How to Pay for a Used Car Imported from Japan to Guyana

When buying a used car from Japan, one of the first questions is:

How do I pay the Japanese exporter?

For first-time importers, international payments can seem complicated. The currency, bank transfer process, fees, and payment timing should all be understood before sending money.

This guide explains the basic payment process for buyers in Guyana.

1. What Currency Do You Pay?

Japanese exporters may quote vehicle prices in US dollars (USD), Japanese yen (JPY), or another agreed currency.

The currency depends on the exporter and should be clearly stated on the quotation or invoice.

For example:

Item	Example
Used vehicle	US$8,500
Export & handling	US$400
Vehicle inspection	US$300
Ocean freight	US$1,500
Total	US$10,700

The actual cost depends on the vehicle, shipping arrangement, inspection, and services included in the quotation.

2. How Do You Send Money to Japan?

A common payment method for Japanese vehicle exports is an international bank transfer, also called T/T (Telegraphic Transfer).

The exporter normally provides:

• Bank name and branch
• Account holder name
• Account number
• SWIFT/BIC code
• Bank address, if required

The buyer then instructs their bank to send the agreed amount to the exporter.

Buyer in Guyana
↓
International bank transfer (T/T)
↓
Japanese exporter’s bank account
↓
Exporter confirms payment
↓
Vehicle purchase or export process continues

Always check that the bank details match the company and the invoice before making a transfer.

3. Do You Need to Convert USD to Japanese Yen?

Not necessarily.

Some Japanese exporters accept USD directly, while others may request JPY or another currency. The exporter’s invoice or sales agreement should specify the required currency.

If the invoice says US$10,700, confirm whether you should send exactly that amount and who is responsible for any bank charges.

4. How Long Does the Transfer Take?

International transfers are not always instant.

The payment may pass through intermediary banks, and processing time can vary depending on the banks, payment route, weekends, holidays, and compliance checks.

A simple process is:

1. Send payment
↓
2. Exporter checks the transfer
↓
3. Exporter confirms receipt
↓
4. Vehicle purchase or export process continues

If the vehicle is being purchased from an auction, payment confirmation may be required before the exporter can proceed.

5. What About Exchange Rates?

If you are paying in a different currency from the one you normally hold, the exchange rate can affect the amount you pay.

For example, if the agreed price is in USD but you are converting another currency to USD, the exchange rate and your bank’s conversion charges can change your final cost.

Check the currency and exchange-rate terms before making payment.

6. What Bank Fees Can Apply?

International payments may involve:

• Sending bank fees
• Intermediary bank fees
• Receiving bank fees
• Currency conversion charges
• Other banking fees

Ask the exporter:

“Who is responsible for the bank charges?”

Make sure this is clear on the invoice or sales agreement so the exporter receives the expected amount.

7. Do You Have to Pay Before the Car Is Purchased?

Payment terms depend on the exporter.

For auction purchases, an exporter may require a deposit before bidding and/or full payment after the vehicle is purchased. Some exporters require full payment before shipping.

For example:

Quotation
→ Agreement
→ Deposit or payment
→ Exporter purchases vehicle
→ Inspection and export procedures
→ Shipping to Guyana

The exact terms should always be agreed upon before payment.

8. What If the Requested Vehicle Cannot Be Purchased?

Before sending money, ask what happens if the exporter cannot find or purchase the vehicle you requested.

Your agreement should explain:

• Whether another vehicle can be offered
• Whether you must approve another vehicle
• Whether the payment or deposit is refundable
• Which service or bank charges may be non-refundable

Always check the cancellation and refund conditions before sending money.

9. Simple Payment Process for Guyanese Buyers

Step 1 — Request a quotation

Ask for the vehicle price and all included costs.

Step 2 — Confirm the vehicle

Check the specifications, auction information, condition, and available inspection information.

Step 3 — Review the agreement

Make sure the payment, cancellation, refund, shipping, and other responsibilities are clear.

Step 4 — Make the payment

Send the agreed amount using the payment method and currency specified by the exporter.

Step 5 — Confirm receipt

Send your payment confirmation to the exporter and wait for them to confirm that the funds were received.

Step 6 — Vehicle purchase and export

The exporter can then proceed according to the agreed terms.

For imports into Guyana, customs processing is handled through ASYCUDA World. GRA lists documents such as the invoice, Bill of Lading/Waybill, and TIN among the required import documents.

For used vehicles imported from Japan, GRA also requires a Vehicle Inspection Certificate to be uploaded with the relevant documents in ASYCUDA. This requirement has been in effect since February 1, 2025.

Final Thoughts

Paying for a used car from Japan can be straightforward when the payment terms are clear.

The basic process is:

Quotation → Agreement → International payment → Payment confirmation → Vehicle purchase → Inspection/export → Shipping to Guyana

Before sending money, make sure you understand:

• The total price
• Payment currency
• Bank details
• Bank fees
• Deposit or payment requirements
• Cancellation and refund conditions
• What is included in the quotation

Also remember that the price paid to the Japanese exporter may not be the final cost in Guyana. Customs duties, taxes, port and clearance charges, registration, and other destination-side costs may apply. GRA provides a separate guide for calculating motor-vehicle duties and taxes.

Want to Import a Used Car from Japan?

We help customers in Guyana source used vehicles from Japan and arrange the Japan-side export process.

Tell us the vehicle you are looking for, and we can discuss available options, estimated costs, and the export process.

Contact us for a free consultation.