card has an AIT logo that acknowledges your auto club membership which you can present at any auto club. 

Please note: levels of service may vary from country to country and club to club and your membership must be valid/current for the entire journey.

See a list of affiliated auto clubs

International Driving Permits are a special permit for tourists, allowing motorists to drive internationally without further tests or applications provided their domestic drivers licence is valid. It is also a requirement for renting a car in many countries.

These are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

For more information call 13 13 29 or see International Driving Permits

When camping in either Europe or Africa you will require a Camping Card International.

The CCI entitles members to a small reduction in charges at some camping sites and covers third-party insurance claims which may be made against a member for compensation for bodily injury to third parties, and/or damage to property resulting from any accident occurring while camping.

A CCI is essential in Europe. Some campsite proprietors will not allow non-holders of the document to use a site.

The cost of a Camping Card is $25 and includes a CCI Directory, which offers discounts to many attractions around the world.  You must also have a current/valid RACV membership for the CCI to be valid.

For more information see International Camping Card

For information on bringing your car back into Australia, please contact Australian Customs. Information can be found at the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website.

• Shipping Company
• Shipping Insurance
• Carnet De Passage en Douane
• Current RACV membership
• Third Party Insurance
• Comprehensive car insurance
• International Driving Permit
• CCI – if required
• Contact Australian Customs for requirements on bringing your car back to Australia

For more information please call RACV HolidayLine on 13 13 29 between 9am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.