Taking our car to cyprus

[angeletta50]

Hi, Gina here,

Hubby John & I want to spend the winter months in our apartment in Peyia, Paphos and would like to take our car for the period. Intended to drive down to either Italy or Greece and ferry over, but the ferries seem not to be running. Has anyone does this before and can help.

Also, will we pay any taxes to bring the car in for a short period (no longer than six months October to March) and then take it out again back to France.

Hope to hear soon.

Gina A.

[BabsM]

Hi Gina,
I vaguely remember hearing that the company who ran the ferries went out of business.... but its just a feeling, don't hold me to it!

We went on a cruise around the Greek Islands with Louis Cruises last year. They carried cars from Pireaus (Athens) in the hold. You could look at see what they have on their website.

I am not sure what importation charges there would be. You should be able to get a permit that will allow you to drive the car here for up to 183 days before it would have to into a bonded warehouse. I know its probably not what you are thinking of doing but you import and can keep a car here for several years, drive it for the permitted number of days per year, just taking it in and out of a bonded warehouse. I think you just pay the storage charges but I haven't done it myself so I don't know the details. Maybe someone else can help?

[angeletta50]

Thanks for the info on the bonded wharehouse, I didn't know you could do that. The ferries deffinately don't run any more. Someone else told me that you can use the freight system from Italy or Greece so we are going to investigate. All told, getting ourselves and a vehicle to Cyprus seems a very expensive option.

Do you have any contacts for hiring a car at a reasonable price? We have been quoted 12 Euro a day which makes it 2190 Euros for six months. It might be less expensive to buy a car out there.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Many thanks.
Gina A.

[BabsM]

Have you considered shipping the car over on a RoRo ferry from England? I have heard you can ship a car out from Southampton (Grimaldi Lines perhaps?) for around 500 but I don't know if that is Sterling, Cyprus Pounds or Euros! It would be cheaper than driving through Europe to Italy and then shipping one out of Bari.

€12 is cheap as a daily car hire rate. But then I have not hired long term. Do make sure that the rate you are quoted is FULLY inclusive. Many companies quote a low price but then add extras so you end up paying more in the long run. I do know of a reliable & trustworthy car hire company in Larnaca (Stavros Koukounis or Koukrent) but you would probably have to pay more than you have been quoted.

As regards buying a car, it is an option but secondhand cars are not cheap here. €2000 would probably buy you a wreck! Insurance is about the same as the UK, car tax is a lot less unless your vehicle is over 2000cc.

[angeletta50]

We hadn't considered shipping direct from the UK without us on board but having checked the prices, you are absolutely right that this is by far the least expensive way allowing us to fly out and collect the other end.

We can get a six month clearance for having the car in Cypurs (as per another email received) so it looks like this is feasible after all.

Thanks very much indeed for the ideas. Sometimes it's difficult to see the wood for the trees!

[BabsM]

If you decide to do this then make sure you have paperwork tracking the car for at least the last six months. Insurance, tax, log book and if possible some kind of purchase document. It makes it easier for clearance at customs.

Looking at what you said about France, I wonder if the ferry stops at somewhere like Marseille or Bordeaux on the way back? It might be worth asking someone on the France forum. we brought our car over in a container from Tilbury. The container ship stopped at a couple of ports on the way over so maybe the ferry does too.

Incidently, our neighbours brought their car over on the Southampton RoRo and put some stuff in the boot when the car was brought over. The boot was opened en route and some of the stuff was removed but then put back inside the car, probably by customs. Nothing went missing but do be aware this can happen!

[angeletta50]

The Grimaldi line go from Bristol where we currently live or a number of other ports in the UK. Their website is very comprehensive with tarrif and schedule in easy to understand format.

thanks for the warning about papers and carrying goods in the car. We probably wouldn't send anything with the car as we have found a first class shipping service to take out anything from one box to a full house full of furniture for an exceptionally low price. A business collegue uses them regularly and has good service. We can send out half a container for £360 inclusive of collection and delivery door to door.

Will research the French port option. I suspect Marseille is a stop but will check.

Arranging this sort of trip sound simple but is anything but actually.

[Geraldine]

Originally Posted by angeletta50

The Grimaldi line go from Bristol where we currently live or a number of other ports in the UK. Their website is very comprehensive with tarrif and schedule in easy to understand format.

thanks for the warning about papers and carrying goods in the car. We probably wouldn't send anything with the car as we have found a first class shipping service to take out anything from one box to a full house full of furniture for an exceptionally low price. A business collegue uses them regularly and has good service. We can send out half a container for £360 inclusive of collection and delivery door to door.

Will research the French port option. I suspect Marseille is a stop but will check.

Arranging this sort of trip sound simple but is anything but actually.

Hi, Thanks for all the reading matter on vehicles. Will have a look at the website you mentioned, hopefully, they may collect from Yorkshire, perhaps Hull. ?

Also will you be able to PM me the details of the shipping firm you recommended please. I'm in the process of getting quotes.
Many thanks,

Geraldine

[Veronica]

Originally Posted by Geraldine

Hi, Thanks for all the reading matter on vehicles. Will have a look at the website you mentioned, hopefully, they may collect from Yorkshire, perhaps Hull. ?

Also will you be able to PM me the details of the shipping firm you recommended please. I'm in the process of getting quotes.
Many thanks,

Geraldine

Geraldine whereabouts in Yorkshire are you?
We are from Yorkshire

[Geraldine]

Originally Posted by Veronica

Geraldine whereabouts in Yorkshire are you?
We are from Yorkshire

Barnsley, in between Sheffield and Leeds. Where are you from, remember it is the biggest and best county!!