How does TAX FREE shopping in Germany work?
I have been living in Germany for a year, and I will be traveling back to the U.S. this year in July. I have known some people who have done TAX FREE shopping in Germany when they intend on leaving the country. Is there a special way that I should go about in doing this? How difficult is it to obtain the TAX FREE forms? Also, how much will I actually get back from customs at the airport? All in all, how does the TAX FREE program work? Thanks for all of the help!
Other - Germany - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I know that some shops specialized in selling to tourists or in the wholesale business will have all the necessary forms ready, and there it's not a big problem for you to buy tax free. The same applies if you buy bigger and more expensive parts like car spares and the like. But usually, those things will be shipped separately to the USA anyway. You won't take them with your luggage. There might be some expensive, but small things you would like to take with you directly (say, expensive jewellery); and those dealers will also be prepared to handle the necessary paperwork for you. But usually, it's not really worth the mess. I know some dealers who sell tourist stuff "tax free", and all of them tell me that they charge higher prices from the beginning, because their tax forms get more complicated by offering that. And I think to every reasonably thinking person it should seem logical that paying 19% VAT in Germany on rather low-priced items and taking them with you without losing a lot of your valuable time and doing lots of paperwork usually is the better option.
2 :
Tax free shopping in Germany Living in Germany I would check at the customs office for the forms. They usually cost about 5 bucks per form and one item limit per form. The tax here is something like 17% so on small purchases it really is not worth the 5 buck to be reembursed a few dollars. Best use it on large purchases where the tax adds up to a worth-while amount.
3 :
To Chris M: I don't think you have ever been to Germany before otherwise you would know that the tax in Germany is 19% and the forms are for free. I got those forms before and you have to fill them out, retain your receipt of purchase and have it stamped by the customs at the Airport, this way they know that the item left the country. The form will tell you the rest, when and how you can get your tax back.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
would a black berry storm bought in germany work when i relocate to the USA
would a black berry storm bought in germany work when i relocate to the USA?
bought a german black berry storm from vodefone, moving back to the states, would the storm work on the verizon networks? they are sister/parent companies. sure the networks are different but should i sell the phone here in germany or keep it and use it in the states? i like the phone, so please dont tell me to sell it and get a "name your favorite phone/company here".
Cell Phones & Plans - 1 Answers
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1 :
It depends, because the US uses a different mobile phone frequency than Europe so you should check what band it is. Quad-band works in all countries but you may have to change the frequncy settings on you're phone and im pretty sure tri-band is supposed to work in the states but be a bit careful because my phone is tri-band and didnt work when i went to the states last october. i found this info on wikipedia so you might want to read this, "The BlackBerry Storm is available through Vodafone in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, South Africa (VodaCom), The Netherlands and India; [7] Verizon Wireless in the United States; Telus, Bell, and SaskTel in Canada; Iusacell in Mexico.[8] and on bmobile and Digicel in Barbados and other parts of the Caribbean.[9] "The BlackBerry Storm 9530 is an international and worldwide electronic communicating device, featuring CDMA with EV-DO Rev. A data, UMTS with HSDPA, and quad-band GSM with EDGE data access speed. The BlackBerry Storm 9500 does not include the CDMA module and is destined for use outside North America. However, the BlackBerry Storm only has European, Oceania, Asia and Brazil UMTS and HSDPA frequency bands. Therefore if the BlackBerry Storm is used with GSM wireless carriers in North America, the BlackBerry Storm will only be able to access wireless internet at EDGE data speed maximum. This is because GSM carriers in North America, namely AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers and Fido do not operate on the same frequency bands for 3G as the rest of the world. If BlackBerry Storm is used in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania or Brazil, HSDPA wireless data speed can be achieved, provided that the local GSM network supports it.[10] The phone will use the primary network technology of its intended carrier (Verizon) when traveling domestically in the US, and rely upon the GSM/UMTS/HSDPA networks of Vodafone mainly when traveling abroad. There are currently no unlocked and unbranded versions available for the GSM Blackberry Storm however unlocking the phone will allow it to be used with any GSM service provider." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry_Storm Also i advise that you go check with your service provider aswell just incase. Hope this helps :)
bought a german black berry storm from vodefone, moving back to the states, would the storm work on the verizon networks? they are sister/parent companies. sure the networks are different but should i sell the phone here in germany or keep it and use it in the states? i like the phone, so please dont tell me to sell it and get a "name your favorite phone/company here".
Cell Phones & Plans - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It depends, because the US uses a different mobile phone frequency than Europe so you should check what band it is. Quad-band works in all countries but you may have to change the frequncy settings on you're phone and im pretty sure tri-band is supposed to work in the states but be a bit careful because my phone is tri-band and didnt work when i went to the states last october. i found this info on wikipedia so you might want to read this, "The BlackBerry Storm is available through Vodafone in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, South Africa (VodaCom), The Netherlands and India; [7] Verizon Wireless in the United States; Telus, Bell, and SaskTel in Canada; Iusacell in Mexico.[8] and on bmobile and Digicel in Barbados and other parts of the Caribbean.[9] "The BlackBerry Storm 9530 is an international and worldwide electronic communicating device, featuring CDMA with EV-DO Rev. A data, UMTS with HSDPA, and quad-band GSM with EDGE data access speed. The BlackBerry Storm 9500 does not include the CDMA module and is destined for use outside North America. However, the BlackBerry Storm only has European, Oceania, Asia and Brazil UMTS and HSDPA frequency bands. Therefore if the BlackBerry Storm is used with GSM wireless carriers in North America, the BlackBerry Storm will only be able to access wireless internet at EDGE data speed maximum. This is because GSM carriers in North America, namely AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers and Fido do not operate on the same frequency bands for 3G as the rest of the world. If BlackBerry Storm is used in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania or Brazil, HSDPA wireless data speed can be achieved, provided that the local GSM network supports it.[10] The phone will use the primary network technology of its intended carrier (Verizon) when traveling domestically in the US, and rely upon the GSM/UMTS/HSDPA networks of Vodafone mainly when traveling abroad. There are currently no unlocked and unbranded versions available for the GSM Blackberry Storm however unlocking the phone will allow it to be used with any GSM service provider." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry_Storm Also i advise that you go check with your service provider aswell just incase. Hope this helps :)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Possible to move to Grafenwoehr Germany work as a civilian for military great job thoughts on move
Possible to move to Grafenwoehr Germany work as a civilian for military great job thoughts on move?
I live in Seattle WA and can work in Germany for a year. I have traveled in Europe and love it. I would like a thoughst on accessibility living there to travel more, via rail or flights and anyone who has lived in the same area close to that location in Germany it would also help hearing your ideas.I have been in Europe many times and lived abroad before, I do well moving to other countries. Ideas feedback ? Thank you for your time.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Grafenwoehr is pretty remote in Eastern Bavaria and interesting only to hiking buffs. On the other hand you are close to the Czech border and not too far from Pilzen and Budweis,where you could taste some REAL beer instead of the rice brew they sell you as such in the US.LOL. There is the possibility to travel by rail(be prepared to change trains often) and from Nürnberg or Munich you can fly to anywhere in the world. Here is a link to an interactive map : http://maps.google.de/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&client=firefox-a&q=Grafenw%C3%B6hr,+Germany&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title
I live in Seattle WA and can work in Germany for a year. I have traveled in Europe and love it. I would like a thoughst on accessibility living there to travel more, via rail or flights and anyone who has lived in the same area close to that location in Germany it would also help hearing your ideas.I have been in Europe many times and lived abroad before, I do well moving to other countries. Ideas feedback ? Thank you for your time.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Grafenwoehr is pretty remote in Eastern Bavaria and interesting only to hiking buffs. On the other hand you are close to the Czech border and not too far from Pilzen and Budweis,where you could taste some REAL beer instead of the rice brew they sell you as such in the US.LOL. There is the possibility to travel by rail(be prepared to change trains often) and from Nürnberg or Munich you can fly to anywhere in the world. Here is a link to an interactive map : http://maps.google.de/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&client=firefox-a&q=Grafenw%C3%B6hr,+Germany&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Hello Everyone, Which will be a better place for life and work? Germany or Singapore? I live in country si
Hello Everyone, Which will be a better place for life and work? Germany or Singapore? I live in country si?
I live in country side in Germany, and here people do not speak English, But I am not a German and I do not know German, so it is not easy for me. Living in big city like SIngapore will help to improve my personal and prefessional life?
Singapore - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
singapore
2 :
pour
3 :
Perhaps you can check the feedback from answers or google. I'd say both places are kinda extreme. Singapore is asian and doesnt score well in work-life balance. On the other hand it's probably the safest place on the planet and you won't feel you are away from home (I am assuming you're indian national). Germany on the other hand is more western and you may 'different' treatment. But the work-life balance is much better.
4 :
I have only been in Germany for two days (part of a packaged tour) and I do not know much about Germany. Whatever it is, there is no place like HOME. I love my Singapore and, of course, I would say it is better to work here.
5 :
First of all, Singapore is not a big city. It is just a mole complared to the size of Germany. But, the country has a lot to offer as it is progressive. I believe though that the improvement that you want in your personal as well as professional life solely depends on you - your attitude, background, experiences etc are factors to consider. I myself am from a different country. It was initially a struggle for me as there are cultural differences and other hurdles I need to go through but I am glad to say that I have survived most if not all of it and after years of being here, I am now a proud permanent resident of the country.
6 :
have you been to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich Frankfurt and Koln-Ruhr Area etc? there are loads of massive cities in Germany which offer world's class services, incredible opportunities(not only jobs but also human rights), natural beauties, amazing architectures, interesting history and culture, high living standard, giant mansions with pools, gardens, big garage etc which you can't dream in little island Singapore, German cars are the greatest in the world such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi R8, Porsche, BMW and Volkswagen etc even the basic paid workers can afford these kinda car brands wicked chances to buy those cars cheaply in Germany besides one EURO is almost equal to two Singapore $ it depends on you, but you can't compare Germany to Singapore because they are in different league on the other hand, Germany offers excellent proximity to the rest of Europe as a result you can have muesli for breakfast in Hamburg harbour, poulet rôti with Alsace French wine for lunch at Disney Land in Paris and Yorkshire pudding with a pint of larger for dinner at Emirate Stadium Arsenal in London while watching the match and you come back to Germany by Euro Star high-speed train at night. doesn't sound exciting? In addition EU has so many other human rights which Singapore can't offer. i can tell you more if you're willing to know. BTW German blonde cun.ts are so hot and good in bed :) SO you need to know Germany > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Singapore I ain't German, i'm from London but has been to Germany many times. Good luck with your decision.
I live in country side in Germany, and here people do not speak English, But I am not a German and I do not know German, so it is not easy for me. Living in big city like SIngapore will help to improve my personal and prefessional life?
Singapore - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
singapore
2 :
pour
3 :
Perhaps you can check the feedback from answers or google. I'd say both places are kinda extreme. Singapore is asian and doesnt score well in work-life balance. On the other hand it's probably the safest place on the planet and you won't feel you are away from home (I am assuming you're indian national). Germany on the other hand is more western and you may 'different' treatment. But the work-life balance is much better.
4 :
I have only been in Germany for two days (part of a packaged tour) and I do not know much about Germany. Whatever it is, there is no place like HOME. I love my Singapore and, of course, I would say it is better to work here.
5 :
First of all, Singapore is not a big city. It is just a mole complared to the size of Germany. But, the country has a lot to offer as it is progressive. I believe though that the improvement that you want in your personal as well as professional life solely depends on you - your attitude, background, experiences etc are factors to consider. I myself am from a different country. It was initially a struggle for me as there are cultural differences and other hurdles I need to go through but I am glad to say that I have survived most if not all of it and after years of being here, I am now a proud permanent resident of the country.
6 :
have you been to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich Frankfurt and Koln-Ruhr Area etc? there are loads of massive cities in Germany which offer world's class services, incredible opportunities(not only jobs but also human rights), natural beauties, amazing architectures, interesting history and culture, high living standard, giant mansions with pools, gardens, big garage etc which you can't dream in little island Singapore, German cars are the greatest in the world such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi R8, Porsche, BMW and Volkswagen etc even the basic paid workers can afford these kinda car brands wicked chances to buy those cars cheaply in Germany besides one EURO is almost equal to two Singapore $ it depends on you, but you can't compare Germany to Singapore because they are in different league on the other hand, Germany offers excellent proximity to the rest of Europe as a result you can have muesli for breakfast in Hamburg harbour, poulet rôti with Alsace French wine for lunch at Disney Land in Paris and Yorkshire pudding with a pint of larger for dinner at Emirate Stadium Arsenal in London while watching the match and you come back to Germany by Euro Star high-speed train at night. doesn't sound exciting? In addition EU has so many other human rights which Singapore can't offer. i can tell you more if you're willing to know. BTW German blonde cun.ts are so hot and good in bed :) SO you need to know Germany > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Singapore I ain't German, i'm from London but has been to Germany many times. Good luck with your decision.
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