So, with the gap between the Euro and the Dollar smaller I was originally looking at some shoes sold overseas, ironically made here in the US.

But now ordering parts to replace my broken exhaust valve I was looking around and I can find parts cheaper in the euro zone, even with shipping. Has anyone else looked into this and found a good supply house that will ship to the US. Quite a few I search PNs on only offered Euro shipping. I'm mainly sticking to larger cost items as the smaller gaskets doesn't offer much of a discount with the added shipping.

 

Currently 1 Euro - 1.13 US Dollar which fluctuates daily. (Which is extremely low right now.) But your rate will be worse as your credit card often charges an additional foreign currency transaction of 1-2%. Also, when I ordered some MINI fog lights the shipping company will charge you a US customs fee based on the value of the product--for about $500, the most I paid was $18 for a customs fee which the shipping carrier (DHL or UPS) bills you after the product arrives.


Oddly enough shipping from Europe to US is often quicker than shipping from US since the shipping is typically first class. I had no issues with http://www.minigenuineparts.co.uk/ or Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/ or Amazon Germany http://www.amazon.de/.


Note: some items will not ship to US from Amazon UK (as it will not let you place an order on those parts or clothing). Also typically any warranties will not be honored in US but you can return to Europe (US Post Office cheapest fee) and they will exchange.

 

Other item to consider...
Some sites include VAT....many do not.... Can be 15%+

 

I'm interested in this as well. The conversion to the pound isn't quite as appealing as the euro is. Any good websites other than Amazon would be helpful

 

Fortunately I have not been charged VAT on two recent orders from http://www.minigenuineparts.co.uk/



But shipping was steep at: [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
Shipping (DHL Air Express - 2-4 Day): £48.62
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From their website:
UK Value Added Tax (VAT) increased from 17.5% to 20% on 4th January 2011.

All prices on the website show plus VAT and including VAT prices for your reference.

VAT is charged on all UK and European orders and is shown in the basket when you place your order.

Countries outside of the European Union do not pay VAT nd this is also reflected in your basket.