German border shopping near Basel?

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1
Some friends of mine from Germany are driving down to visit. I thought I could try to go over the border and do some shopping and have them pick me up on the way down.

Where is the closest place to Basel? I would need a place that I can get to by public transport but that is not too far off the Autobahn. I'm particularly looking at buying ordinary supermarket groceries, winter shoes and jacket and stuff from DM (love that shop to bits!) if possible. Primarily, I need the shoes and jacket.

Any suggestions??

2
Lorrach. Use the search function as this question has been covered many times.

3
Thanks. I did search for other posts but was assuming everyone else has a car. No point for me trying to get to a place only easily reachable by car.

4
Rhinecenter , even the tram goes there

5
Depends where you live in Basel (and your legs), but I would say both Weil am Rhein and Lorrach are easily reachable by bicycle. Bringing back the "loot" is a a bit tougher as you will be loaded, and our carrying capacity also depends on how big your basket and backpack is.

You can also take public transport fairly near to the border to Weil am Rhein, and apparently they are fairly soon going to extend the tram line into the German side which will make it even easier.

6
Thanks.

Looks like Weil am Rhein is the best, as it's close to the Autobahn. I won't have to worry about carrying the loot back, as my friends will pick me up in their car!

I saw something about getting the German VAT back if you live in Switzerland. Does anyone know the procedure for this and what the conditions are?

7
Search the forum.....

Get the green form from shop, get stamped at border, return to shop for refund next time. You will need your residence permit.

8
And if u have a L permit don't be surprised if they tell u to go away.