virgin-burner 1 #26 February 2, 2011 Quote Quote Well, buying US-Gear in Germany is ok. For example: I buy these parts in the US (just a random online-store - no names!): Icarus Safire2: 1905 $ Icarus Reserve: 1280 $ Icon Sport: 2200 $ Cypres2: 1475 $ Total: 6860 $ which is 4900 € (at 1.4$ = 1€). To that I have to add 4.7% import tax (+230 €). To that subtotal (4900 + 230 €) = 5130 € I have to add 19% sales tax. So my total selfimport price is 6105 €. Even without VAT, German and French gear is often more expensive than buying american gear in USA... I've heard that some people buy the gear in the US and asks a buddy to take it home for them in their luggage... For some reason the buddy often forgets to tell the customs about the new gear and sometimes the buddy even get the impression that it is his own used gear that doesn't get any VAT added if questioned by the customs... It can even make a Spanish Icarus canopy become cheaper than buying it in Spain. it's very helpful if you have an american friend that has a GF in switzerland, too! “Some may never live, but the crazy never die.” -Hunter S. Thompson "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites