Taking adult daughters to Germany and would like to visit Ramstein Air Force Base where we lived 35 years ago. I have military ID card, but daughters don't. I don't just want to assume that we can get in. Anyone have any experience?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You can get them in. Per SOFA, you can't use the PX, etc.
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
Just as an FYI, the SOFA agreement here in Italy is different than Germany; retirees are allowed to shop at the PX, commissary, etc. here so if you happen to be near a base in Italy in your travels, keep that in mind.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
But can you purchase gasoline on base in Italy? Off base, it's around $9.50 per U.S. gallon. Ouch!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Keep in mind the APO's on base if you want to send anything home. Unless something's changed, I always got charged parcel post as if I was mailing it within the states - much cheaper than normal shipping options in Europe.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
I am pretty sure that no matter where you are in Europe you can't purchase gas on base unless you reiterate IN Europe. Not 100% sure. We have a gas card and registration that we use to purchase gas - without that, you can't. Make sure your daughters are carrying their passports so you can sign them onto base.
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
It depends (on buying gas here). We don't have a gas station on base here so it's strictly coupons for us. For people coming from Germany, you go to the fuel point (or MP desk after hours) with you ID card, leave/pass form and registration/rental agreement and you will be authorized to buy a limited amount of coupons. However, people not stationed in Europe would not likely have a leave/pass form. I believe they have an AAFES station on Aviano but I'm not sure. We used to be able to buy German coupons here for when we go on leave or TDY but since Germany switched to the gas card, it's no longer possible. We now have to go to the customs office of the nearest base in Germany with the proper documents to register for a temporary card. It's a big pain in the a$$.