Traveling across Europe in a Tesla is fairly easy thanks to solid charging infrastructure — but what if you want to go beyond Europe? What happens when your journey crosses oceans?
That’s exactly what I’m doing with EchoRoute: taking my Tesla Model 3 Long Range from Europe to South America, and later to Asia and Oceania. In this article, I’ll break down what you need to know to make this a reality.
1. Choose the Right Importation Status
Are you relocating or just traveling temporarily?
If your goal is to travel for a few months and return to Europe, the best option is to enter under a temporary import regime. This allows you to:
- Bring your vehicle without paying import taxes
- Drive legally for a limited time (varies by country)
- Avoid nationalizing or registering the car locally
💡 In EchoRoute, I’m bringing the car to South America as a company under temporary import for foreign vehicles — keeping the European license plates.
2. Hire an Experienced Customs Agent
This is crucial. The process changes depending on the country, and a good customs broker can save you from delays, confusion, or legal issues.
- Handles documentation and port coordination
- Knows local laws and specific EV regulations
- Speaks the same language as port authorities and shippers
💡 I’m working with a broker in Argentina who has experience importing Teslas from Europe.
3. Maritime Shipping: Options, Timeframes, and Costs
You generally have two main options:
- Container shipping (more expensive but safer)
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) – your car is driven onto the vessel
Important details:
- Transit time: 2 to 5 weeks depending on origin/destination
- Cost: Between €1,500 and €4,000, depending on ports and shipping method
- Documents: Vehicle title, insurance, export authorization (if owned by a company)
💡 Make sure your car is insured for international sea transport.
4. Charging Compatibility & Electricity Standards
Europe uses Type 2 and CCS2 — but that may not be the case elsewhere:
- In Latin America and the U.S., Type 1 (SAE J1772) is more common
- You might need charging adapters to use public stations
- In remote areas, you’ll rely on slow charging from standard wall outlets
💡 The Juice Booster is a game changer here — you can charge from nearly any outlet worldwide.
5. Insurance & Roadside Assistance
Most European car insurance policies don’t cover you outside Europe.
- Check whether your provider offers global or temporary international coverage
- If not, you may need a local insurance policy in the country you’re entering
- Don’t forget about roadside assistance: towing, flats, dead battery, etc.
💡 Some countries require local liability insurance for temporary entry.
6. Local Vehicle Regulations & Compliance
Even temporarily, some countries may ask for:
- Emissions certificates
- Headlight and mirror compliance
- A basic technical inspection
💡 In most South American countries, no modification is required if you enter under temporary import, but always check the rules before arriving.
7. Connectivity: Navigation, Maps, and Tesla App
When switching continents:
- Tesla’s navigation system may not display maps or chargers correctly
- Some features might be limited based on region
- Check whether your Tesla’s eSIM has roaming or if you’ll need a local data connection
💡 You can use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your Tesla if needed.
Final Thoughts
Taking your Tesla to another continent is totally possible — but it takes planning, patience, and a strong support network. The key is to:
- Define if the trip is temporary or permanent
- Work with the right professionals (customs, legal, insurance)
- Equip yourself with tools like the Juice Booster and local adapters
At EchoRoute, this is part of the adventure: proving that it’s not only possible to travel the world in an electric car — it’s the future.