I'm planning to hop over to Germany and travel around Europe. As a retiree, can I use the BX overseas?

MSgt Brian Williams — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:41:04 -0400

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jul 5 at 2018 3:51 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:51:02 -0400

I believe you can but if you are planning on staying at the Edelweiss Hotel in Garmisch which is the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Germany I think because of status of forces agreements with Germany you need to be station overseas or a retiree living in Germany. Personally I think this stinks but if anyone has updated info on this please post!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 10 at 2018 7:51 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:51:46 -0400

Yes, sometimes. However you may find it difficult to get on Base other than Rhanstein. If you do use the BX you are required to pay the local Tax. There are Customs officials in each base that can enforce the rule. This was at least as of 2014. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 11 at 2018 10:24 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 10:24:34 -0400

Yes,

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 3:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 15:08:43 -0400

As I understand it, you have to have a form to pay the German VAT tax for purchases in the PX/BX in Germany as a retiree. It may be difficult getting on base.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 11 at 2018 4:16 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 16:16:46 -0400

MSgt Brian Williams That depends entirely on the SOFA that was signed between the country and the United States. In Turkey the short answer is no. I cannot speak to other countries SOFA rules. In Japan, the short answer is yes.

Response by PO2 Stefan Pentcholov made Sep 6 at 2020 9:29 PM

PO2 Stefan Pentcholov — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 21:29:07 -0400

Sure, SOFA rules are paramount, but a Base access with your ID is all you need...I have done it in Bulgaria, as a Active Duty/ non- retiree Military.