I saved hundreds on the Framework RISC-V Mainboard by shipping from the US to Belgium

Why I am excited about the Framework RISC-V Mainboard

We have been waiting for a truly hackable, open-standard laptop for a long time. When Framework announced the RISC-V Mainboard for the Laptop 13 earlier this month, I knew I had to get my hands on it. As a developer in Belgium, I often feel like we get the short end of the stick when it comes to niche tech releases. These developer kits are currently trending because they represent a shift away from proprietary silicon, and the limited batch released in April 2026 sold out almost instantly in the states.

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I was browsing the latest us trends when I saw the announcement. The Framework community is buzzing because this board allows us to swap out the standard Intel or AMD processor for a RISC-V architecture without buying a whole new machine. However, the price gap is significant. Buying this specialized hardware through European resellers, if they even have stock, often comes with a massive markup compared to the US retail price.

How I bought it from the US while living in Belgium

Since the initial rollout is restricted to the US market, I had to find a way to get a tax-free us address. I have used comGateway before for other electronics, so I knew they could handle a delicate mainboard. By shipping to their warehouse in Oregon, I avoided US sales tax entirely, which already saved me about 8 to 10 percent on the purchase price.

I simply signed up for an account, got my dedicated suite number, and entered that as my shipping address on the Framework website. This is the most reliable way to shop us store sites that do not offer direct shipping to Brussels or Antwerp.

My shipping estimates for the Framework Laptop 13

If you are planning to follow my lead, you need to account for the logistics. I used the shipping calculator to get a baseline before I committed. Here is the breakdown for a standard Framework Laptop 13 (RISC-V Edition) package.

Because it has a battery, I made sure to use an international shipping service that is certified to handle lithium-ion components. We have to be careful with Belgian customs, as they are strict about battery labeling.

Why I used a proxy service for this purchase

One major hurdle I ran into was my Belgian credit card. Many high-demand US tech stores, including Framework during limited drops, often block international credit cards or cancel orders that use a billing address outside the US. This is where I found the BuyForMe service to be a lifesaver.

The assisted purchase program works by having a local agent buy the item using a US domestic card. I just sent them the link to the RISC-V Mainboard, and they handled the transaction. This prevented my order from being flagged as "fraudulent" or "unauthorized," which happens a lot when you try to use a non-US card at a US checkout. It is the safest way to guarantee your spot in a limited release.

What I learned about Belgium customs for tech gear

When the package arrives in Belgium, we do have to pay VAT (21%). However, even with the VAT and the cost of international shipping, I still found that I saved about 150 Euros compared to what local "import" specialty shops were quoting for the same hardware. Plus, I got it months earlier than the official European release date.

I recommend choosing a shipping method that includes tracking. Since this is a specialized developer kit, you do not want it sitting in a warehouse without updates. My experience with this RISC-V project has been great so far, and I am glad I did not let the regional restrictions stop me from upgrading my setup in 2026.