Related, does anyone have any suggestions for a good way to buy Bitcoin that isn't through Coinbase? No matter what I try, I can't seem to verify my identity with them, and besides I've heard several horror stories about their customer service.
Try Kraken and deposit fiat through an international bank transfer (I think it's called SEPA). It'll take a few days before you can start buying crypto, but you'll avoid the fees coinbase is charging for the instant credit card transaction.
localbitcoins.com for a craigslist style transaction