I was wrong about the cost of shipping a Framework Laptop 13 from the US to Belgium

Why repairability matters to me in 2026

As we move through 2026, I have become increasingly tired of disposable tech. When the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) was announced, I knew I wanted it. The ability to swap out ports, upgrade the mainboard, and replace the battery myself is exactly what I need for my professional workflow. However, looking at local availability in Belgium, I noticed the options were limited and often much more expensive than the configurations available in North America.

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The Belgian retail myth I finally debunked

I always assumed that by the time I paid for shipping and handled the logistics, the price of a US-sourced laptop would exceed the local retail price. I was surprised to find that the US store offers a 'DIY Edition' which allows me to bring my own RAM and storage. This specific configuration isn't always available in the same way here, and the price difference is staggering. Read more: Keep 275 Euros in your bank account by sourcing the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) directly from the US. This discovery changed my entire approach to buying high-end hardware.

How I shop US stores from my home in Brussels

To get my hands on the DIY Edition, I realized I needed a reliable parcel forwarding service. By using comGateway, I was able to get a tax-free US address in Oregon. This is a crucial step because it means I don't pay US sales tax on the initial purchase, which already saves me about 7-10% compared to shipping to other US states. My freight forwarder then receives the package and prepares it for its journey to Belgium.

Overcoming credit card blocks with BuyForMe

One hurdle I encountered—and many of my peers have too—is that some US-based online stores are notoriously picky about payment methods. I've seen orders from Nike, Apple, and even boutique tech brands get cancelled because they detect an international credit card or a known forwarding address. This is where I found the BuyForMe service to be a lifesaver.

With this service, the team at comGateway actually makes the purchase on my behalf using a US-issued domestic card. We found this to be the safest way to guarantee that the order isn't flagged or declined. If you are worried about your Belgian card being rejected by the Framework store, this proxy service is the most reliable workaround I can recommend.

My shipping estimates for the Framework Laptop 13

Before I committed, I used the shipping calculator to see if the math still worked in my favor. Here is what I estimated for the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2):

• Box Weight: Approximately 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs) including the laptop, expansion cards, and protective packaging.
• Box Dimensions: It usually arrives in a medium-sized box, roughly 42cm x 32cm x 12cm.
• Volumetric Warning: Fortunately, laptop boxes are quite dense. You likely won't be charged extra for volumetric weight as the physical weight is balanced well with the size.
• Battery Check: Since this device contains a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, it must be shipped under specific "Dangerous Goods" regulations (PI967). My international shipping service handles these requirements regularly, but it is always good to check the FAQ for any minor handling surcharges for batteries.

Understanding import costs and VAT

I know many people in Belgium are terrified of import duties. When the package arrives in Belgium, you will need to pay the Belgian VAT (usually 21%). However, since I saved so much on the initial US price and avoided the US sales tax, the total cost was still lower than buying a less-powerful version locally. I always check the latest rules on customs tax to ensure I have the funds set aside for when the courier reaches out for payment.

A step-by-step guide to my forwarding process

If you are new to this, here is the step-by-step guide I followed to get my laptop. First, I signed up for an account to get my US address. Then, I placed the order (or used BuyForMe). Once the package reached the warehouse, I chose my preferred international shipping method. The process is transparent, and if I ever get stuck, I just head over to the help center for assistance. It really is that simple to shop US store items from abroad.