At first glance, the Chinese €18,800 camper seems like a dream come true for budget-minded European adventurers. Who wouldn’t want a fully equipped camper at such a wallet-friendly price? But before you start planning your next cross-continental road trip, it’s wise to pump the brakes—because reality comes with a few (occasionally hefty) European caveats.
The Chinese Camper Invasion: Are They Really That Good?
Chinese manufacturers have been making waves with camper vans and alcove models packed with features that rival their European counterparts. These models are no longer rare birds; the first examples are now landing in Europe via German importers and trade shows. You can spot Chinese campers on display, drawing curious crowds.
Notably, the Dutch Campervan Club recently highlighted the arrival of the Maxus RV 9, based on the Deliver 9 van. It’s a new Chinese offering positioned for the European market. However, let’s be clear: the « under €20,000 » allure doesn’t generally apply once these campers hit European soil.
Sticker Shock: Where the Real Costs Begin
Consider the adventurous Farizon X-Van. Dutch media estimate its home-country price at about €32,000—a sharp price, but a far cry from the mythical €18,800. It illustrates that rock-bottom prices mainly apply in China, where European demands and taxes don’t rear their head.
Once a vehicle lands in the Netherlands, the « official journey » begins—and oh boy, is it a journey. The RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) points out that importing from outside Europe means extra costs and a checklist as long as your arm. Mandatory technical inspections and registration are required before you can legally drive. And every technical detail, even the ones you’d never think of, might push your bill higher. Common adjustments include:
- Lighting meeting ECE standards
- Speedometer in km/h
- Left-mounted rear fog light
- Seat belt anchors
- Gas installation and electrical systems compliant with European safety standards
Every technical deviation can crank up the cost further. And there’s more! Brace yourself for the infamous « bpm » (vehicle tax). Campers have their own bpm calculation, depending on fuel type and catalog price. Since 2025, there’s even a fixed bpm for emission-free campers.
Stack atop this:
- Transportation charges
- Import duties (for non-EU imports)
- Value-added tax
- The sometimes complex process of converting to a European type approval or securing individual admission
That initial bargain price from China? It gets a robust European reality check the moment it boards a ship or lorry for these shores.
Is a Chinese Camper Unrealistic for Europe?
Before you write off the idea, it’s not entirely pie in the sky. But if you fancy a Chinese camper, your plan deserves a mature budget. For starters, see if your target model is already available through a European importer. This can spare you the headaches of type approval, parts sourcing, and warranties—nobody wants to be a DIY pioneer with expensive surprises.
Use the Chinese sticker price as a reference, not as your target in the Netherlands—or elsewhere in Europe. While those dramatic YouTube walkarounds are fun, compare real-world options too: compact European campervans or microcampers may not look as glitzy but are plug-and-play and properly insured from the get-go.
And don’t ignore running costs on the road. Campsites aren’t getting cheaper. In fact, last season saw another uptick in prices, though the rise was relatively modest in the Netherlands compared to the rest of Europe. The average nightly rate for a family of four hovered around €36.
The Bottom Line: Is the Dream Worth Chasing?
The promise of a « fully equipped Chinese camper for €18,800 » is tempting, but practically never achievable in the Netherlands without paying extra for compliance and adaptation. Chinese brands are absolutely setting foot in Europe, but their pricing is now walking to the European beat.
So, thinking of taking the plunge? First, check if there’s an official EU import route. Tally up all taxes and adaptation costs, and only then decide if it’s the smart bargain you hoped it would be. Approach with open eyes and a calculator—because road trips are more fun with fewer financial potholes!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
