Save £110 on the Rabbit R2 AI Companion by shopping US stores directly

Why everyone in the UK wants the Rabbit R2 right now

It is May 2026, and the tech community is buzzing about the Rabbit R2. If you thought the first version was interesting, the second-generation hardware is a massive leap forward. The standout feature this year is the dedicated 'teach mode,' which allows users to train the AI to perform complex tasks across any app without needing a native integration. For those of us in the United Kingdom, it is the must-have gadget of the year, but there is a catch: it is still mostly a US-exclusive launch.

Early adopters in London and Manchester are already showing off how they use the R2 to automate their grocery shopping and manage their schedules, making the rest of us feel like we are living in 2025. Because the local supply is non-existent, many are looking across the pond to get their hands on one.

The price gap: Save £110 by sourcing from the USA

If you look at local resellers or wait for a potential UK retail launch, you are likely looking at a price tag close to £310 once VAT and "convenience fees" are added. However, the Rabbit R2 retails for $199 in the United States. Even after you factor in the cost of a freight forwarder and some import tax, the math works out heavily in your favor. By buying directly from a US store, you can keep about £110 in your pocket compared to what you would pay a local grey-market importer.

Read more: Is chasing the Rabbit R2 across the pond worth your British pounds?

How a freight forwarder makes the US-to-UK jump possible

The biggest hurdle for UK tech fans is that the official Rabbit store often doesn't ship directly to British addresses. This is where a package forwarding service becomes your best friend. When you sign up for a service like comGateway, you get a tax-free us address to use at checkout. This means you avoid US sales tax entirely, keeping that £110 saving intact.

Once your Rabbit R2 arrives at the warehouse, you can use an international shipping service to bring it home. To get a clear picture of the total cost, I always suggest using a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you buy. It helps to know exactly what you are paying for international shipping rates so there are no surprises when the parcel hits your doorstep.

Avoiding the Order Cancelled screen with BuyForMe

Buying from major US retailers or exclusive tech startups can be tricky for those of us with a UK credit card. Many US stores, including Apple, Sephora, and often the Rabbit store itself, have strict security protocols. They frequently block international credit cards or automatically decline orders sent to known shipping hubs. It is incredibly frustrating to see that "Order Cancelled" email hit your inbox minutes after you thought you had secured your new gadget.

This is where the BuyForMe service (also known as proxy shopping) comes in. Instead of you struggling with a card that the store doesn't recognize, comGateway buys the item on your behalf using a US domestic credit card. This assisted purchase is the safest way to guarantee your order goes through without a hitch. By using this method, you bypass the regional payment blocks entirely, ensuring your Rabbit R2 is secured at the US price.

Read more: Sourcing the Rabbit R2 AI Companion from US retailers through an expert shipping loophole

Dealing with UK import tax and shipping fees

When the package arrives in the UK, it will be subject to import tax (VAT). In 2026, the standard rate remains 20% for goods over £135. Even with this added cost, the total remains significantly lower than buying from a local middleman. You also get to choose your carrier; whether you prefer DHL international shipping for speed or FedEx international shipping for reliability, you have control over the final leg of the journey.

Read more: Why is your Rabbit R2 likely to be blocked by UK customs without a specific freight forwarder protocol?

Ensuring your AI companion is not on the restricted goods list

Before you ship any electronics, it is smart to check for any restricted goods or prohibited items. While the Rabbit R2 is a standard consumer electronic device with a lithium battery, different carriers have different shipping rules for batteries. You can find all the details on the comGateway prohibited items page to make sure your device clears customs without being held up. Staying informed about these regulations ensures that your AI companion makes its way from the US to the UK as smoothly as possible.