Has anyone (from USA) had any experience buying a new Rolex in Europe, namely Budapest? I’m heading there in May for my honeymoon and hope to plan to pick up something as a keepsake from an AD. Also, any guidance on the VAT? Thanks in advance! Dr. K
It's cheaper to buy new Rolexes in the States. Budapest may have a nice selection of vintage rolexes though.
I don’t know anything about the Rolex AD, but Budapest is the absolute best place I have ever visited. I wish I was going there Congrats on marriage
I cannot comment on the AD but the VAT is 27% so make sure you take advantage of tax free shopping. https://www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/hungary/
Rolex ADs in EU are all the same - no stainless steel sport models, waiting lists, etc. So if you plan to buy something what is not accessible in US, there is almost no chance you will get it in EU. No matter if it’s in Germany, England, Hungary, Romania or Spain...
Your best bet is the duty free in whatever hub, Frankfurt or Munich that you use to get to Budapest. Have a great time there. Its a lovely city. Get your price points sorted though. Sadly I will concur that you will see no sports models.
So if I buy something. Get it at the airport in Munich? Sounds like VAT is easier to deal with there too?
Affirmative. My experience is that they refund the VAT before you leave the store. You will need to allow enough time however. AD in cities on the other hand, may require you to apply for the refund at the airport before you leave. This leaves your in the hands of a central processor who generally are not very responsive. In this last case, I contacted my AD and they sorted it.
Went on a tour of central Europe this past summer. Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. I didn't buy a watch, but those who did said the best prices were in Liechtenstein. I remember them going to the VAT refund window at the Budapest airport and telling me that they credited the VAT refunds directly to their credit cards used to purchase their watches. All of this is coming second hand, so please don't take it as gospel truth. gatorcpa