The 2026 price disparity I encountered
As of February 04, 2026, I am still seeing a massive price difference between the Apple Vision Pro in the US market versus what we see in Singapore. Even though the device has been out for some time, the retail markup in our local stores remains unjustifiable. My research shows that I can save upwards of S$800 by purchasing directly from a US retailer and using a freight forwarder to bridge the gap.
See more about shipping to Singapore
I realized that waiting for a local price drop was a losing game. The math is simple: the US price, even when converted and paired with international shipping rates, still leaves me with a significant surplus. To stay ahead of these costs, I had to get serious about my logistics strategy.
Logistics and Shipping Estimates
When I planned my shipment, I had to account for the specific physical profile of the Apple Vision Pro. This is not a small envelope; the retail packaging is substantial and requires careful handling. Based on my experience, here is the breakdown for your shipping calculator entries.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs (3 kg) including the retail box and protective outer layer. |
| Box Dimensions | Medium-Bulky (approx. 16 x 12 x 10 inches). |
Volumetric Warning
I must warn you about volumetric weight. While the headset itself isn't incredibly heavy, the retail box is quite large to protect the glass front. Most carriers will charge based on the space the box occupies rather than its actual weight. I always recommend checking how shipping from US to Singapore handles these dimensions so you aren't surprised by the final bill.
Handling the lithium battery requirement
The Apple Vision Pro uses an external lithium-ion battery pack. I had to be very careful here. International aviation regulations categorize these as dangerous goods if not handled correctly. Before I placed my order, I verified the prohibited items list to ensure my package wouldn't be rejected. Because the battery is shipped with the equipment it powers, it is generally allowed, but it must be declared correctly to avoid delays with DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping.
The struggle with US payment blocks
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the Apple Store's strict payment security. I tried using my local Singapore-issued credit card, but the transaction was flagged and cancelled almost immediately. US retailers like Apple, Nike, and Sephora frequently block orders that use non-US billing addresses or addresses associated with known shipping hubs. This is a common frustration for anyone attempting proxy shopping on their own.
Leveraging the BuyForMe service
To bypass this, I turned to the BuyForMe service. This was the only way I could guarantee my order would be accepted. I essentially asked comGateway to act as my proxy shopping service. They used a US-based payment method and a residential-style billing address to purchase the Vision Pro on my behalf.
I found this to be the safest method because it eliminates the risk of my funds being held in "pending" limbo for weeks after a cancelled order. If you are serious about getting this hardware without the headache of constant order cancellations, this is the specific solution I recommend.
Calculating Singapore import tax
Finally, I had to prepare for the Singapore government's cut. In 2026, we are still dealing with a mandatory GST on all imported goods. Because the Apple Vision Pro is a high-value item, the import tax will be a significant part of your total cost.
I made sure to set aside 9% of the total value (item cost plus shipping and insurance) for the GST/VAT payment. The courier usually handles the clearance and sends me an invoice before delivery. It is a serious cost, but even after adding this import tax, my total expenditure was still hundreds of dollars cheaper than the retail price at Orchard Road. Taking the time to understand international shipping logistics saved me a fortune.
