Tax on shipping a laptop from the U.S. to Germany

Hey all!

My friend is going to give me his laptop. He lives in California. I have been searching for someone to bring it over for me, without any luck, so it looks like I must have it shipped. I have heard different stories on shipping electronics and am wondering if anyone know if I will have to pay taxes or import fees or anything on this laptop? I will have my friend declare it as a gift, of course, and if customs opens it they will immediately see that it's not a new laptop. I just have no idea.

Unless any of you guys have a trustworthy friend who is coming from California to Berlin anytime soon and who wouldnt mind bringing a laptop?

Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks!

Hi

I can only speak from experience. Two summers ago I received a new Macbook Pro as a "gift" from the US. At the Zollamt I presented an Invoice that the laptop was $1800 U.S. The taxes were around 200 euro (again this is from memory). I would suggest to ship it US Postal rather than Fed Ex. I've heard that Fed Ex will inspect all packages and charge you a handling fee. I've also heard that only 15% of US Postal packages are inspected. It is a used laptop, so quote an outrageously low price, maybe look at ebay, and if it is a gift you get the first $80 and the shipping free

Best regards,
Brandon

Shipping a laptop from USA to Germany, Experiences doing this, and other tips