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Why I am obsessed with the Garmin Forerunner 165 in 2026
As a runner who spends my weekends on the trails around Lake Zurich, I have been looking for an upgrade to my old wearable. When I started seeing the Garmin Forerunner 165 appear on lists of us trends, I knew it was the right fit. It sits in that perfect sweet spot: it has the vibrant OLED display we all want, but without the high price tag of the Epix or Fenix series.
Even though it was originally released back in 2024, it remains one of the popular products for athletes in 2026 because Garmin nailed the fundamentals. It tracks heart rate variability, provides morning reports, and gives me suggested workouts that actually adapt to my fitness level. However, my excitement cooled down quickly when I saw what local retailers in Switzerland were charging for it compared to the US MSRP.
The massive price difference I found
I noticed that the US retail price for the Garmin Forerunner 165 has stayed incredibly competitive at $249. When I checked our local Swiss electronics stores, the price was often marked up significantly, sometimes exceeding 320 CHF once they factored in the "local premium." When you add the fact that US retailers often run top us deals during seasonal holidays, the gap becomes even wider.
I realized that even with international shipping, I could save a substantial amount by buying directly from the source. I decided to use comGateway to facilitate the process. By using a tax-free us address, I could avoid US sales tax and focus solely on getting the item to my door in Switzerland.
Logistics and Shipping Estimates
If you are planning to follow my lead, you need to know what you are getting into regarding the physical shipment. I used a shipping calculator to get these rough figures before I hit the checkout button.
| Factor | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.45 kg (1 lb) |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 15cm x 15cm x 10cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low risk. The box is very compact and dense. |
| Battery Check | Contains 1 Lithium-ion battery (Integrated). |
Because this watch contains a lithium battery, I made sure to review the shipping rules. Most couriers allow watches with integrated batteries under PI967 regulations, but it is always smart to check the list of restricted goods to ensure there are no surprises for your specific destination.
How I shop US stores from my home in Zurich
My first step was to find a reputable shop us store like Amazon, Garmin, or B&H Photo. I often check for discounts that aren't available internationally. Once I found a price I liked, I entered my provided US warehouse address at checkout.
Sometimes, I run into issues where a US store won't accept my Swiss credit card. In those cases, I have found that using a BuyForMe service is a total lifesaver. This proxy shopping option means someone in the US handles the transaction for me, ensuring the order goes through without a hitch. It simplifies the assisted purchase process significantly when you are dealing with picky retailers.
My tips for Switzerland delivery and customs
Shipping to Switzerland is generally very efficient. When I estimate shipping cost, I always keep the Swiss VAT in mind. As of 2026, the standard VAT rate is 8.1%. Even after paying this at the border, my total cost for the Garmin Forerunner 165 was still lower than buying it locally in Geneva or Zurich.
I highly recommend choosing a reliable freight forwarder that offers tracking. Watching my package move from the warehouse to my home for Switzerland delivery gives me peace of mind. If you are curious about specific customs duties, you can always check the dedicated page for how to buy from US ship to Switzerland.
We often think that international shopping is a headache, but my experience with the Forerunner 165 proved otherwise. By taking 10 minutes to estimate shipping cost and using a reputable partner for my ship to Switzerland needs, I ended up with a better watch for a much better price. If you’re looking for a new fitness companion this year, I suggest looking across the ocean before you settle for the local price tag.
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