buying a bike in europe

[font=Verdana][font=Verdana]Super Dog, I'm considering the same and theoretically you should save money. I have spoken to Aust Customs, airlines and some EU bikeshops. I’m plan to buy the bike in Denmark, ride it and then take the bike home to Aust on the plane as luggage. You need to consider the following costs/deductions when looking at the EU bike prices.[/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial][/font][/font]

[font=Arial][font=Arial]a) VAT (GST) refund. If the bike is bought by a tourist returning home, outside of the EU, you should be entitled to a VAT refund (up to 25% depending on country). See europeforvisitors.comtaxfree shopping2.htmOpen ↗ for rates and check the rules for applying for the refund. [/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial]b) Depreciation for a used bike. Aust customs allows you to depreciate the purchase price by 20% if ridden OS for up to 3 months. Check with Aust customs.[/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial]c) Aust customs will charge you 10% GST if the purchase price of the bike is over Aust$900 less depreciated amount.[/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial]d) Airline baggage costs returning home to Aust. Check with your airline on rules, restrictions and costs. eg KLM charge 80 euro 1 way from the EU for a bike less than 20kg.[/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial]e) Any additional insurance costs to cover if you have an accident or if your bike is lost or stolen. Some travel insurance does not cover bikes. Check![/font][/font]
[font=Arial][font=Arial][/font][/font]

[font=Arial][font=Arial]The other things to consider[/font][/font]
[font=Symbol][font=Symbol]·[font=Times New Roman] [/font][/font][/font][font=Arial][font=Arial]What warranty or service is available in Australia for your frame or parts and what you can do if you crack a frame etc? Is it worth getting a bike that is also sold in Australia?[/font][/font]
[font=Symbol][font=Symbol]·[font=Times New Roman] [/font][/font][/font][font=Arial][font=Arial]Know your prices and bike specs before you go over?[/font][/font]
[font=Symbol][font=Symbol]·[font=Times New Roman] [/font][/font][/font][font=Arial][font=Arial]Check my facts.[/font][/font]
[font=Symbol][font=Symbol]·[font=Times New Roman] [/font][/font][/font][font=Arial][font=Arial]Not sure what the postage or insurance costs will be.[/font][/font]

thanks a lot for that info. much appreciated.