Mongolia is a major and enthusiastic buyer of used Japanese vehicles, and the Toyota Prius is so common on the streets of Ulaanbaatar that it has become almost a national symbol. Buyers value fuel efficiency, durability in a harsh climate, and the strong supply of well-maintained cars coming out of Japan.
One honest quirk worth understanding: Mongolia officially drives on the right, yet a very large share of its imported fleet is right-hand-drive (RHD) Japanese stock. This is widely accepted in practice, though drivers should be aware of the visibility trade-offs of an RHD car on right-side roads. Mongolia is also landlocked, so vehicles are shipped to a transit port — typically a Russian Far East port such as Vostochny or Tianjin in China — and then moved overland by rail or road to Ulaanbaatar.
Overview
- Age limit
- No fixed limit
- Main ports
- Via transit port (e.g. Vostochny/Tianjin) then overland to Ulaanbaatar
- Drive side
- RHD
- Currency
- MNT
- Inspection
- —
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight | $0 |
| Marine insurance | $150 |
| CIF value | $10,150 |
| Import Duty | $508 |
| VAT | $1,015 |
| Estimated taxes | $1,523 |
| Estimated landed cost | $11,673 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Commercial invoice and proof of payment
- •Original bill of lading (B/L)
- •Japanese export certificate (with translation as required)
- •Customs import declaration
- •Importer / buyer identification
- •Inland transit documents for the overland leg
Popular models
Import process
- 1Select your vehicle in Japan and agree on the CIF price to the chosen transit port.
- 2Arrange ocean shipping to a transit port such as Vostochny or Tianjin.
- 3Organize the overland leg by rail or road from the port to Ulaanbaatar.
- 4Clear customs in Mongolia and pay import duty, VAT and any age or emission taxes.
- 5Complete registration and obtain Mongolian plates.
Buying & import guides for Mongolia
Model picks and import know-how for the Mongolia market.
Best Japanese Cars for the Mongolia Market
Mongolia officially drives on the right, though RHD imports are common. Rugged hybrids and SUVs from Japan suit its climate and terrain.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Prius export buyer's guide
The hybrid that proved the technology, the Prius offers exceptional economy and a famously durable battery.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Aqua export buyer's guide
One of Japan's most fuel-efficient hybrids: who the Toyota Aqua suits and what to check before importing.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Land Cruiser & Prado export guide: the durability benchmark
Which Land Cruiser and Prado generations to import, diesel vs petrol, and why they hold value better than any other 4x4.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Alphard & Vellfire buyer's guide: the luxury people-mover
Limousine-grade comfort for up to eight, the Alphard is the prestige van of choice with strong resale value.
Read moreShipping & logisticsImport duty and taxes on used cars, explained
How duty, VAT, excise and clearing fees stack on top of CIF, and why the same car costs different amounts in different countries.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Are right-hand-drive cars really allowed if Mongolia drives on the right?+
Yes. Despite driving on the right, Mongolia imports large numbers of RHD Japanese cars, and they are accepted in practice. Be mindful of visibility when overtaking.
How does a car reach landlocked Mongolia?+
Vehicles are shipped to a transit port such as Vostochny (Russia) or Tianjin (China), then moved overland by rail or road to Ulaanbaatar.
Is there an age limit on imported cars?+
There is no simple blanket age limit, but older or higher-emission vehicles can face higher taxes. Confirm the current age and emission tax rules with Mongolian customs before buying.
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
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