Why I joined the Steam Deck OLED hype train
Even though we are well into 2026, the demand for the Steam Deck OLED (1TB) hasn't slowed down a bit. I recently looked into why this specific handheld remains the gold standard for portable gaming. While regions like India are seeing massive import spikes because Valve hasn't launched there officially, I found that even here in France, sourcing one directly from the US can often be the fastest way to get your hands on the premium 1TB model when local stock gets lean.
The 1TB version isn't just about the extra space. I love the premium anti-glare etched glass and the absolute vibrant punch of that OLED screen. It makes my library look better than my actual TV. I decided I wasn't going to wait for local restocks that might take weeks, so I started looking into how to shop US store options to get it delivered to my door in Paris ASAP.
My playbook for shopping US stores
My first step was securing a reliable freight forwarder. I’ve used comGateway for several tech hauls because they provide a tax-free US address in Oregon. This is a massive win because it means I don't pay any US sales tax at the checkout of retailers like Steam or Best Buy.
To start my speedrun, I headed to the US Steam store. I noticed that while the prices are attractive, the logistics of getting it to ship to France require a bit of planning. Before I hit the buy button, I made sure to check the shipping calculator to see what the final journey would cost me. It’s better to know your estimate shipping cost upfront rather than getting a surprise later.
How I bypassed payment blocks with BuyForMe
Here is where most people fail their speedrun. I’ve learned that many US retailers—especially those selling high-demand electronics—tend to block international credit cards or flag accounts using a forwarding address. It is incredibly frustrating to see your order cancelled five minutes after you place it.
I didn't want to risk it, so I used the BuyForMe service. This is essentially a proxy shopping solution where the comGateway team uses a US-based card to buy the item for you. This assisted purchase method is the safest way to ensure the store doesn't ghost your order. If you are worried about your French bank card being rejected, this is the exact tool you need to keep your delivery on track.
Shipping logistics and box estimates
To help you prepare for your own delivery, I’ve put together a quick breakdown of what to expect when the package hits the warehouse. The Steam Deck OLED (1TB) comes in a fairly sturdy retail box, but we need to consider the outer shipping carton too.
| Specification | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 1.6 kg to 1.8 kg (3.5 - 4 lbs) |
| Box Dimensions | Medium (roughly 43 x 15 x 10 cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | The item is dense and relatively small, so you likely won't be hit with high volumetric weight charges. It fits well in standard courier boxes. |
| Battery Check | Contains a Lithium-ion battery. This means it must follow specific shipping rules. Most major couriers handle this fine, but always check the prohibited items list just in case of regional changes in 2026. |
If you have questions about how these batteries are handled during France delivery, you can always visit the FAQ or help center for more details on support.
Getting it through French customs smoothly
Once my package left the US, the final boss was the French customs office. When you buy from US ship to France, you have to be mindful of import duties and GST/VAT. In 2026, the customs tax for electronics is usually straightforward, but the import tax (VAT) is what you should calculate into your total budget.
I found that being transparent with the value declaration makes the process much faster. Don't try to hide the value of a 1TB OLED model! My package cleared customs in about 48 hours, and soon I was unboxing it in my living room. By following this method, I avoided the "out of stock" messages on local sites and secured the exact model I wanted without the headache of payment declines. If you are stuck, definitely check out our guide on restricted goods to make sure your other gaming accessories are also safe to fly.
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