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.

Overseas Shopping Privileges

CATEGORY	Active Duty U.S. Military, DoD Civilians & dependents		Retired U.S. Military & Dependents
STATUS	Assigned or TDY to specific country (See Note 1)	On leave from another country / area	Visiting from U.S.	Residing in specific county
Belgium	YES	NO	NO	(See Note 2)
Germany	YES	(See Note 3)	(See Note 4)	(See Note 4)
Greece	YES	(See Note 5)	NO	(See Note 6)
Italy	YES	(See Note 7)	(See Note 8)	(See Note 8)
Netherlands	YES	NO	NO	NO
Norway	YES	NO	NO	(See Note 9)
Saudi Arabia	YES	NO	NO	NO
Spain	YES	NO	NO	NO
Turkey	YES	NO	NO	NO
United Kingdom	YES	NO	NO	(See Note 10)

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 visiting Germany for a period of 30 days or more. Rationed items may not be purchased. All purchases (to include online orders and curbside pick-up - where available) are subject to payment of German customs duties. Entry to (and where available online use of the) commissary and exchange facilities requires DD Form 2AF (Retired) or DD Form 1173, and a German Customs Certificate. (Authority: German Forces Customs Law, German Forces Customs Ordinance, AEAR 550-175, CNE-CAN-C6f Instruction 5840.01G, USAFE-AFAFRICA Instruction 51-702, dated 14 April 2022).

5. Only personnel stationed in the NATO area. 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)