Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
If you start looking in Germany at the touring bikes, you will start seeing more Rohloff bikes. They are pretty rare here in the USA.
Those look pretty nice, I'll have to check those out! They look good with the butterfly bars, as well.
Originally Posted by
conspiratemus1
Value-added-tax collected on items purchased by typical tourists who are non-EU residents is refundable at the time of export, but it's a hassle. Perhaps worth it for a large purchase like a bicycle because VAT in Italy is something like 24%.
Here are the rules:
Going to Spend Big Money in Italy? Here's How to Get a VAT Tax Refund! - GRAND VOYAGE ITALY
Of course, the longer you live and work in Italy, the more likely you are to be regarded as a resident of the EU, and your rights to refunds might fizzle out. I'm sure there's a rule.....
Any idea if VAT applies to bikes bought secondhand or through a private seller? I wouldn't mind picking something up used if it can save some hassle.