a question for a german, or someone living in germany

[Winter Wooskie]

or someone who as traveled there recently....is it still not possible to buy snus in germany? i am taking a trip there, in march to mannheim, and i am curious if it is not possible to buy snus there over the counter...or should i stock up before i leave?

thanks

-scott

[outsidelinebacker20]

You can not buy it in a store in Germany; or any good substitute for that matter. You can order from Buysnus or Northerner and have it sent to an address here, if possible. Anything 9 or less seems to go in bags and will fit in a mail box if the people are not home during the day to get packages. Check when you order to make sure. Do not expect them to deliver it again without a hassle if it comes in a box and no one is there to accept it. You will likely not have the time for it anyway. Get ready to pay more than double due to taxes.

The other possibility is to go with Getsnus and bring some with. The rules for how much merchandise you can carry just changed. I do not know how much it is for sure. Maybe around $200 worth. Do not quote me on that. You can probably find it on the Internet. I think it is something like 150€.

I have not tried bringing in snus. I have brought in Skoal with no VAT, but that is American made. They may want VAT from you since the stuff is made in Europe. Declare everything and hope not to get stopped. Do not mess with German customs. Think, IRS. That is the sense of humor they have. Just follow the rules and you will be OK. They will tell you how to declare things on the airplane. I think. If not, just walk through and do not look like you are afraid to be stopped. If they do search you and want VAT, cough it up and move on with your life. Remember, they will want to be paid in Euro. Get some at your local bank just to be sure before you leave. I do not know if they take credit cards and I am not sure you can find an ATM before customs.

Now you see why I just pay the taxes and call it a day. :-)

Kevin

[Winter Wooskie]

lol sounds like i might just be smoking this trip...buy cigs there

thanks for the info kevin!

[Winter Wooskie]

this is completely unrealted, but i need to know, i cant find the answer anywhere....can you carry a pocket knife in germany????

one like this
http://www.viewonline.com/pages/arti...ages/blurs.jpg

overall length is 7.5"
blade length is 3.5"

i know id have to put it in my cargo hold bag (not carry on, and claim it) but i would feel safer being able to carry it.

also i might throw a few cans of snus in my bag and say what the heck, and see what happens, if they want a shit load of money for it, ill just trash it

so yeah! i got a direct flight from seattle to frankfurt on the 13th!
staying with my cousin who is stationed in mannheim in the army, and visiting a friend of mine in birkenau.

thanks guys
-scott

[Sal1000us]

i know id have to put it in my cargo hold bag (not carry on, and claim it) but i would feel safer being able to carry it.
-scott

You shouldn't have a problem if it is a ceramic knife.

[Winter Wooskie]

hahaha i take that as a not gonna work sal1000us.


edit: to clarify, i would feel safer carying it in germany, i would keep it in my checked bag for under the plane on the way.

[Sal1000us]

I see winter, I thought you had a different plan, maybe a free vacation in Cuba or something. But anyway have a great trip man, enjoy lots of German beer. Don't forget the autobahn.

[Winter Wooskie]

lol yeah maybe i should forget about the knife....but yeah we are taking a day trip to paris, and my cousin has a car so we will cruise the autobahn, should be fun!

[outsidelinebacker20]

I live in Nordrhein Westfalen (North Rhine Westphlia). Frankfurt is in Hesse. These are German states. Hesse might be different. I had the wife call the cops here and they said you can carry a blade length of 8.5 cm, or 3.35 inches. Not sure about the overall length. Also, from what the wife said, I would doubt you can get away with anything that has assisted opening. Spring loaded, flip open, butterfly and the like are right out. So, to answer your question, no. :-)

Germany is pretty safe.

Kevin