How to Buy Tobacco, Liquor and Gas Overseas

When you get stationed in Germany, you will soon learn that liquor, cigarettes and gas are rationed items. You can only buy so much at any given time. It sounds like a hassle but unless you smoke like a chimney, drink like a fish or guzzle gas you will have no problems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Documents (orders) to that base
• Identification
• Ration Cards
• Registration

Knowing the Rules

1. A ration is a restriction on the quantity of items that you can buy. In order to buy cigarettes, liquor or gas you will need to get a ration card. There are two types of ration cards. One is for liquor and tobacco, the other is for gas. To get a ration card, you must have documents stating that you are assigned to a base in Germany.

2. To obtain a ration card for liquor and tobacco, take your orders to your local Military Personnel Flight. They will issue you a booklet which has a section for liquor and for tobacco divided by months. The ration card is good for two years. When you buy liquor or tobacco, you will be asked for your ration card. The worker will mark on your ration card how much you bought. You will be able to see how much you have left by looking at the unmarked squares.

3. Gasoline in Germany is also rationed. The ration card for Germany is included with the registration. When you get your car registered, you will receive a piece of paper in a plastic sleeve. One side contains the registration information and the other side has the months of the year divided into squares with different amounts of liters in them. Gas in Germany is sold in liters. When you purchase gas, take the ration card/registration form to the gas station attendant and they will mark off the number of liters you bought that day. The liters you have remaining for a month are left unchecked.

4. You can also buy gas coupons in Germany. The gas coupons come in a booklet containing tear-our coupons in the amounts of 15, 5 or 1 liters. When you fill up at an approved location, fill out the coupons and hand them to the attendant. You don't need to take your ration card with you when you use gas coupons because you use your ration card when you buy the gas coupons. When you purchase the booklet, the attendant will mark off the number of liters bought.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your ration card in your wallet or purse. You never know when you will need it.
• If your ration card gets full, you may be able to get a new one. Visit your local MPF.
• Don't assume the gas coupons will be accepted everywhere. There are rules and regulations for who will and will not accept gas coupons. Visit your local military gas station for more information.
• Don't be tempted to buy liquor, tobacco or gas for someone else. You may run out of rations for yourself. More importantly, it is illegal. If you are caught buying these items for anyone not authorized, your ration privileges will be revoked.