Buying the Rabbit R2 AI Companion from the US to see if it really beats a smartphone

February 12, 2026

Understanding the hype around the Rabbit R2

It has been a wild week for tech enthusiasts in Taiwan. With the second-generation Rabbit R2 AI Companion launching exclusively in the US market this February 2026, many of us are wondering if it is finally time to ditch the smartphone screen for a dedicated AI handheld. The new model features a high-fidelity built-in camera and a much faster LLM architecture that supposedly handles complex tasks like booking travel or managing spreadsheets via voice alone.

Buying the Rabbit R2 AI Companion from the US to see if it really beats a smartphone
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While the first Rabbit was a polarizing piece of tech, the R2 is already among the most popular products of the year because it actually delivers on the promise of an autonomous agent. However, since the AI suite is currently locked to US regions for the early rollout, enthusiasts in Taiwan are looking for ways to get their hands on one immediately rather than waiting for a local release that might not happen until 2027.

Calculating your shipping costs for the R2

Before you hit the buy button on a US website, you need to know what you are looking at in terms of logistics. The Rabbit R2 is a compact device, but international shipping depends on more than just weight. To get a precise idea of your total spend, you should use a estimate shipping cost tool once you have the final dimensions from the retailer.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 18cm x 15cm x 6cm)
Volumetric Warning Low. The item is dense enough that actual weight will likely be used.
Battery Check Contains 1x Lithium-ion battery (Internal)

Shopping at US stores with a tax-free address

Getting the R2 requires a bit of a workaround since most US retailers won't ship directly to Taipei or Kaohsiung. The most efficient way to do this is to shop us store sites using a tax-free us address. This helps you avoid US sales tax, which can be as high as 10% in some states, and lets you consolidate your package with other US deals.

Using a reliable freight forwarder like comGateway allows you to receive the device at their warehouse and then forward it to your home. This is particularly helpful for the Rabbit R2 because it ensures the package is inspected before it crosses the Pacific, giving you peace of mind that your new AI companion is in perfect condition.

Checking the battery and restricted goods lists

Shipping electronics to Taiwan in 2026 involves a few specific rules. Since the Rabbit R2 contains a lithium-ion battery, it must be shipped according to international air safety standards. Usually, if the battery is contained within the device, it is perfectly fine to ship, but you should always check the prohibited items list to ensure no new restrictions have been placed on AI hardware or specific wireless frequencies.

Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) also has regulations regarding the import of wireless devices. While single units for personal use are generally allowed, keeping an eye on the restricted goods policy ensures you won't face any surprises at customs. You might also like to check our guide on importing electronics for a deeper look at the paperwork involved.

Ensuring a smooth Taiwan delivery

Once your Rabbit R2 arrives at the US warehouse, you can select your preferred shipping speed. For a Taiwan delivery, express options usually take about 3 to 5 business days. Because the R2 is a high-value tech item, it is often better to choose a tracked service so you can follow its journey across the ocean.

When you buy from US ship to Taiwan, remember that you may be responsible for local import duties and VAT if the item's value exceeds the current de minimis threshold. However, even with these costs, importing the R2 early often ends up being cheaper than buying from local resellers who markup the price significantly due to the high demand for AI gadgets in the Taiwan market.

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