Overseas Customers

Europe Privileges

• Exchange privileges in overseas areas are at the discretion of the host country.
• The Exchange does not determine shopping privileges / access to duty free goods.
• Overseas commanders, in accordance with the host country’s / U.S. international agreements determine who will be extended shopping privileges.
• Specific questions may be directed to the overseas command at the addresses listed at the end of this document.

Command Regulations that Govern Overseas Shopping Privileges

Notes

1. Personnel from outside the NATO area who are on TDY for less than 30 days have their TDY orders stamped by the local billeting office for entry to commissary and exchange facilities and to purchase rationed items. These personnel who are on TDY for 30 days or more must obtain a ration card for entry to the facilities in Greece, Turkey, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, and to purchase rationed items in all countries. Member of the reserve components must be on active duty for training (ADT) status for entry to commissaries and exchanges.
2. Privileges may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Commander, NATO / SHAPE Support Group, in coordination with the US Ambassador to Belgium. (Authority: CINCUSAREUR / ADAGX Letter, 19 November 1981)
3. Only personnel stationed in Europe and North Africa.
4. Must be ordinarily resident or be visiting in Germany for a period of 30 days or more. Rationed items may not be purchased. All purchases are subject to the payment of a fixed rate tax to German customs. Entry to commissary and exchange facilities requires DD Form 2AF (Retired) or DD Form 1173, and a German Customs Certificate. (Authority: German Federal Ministry of Finance Decree, 20 July 1981; USAFER 400-4; and USAFE Supplement 1 to AFR 415-15). Also, see USAREUR 600-700 Chapter 13.
5. Only personnel stationed in the NATO are. Personnel may not purchase controlled items (e.g. electronic and other expensive items.
6. Must be ordinarily resident of Greece.
7. Personnel stationed in the NATO area may purchase rationed items. Personnel stationed outside the NATO area may not purchase rationed items (Authority: 40 TACG / JA Message 281330z Sep 87)
8. May purchase non-rationed items only.
9. Must be ordinarily resident in Norway. Rationed items may not be purchased. All purchases are subject to the prepayment of a fixed rate tax to Norwegian customs authorities. Access to the facilities requires presentation of a valid ID card and Military Retirees’ Limited Privilege Card. (Authority: US-Norway Memorandum of Understanding, 12 September 1985).
10. Must be ordinary resident in the United Kingdom. Rationed items may not be purchased. All purchases are subject to the prepayment of a fixed rate tax to British customs authorities. Access to the facilities requires USAFE Form 174a. (Authority: 3AF-HM Customs & Excise Memorandum of Understanding, 28 March 1983, and 3AF Regulation 34-1)

PACRIM Privileges

• Exchange privileges in overseas areas are not automatic.
• Overseas commanders, in accordance with the host country’s / U.S. international agreements determine who will be extended shopping privileges and access to duty free goods.
• The Exchange does not determine shopping privileges / access to duty free goods.
• Specific questions may be directed to the overseas command at the addresses listed at the end of this document.

Command Regulations that Govern Overseas Shopping Privileges

Notes

1. Ration Control limits apply for dependents on TDY status.
2. Accompanied dependents are authorized. Unaccompanied dependents are not authorized unless have EML orders, active duty dependents only.
3. Must be receiving full retirement pay and benefits or 100% disabled. Dependents residing or visiting with sponsor are authorized. Dependents residing or visiting without sponsor are not authorized.
4. A reservist must be on active duty (orders). Dependents of reservists are authorized only when the reservist is assigned to active duty.
5. Military family members are authorized only when the service member is assigned to Japan or present in country.
6. DoD civilians on leave NOT authorized.
7. DoD civilian dependents NOT authorized unless sponsor is assigned to Japan or physically in country on TDY orders.
8. Retiree family members are authorized entry into the store when accompanied by retired service member. However, purchases are limited to those made by the retired service member.

For Further Assistance

Japan/Okinawa