I saved money on my Garmin Forerunner 165 by shipping from the US to Germany

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• Why the Garmin Forerunner 165 is still a top choice in 2026
• Comparing US MSRP against German retail prices
• Shipping estimates and logistics breakdown
• My process for buying from US stores
• Import tax and customs in Germany

Why the Garmin Forerunner 165 is still a top choice in 2026

Even though it has been two years since its initial release, I still find the Garmin Forerunner 165 to be one of the most balanced running watches on the market. In 2026, the demand for affordable OLED displays in fitness trackers hasn't slowed down. We are seeing many runners in Germany looking for this specific model because it offers the core features of the higher-end 265 series but at a much more accessible price point. While newer models have surfaced, the 165 remains a favorite in us trends and popular products lists because of its reliable GPS and vibrant screen.

Comparing US MSRP against German retail prices

When I looked at my local electronics stores in Berlin, the retail markup for Garmin products was quite high. The US MSRP for the Forerunner 165 sits at $249.99, but after local VAT and distributor margins in Germany, the price often exceeds €280. By choosing to shop us store sites, I realized I could leverage the exchange rate and lower base pricing. To see if the move made financial sense, I used a shipping calculator to weigh the cost of delivery against the potential savings. The math showed that even with shipping fees, I was coming out ahead.

Shipping estimates and logistics breakdown

Before I committed to the purchase, I needed to understand the physical logistics. Garmin watches are small, but they require specific handling due to their internal components. Here is my estimate for the shipping profile of the Garmin Forerunner 165.

Because the package is small, the international shipping rates are generally quite low. I recommend consolidation if you are buying other items to maximize your savings.

My process for buying from US stores

Many US retailers like Amazon.com or the official Garmin US store do not ship directly to Germany, or if they do, the costs are prohibitive. I used comGateway as my freight forwarder to bridge this gap. They provided me with a tax-free us address in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on the initial purchase.

If you find that a US store does not accept your German credit card, you can use a BuyForMe service. This proxy shopping or buy for me option allows the forwarder to purchase the item on your behalf, which I found very helpful for certain US-only outlets. Once the watch arrived at my US address, I selected DHL international shipping for its speed and reliability in the EU region.

Import tax and customs in Germany

The most important part of the "Smart Shopper" strategy is accounting for the import tax. In Germany, most electronics are subject to a 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (Import VAT). When my package arrived, I had to pay this tax to the carrier. Even after adding the 19% VAT and the international shipping fee, the total cost was still lower than the local German retail price for a brand-new unit. For those who prefer other carriers, FedEx international shipping is also a viable alternative that handles customs clearance efficiently. Using a dedicated freight forwarder ensures that all necessary documentation for German customs is included, reducing the risk of your package getting stuck at the border.