My experience getting the Rabbit R2 to the Netherlands when US stores blocked my card

March 03, 2026

The hype around the Rabbit R2 in 2026

I have been following the Rabbit R2 since it was first teased. Now that it is March 2026, the first batch has finally started shipping in the US. This second-generation AI companion is much faster than the original and features a way more intuitive interface. My friends in the US already have theirs, and the feedback is incredible. We see tech enthusiasts everywhere trying to get their hands on one, but Rabbit Inc. has been focusing heavily on their domestic market first. This left me wondering how I could get one shipped to me in the Netherlands without waiting for a local release that might not happen for months.

My experience getting the Rabbit R2 to the Netherlands when US stores blocked my card
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Why buying from the US is tricky for us in the Netherlands

When I first tried to order the Rabbit R2 directly, I ran into a major wall. Many US-based tech companies and major retailers like Apple or Sephora have strict security protocols. I found out that they often block orders if the credit card is not issued in the United States. Even when I tried to use my Dutch Mastercard, the transaction was immediately flagged and cancelled. It is a frustrating barrier for those of us who just want the latest tech. I also noticed that some stores refuse to ship to addresses they recognize as a freight forwarder, which makes the whole process feel like a puzzle.

How I bypassed the regional payment blocks

This is where I found a workaround that actually worked. I discovered the BuyForMe service offered by comGateway. The problem I faced was that my international card was getting declined, which is a common issue at many US stores. With the BuyForMe service, I simply told them what I wanted to buy, and they used a US domestic credit card to make the purchase on my behalf.

We found this to be the safest way to ensure my Rabbit R2 order didn't get cancelled at the checkout stage. By using their assisted purchase option, I didn't have to worry about my billing address not matching a US zip code. It effectively removed the biggest hurdle in my shopping journey. If you are trying to buy from stores that are notorious for rejecting international buyers, this is the solution I recommend.

Getting my package from the US to my doorstep

Once the purchase was confirmed, the item was sent to my tax-free us address. From there, I needed to figure out the best way to get it to my house in Utrecht. I used a parcel forwarding service to manage the transition. It gave me peace of mind to know that my package was being handled by professionals who specialize in international shipping.

I was curious about how much the total cost would be, so I used a shipping calculator to get an estimate. It helped me compare different speeds and prices. I eventually chose an international shipping service that offered tracking so I could watch my Rabbit R2 travel across the Atlantic in real-time.

What I learned about Dutch import taxes

One thing we cannot ignore when shipping to the Netherlands is the cost of entry. My package was subject to the usual Dutch VAT and potential customs tax. Because the Rabbit R2 is an electronic device, I made sure to read up on import duties to avoid any surprises when the delivery driver arrived. Usually, for items coming into the NL from outside the EU, you are looking at a 21% VAT rate. Knowing this beforehand helped me budget correctly for the total landed cost of my new AI gadget.

Checking the restricted items list

Before I finalized everything, I had to make sure the Rabbit R2 was actually allowed to be shipped. Since it contains a lithium battery, there are specific shipping rules that apply. I checked the guide on prohibited items to ensure that electronics with integrated batteries were okay for air travel. Fortunately, most consumer electronics are fine as long as they are packaged correctly, but it is always better to be safe than to have your package stuck at the warehouse. My Rabbit R2 arrived safely last week, and it has been everything I hoped for in a 2026 AI device.

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