Does anybody have experience with buying models from internet shops located outside the EU?

Shops like Lucky Models seem a lot cheaper than the local hobby shop.

But are there extra costs related to importing the stuff in Belgium or other taxes that I should add to the prices listed on these sites?

Depends how lucky you are...

If customs checks your parcel you could end up paying duty on it....

If buying outside EU, check the shipping rates very carefully, for fast delivery they could run up quite high.

Kris

I'm not from belgium, but not so far away :-).

I bought a lot from Lucky Model already, shiping cost is very interesting, no more than any other online shopping shop from Europe (you see the shipping charges while filling your shopping cart) and
if you do not pass the customs, (mine never got trapped), Lucky Model mentions a very little item price on the bill.
Order without fear, with prices half we pay here, even if you have to pay all the duties, you do not loose money.
Cheers from your neighbour

Hi there mate.I live in Gent and buy most of my stuff outside the EU,mainly via ebay.If you buy models from an American based seller,they usually send via US Postal.The only downside from that is that there usually is a tax to pay on the product that i must pay to the courier driver,or if i'm not home,pick up from DHL and pay at the drop off center.The tax all depends on the weight of the product(s).If it is dropped off by DHL,you have to have the correct amount to pay to the driver,which is a pest because sometimes you do not know how much the tax is going to be!Other than US Postal,i have never had to pay tax on anything i have bought.
Greetz,Shay

Thanks for the input guys.

This has become important considering a recent bad experience with the LHS.