Hi everyone. I would like to ask about Taxes and duties from online shipping and from shopping in Germany. My situation is... I am living in Bern as a foreign student and want to buy a digital piano to practice in my room. Here is the detail about the keyboard I that I want.

1. In US website, it is about 700 USD. Shipping cost is about 150 USD. So in total around 850USD
2. In Germany, it is about 849 EUR, which is about 1230USD.
3. Here in Switzerland, it is about 2050 CHF. CHF is about as high as USD (ridiculously expensive, IMHO. there is no way I will buy it from here.)

Here is my main questions.
1. I know that VAT in Germany is 19% and since I am not from both Europe, I think I can get this 19% back. Does anyone know how and where (exactly) to do it? I will be probably traveling by SBB train.

2. If I buy it from Germany, will I be charge for Swiss VAT and Swiss duties? I will probably buy a case for my keyboard also. Can I avoid those VAT and duties by putting a keyboard in the case, throw the box away and take it as my personal used item?

3.If I choose to buy it from US website, how much do I have to pay for duties when it arrive Switzerland? I do know that Swiss VAT is 7.6% but I have no idea how they calculate the duties. Anyone who knows how they do it, please let me know. Also are there any other costs for this?

I would rather buy from Germany if I can get the German VAT back and do not have to pay swiss VAT & duties, although it is still more expensive. I really need to make sure of these few things. Anyone who has other comments, please let me know.