July 6, 2025, 7:20 am | Read time: 6 minutes

The trip to the U.S. or the backpacking adventure through Asia has been long planned, and now it’s finally happening. The travel budget is well-stocked, as the low prices for electronics in some countries promise real bargains. However, the price advantage can quickly disappear if you find out after the vacation that the device doesn’t work properly in Germany or isn’t even approved for use.

Some things to consider when buying electronics on vacation are quickly clarified: The new laptop should have a German keyboard if you don’t want to adjust your typing habits. A foreign power plug—there are 20 different types worldwide—can be “bridged” with an adapter, but it’s still inconvenient. However, there are several other things to consider that are less obvious.

Don’t buy electronics without CE marking

Regarding the technical safety of electronic devices, you’re usually on the safe side within the EU. Only electronics with CE marking can be sold in EU countries. This quality seal assures that the product meets the EU’s safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. If a product lacks a CE mark or has a counterfeit one, steer clear! It’s likely product piracy, which can be costly at customs.

Buying an electronic product abroad could still cause problems later, even with a CE mark, if the device is defective. The warranty is valid EU-wide for two years, but you must deal with the retailer where you bought the device. Even if you find a retailer in Germany, there’s no guarantee they have the necessary spare parts.

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Cheap smartphone from the U.S.? Only after careful selection

During a vacation in the U.S., the lower prices for items like an iPhone are tempting. However, if you buy a smartphone with a SIM card while on vacation, make sure it works with a SIM card from Germany. Otherwise, the foreign carrier’s SIM lock will quickly end your enjoyment of the new smartphone.

Inexpensive smartphones often skimp on language options. Without German, finding the right settings can be difficult. Also, when buying a smartphone outside Europe, ensure it supports the frequency bands used in Europe, so you don’t face limitations when surfing the internet or making calls. This is especially true for LTE and 5G reception, as nearly 40 different frequency bands are used worldwide for this standard. In Germany, smartphones receive LTE (4G) in the 800 MHz range, and sometimes in the 900 and 1800 MHz ranges, as well as around 2000 and 2600 MHz. The Federal Network Agency website offers extensive explanations on frequencies.

Special hurdles with 5G smartphones

It’s better to avoid buying a 5G smartphone on vacation. In Germany and the rest of the EU, the frequency range between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz is used, and occasionally frequencies around 700 MHz. However, 5G can also be used in many other frequency ranges. In the U.S., the range is between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz, in Japan between 3.6 and 4.9 GHz. South Korea uses almost the same frequency range as the EU, from 3.4 to 3.7 GHz. In China, the range is 3.3 to 4.99 GHz. If you import a device from China, it must also be whitelisted by the local provider for 4G and 5G to work, regardless of the supported frequency.

Just like with LTE, there is no cross-country harmonization for 5G. The issue of frequencies also plays a role when buying a drone. The remote control frequencies used must also be approved in Germany. For the radio connection to the drone and a camera attached to it, the frequencies 2.4 and 5.8 GHz are typically used here.

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What customs require for electronic devices

If you bought an electronic device within the EU, all duties are already included in the purchase price. However, if you return to Germany from a non-EU country, you must declare dutiable goods orally at customs if the so-called travel allowance is exceeded.

For air and sea travel, the allowance is 430 euros, according to the General Customs Directorate. This applies collectively to all goods purchased on vacation and brought into Germany, such as clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, or electronic devices. If you don’t travel by plane or ship, the allowance is 300 euros. For young travelers under 15, it is 175 euros.

If the value of the electronic device exceeds these amounts, which can easily happen with new smartphone or camera purchases, an import duty is due. It amounts to 17.5 percent of the value of the goods if it does not exceed 700 euros. If the device is more expensive, customs will demand additional duties. Be sure to keep the purchase receipt; otherwise, customs will estimate the value, often to your disadvantage.

Better not to cheat–burden of proof on the traveler

Can’t you just claim after returning that the new smartphone is the old one you already had at the start of the trip? It’s not advisable, not only because it’s fraud. Customs are quite capable of determining the origin of electronic devices. For particularly valuable goods, they can also request purchase receipts. The burden of proof is on you.

If you’re caught smuggling, you must pay additional duties. For goods valued up to 700 euros, a customs surcharge equal to the value of the goods is added. So you pay double. Additionally, a fine of up to 50,000 euros could be imposed on you.

For goods over 700 euros, a criminal case for attempted tax evasion is initiated. A fine of up to 360 daily rates or, in very severe cases, imprisonment of up to five years is possible. It’s certain that the vacation relaxation would quickly be over.