FOB (Free On Board): Includes the purchase price of the vehicle, transfer fees for registration in China, export license fees, logistics costs for trucking to the port within China, and port handling and customs fees. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): In addition to FOB, it includes the shipping cost from China to your designated destination port (RoRo or container), as well as cargo insurance during international shipping.

A realistic budget has several layers beyond the vehicle price. First, inland logistics in China: moving the car to the export port typically costs $300-$800. Second, export handling: inspection, customs declaration and paperwork usually add $500-$1,000. Third, ocean freight. A 20ft container to most destinations runs $1,200-$3,000 depending on route; RoRo shipping can be cheaper for driveable cars. Add marine insurance, usually 0.3%-0.5% of the car value. Fourth, destination charges: port handling, customs duties, VAT/GST and local registration fees. These vary widely; some countries charge duties of 20%-80% of the vehicle value plus an excise based on engine capacity. Finally, any compliance work: inspection certificates, modifications to meet local standards, or homologation. Ask your exporter for a full CIF quote and have a local customs broker confirm destination taxes before you commit.

Usually yes, but with conditions. The seller must transfer the vehicle's account binding to you — without that, the app stays locked to the previous owner. Ask for a screen recording showing the unbinding and re-binding process. OTA updates and remote functions depend on the manufacturer keeping servers accessible from your region. Most major brands now support overseas accounts, but features like voice assistants or map data may be limited outside China. In-car navigation may default to Chinese maps, so plan to use Android Auto, CarPlay, or phone mirroring instead. Before purchase, confirm with the exporter in writing: which connected functions work in your country, and whether a regional account conversion is included in the price.