AD incoming , but I am stuck indefinitely abroad.

[gmtmister]

Hello,

I got the call for my BLRO from my AD in the US, but I am currently living in Germany (been here since Covid started for family reasons and I have no plan to return to the USA for the time being).

I am wondering if there’s a way to show that I am a US citizen living here temporarily and not having to pay vat/import customs if shipped to me, or if I am better off waiting for the off chance I will return in the near future to the motherland.

Can anyone offer their opinion or suggestion if they’ve found themselves in a similar situation?

Thank you so much in advance.

[Andad]

The item is being imported so I doubt you could skip any duties and taxes etc.

I have a British passport but I can’t import items from the UK Duty or tax free.

Even if I stamp my feet and sing O’ Flower of Scotland.

Sorry.

Can a family member or friend pick it up for you?

[ThatSubGuy]

As Andad said. Even if it was on your wrist you would have to declare it upon entry. Watches are seen as cash. You also can't travel into Europe with $16k in cash without declaring it.

[joli160]

Having a US passport does not matter.
You are living officially in Germany now and like any other resident that means you have to pay the taxes (VAT + duties)

[77T]

I don’t think US AD’s can ship internationally to fulfill a sale. Check with them first.

But if they will do it, all fees will be collected at the importation point - FEDEX will also require the AD to complete export paperwork.

This is just one of the hurdles for ex-pats even when they inhabit the foreign land for less than 50% of the year.



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[gmtmister]

Thank you all.
I’ll wait for better times and collect when I go back.

It’ll make it a even more special.

[RayRay89]

What about fly over pick it up? I know kinda costly.

[l_chissle]

Or send it to a friend or family member still in the US?

[dkg1616]

Can’t you have family member or friend send it? I would send it just in the coffin, no box, etc.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Andad

The item is being imported so I doubt you could skip any duties and taxes etc.

I have a British passport but I can’t import items from the UK Duty or tax free.

Even if I stamp my feet and sing O’ Flower of Scotland.

Don’t under estimate the power of song and stomp. Love to see this...

[mltworldwide]

Buy it and have them hold it til you can pick it up.

[envuks]

Originally Posted by mltworldwide

Buy it and have them hold it til you can pick it up.

This. Pay for it and have them keep it in the safe until you return. Or ship it to a trusted family member in the US to hold for you (if possible)


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[drrd]

Problems, problems.

First world ones I mean ;)

[2nastie]

Depending on your AD, I won't think they would mind you paying in full and keeping it in their safe until you return.

I've been offered that option of some potential new purchases from the US (and I from Canada) in case I wanted to pick it up in person at a later date.

[winst]

Originally Posted by Andad

The item is being imported so I doubt you could skip any duties and taxes etc.

I have a British passport but I can’t import items from the UK Duty or tax free.

Even if I stamp my feet and sing O’ Flower of Scotland

I would want to charge you even more if you sang that!

[RolexSimon]

You can send it domestically to Shipito (mail forwarding company) in Oregon (no sales tax in Oregon) then post it to Germany with you filling in the customs slip and declared value yourself.

[rallyx]

I would suggest you get a trusted relative or friend in the US to pick it up and safekeep for you. I wouldn't leave it at the AD if you are unsure when you will be back. The situation could go FUBAR if the AD goes under, get torched or looted.

[NachoNeal]

Close that deal.

[msu_1972]

Originally Posted by rallyx

I would suggest you get a trusted relative or friend in the US to pick it up and safekeep for you. I wouldn't leave it at the AD if you are unsure when you will be back. The situation could go FUBAR if the AD goes under, get torched or looted.

+1 on what he said. I wouldn't let the opportunity pass you by like that. I would totally find a way to purchase it and have someone pick it up. who knows when you'll get another call.

[sgwatchguy]

OP, in the past I’ve paid and had the AD keep in the safe for me till I was able to get to the US.

Asking them to ship internationally will be cumbersome for them. Unless you’re able to convince them otherwise, they’ll likely decline your request to ship overseas.

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by Ale

Thank you all.
I’ll wait for better times and collect when I go back.

It’ll make it a even more special.

I’m happy to pick up the watch for you.

No but seriously. I will take this watch if you pass.

[gmtmister]

Not passing. Just passing time. Thank you all.