Why are we still overpaying for the Galaxy Fit 3 in the UAE? Use a freight forwarder to snag the US price

The 2026 Hype: Why Everyone Still Wants the Galaxy Fit 3

It is January 2026, and while smartwatches are getting bulkier and more expensive, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 remains the undisputed king of the "less is more" philosophy. Even two years after its peak release buzz, it is trending again in the US and the UAE because of its incredible battery life and seamless integration with the Samsung Health ecosystem. For those of us in the UAE who want a lightweight tracker for our morning runs at Kite Beach or gym sessions in Downtown Dubai, the Fit 3 is the perfect companion.

The hype isn't just about the hardware; it’s about the value. It tracks sleep, heart rate, and over 100 exercises without needing a charge every 24 hours. However, there is a catch: finding one at a reasonable price in local malls can be a headache. Most local retailers have moved on to newer, pricier models, leaving the Fit 3 either out of stock or marked up significantly.

The UAE vs. USA Price Gap: Is the Savings Real?

Let’s talk numbers. In the US, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung’s own webstore frequently drop the Fit 3 to clearance prices or bundle it with other tech. We are seeing it go for as low as $50–$60 during seasonal sales. Meanwhile, in the UAE, you’re often looking at AED 250 to AED 350 at reputable electronics stores—if they even have the color you want.

When you factor in the currency conversion, the US price is almost 40% cheaper. Even with shipping costs, buying from the US often saves you enough to buy a set of replacement bands or even a pair of Galaxy Buds. To see exactly how much you can save, you can use a shipping calculator to estimate the total cost before you click "buy."

The Secret Sauce: How to Shop US Stores from the UAE

The biggest hurdle for UAE shoppers is that many US stores don't ship directly to the Middle East, or if they do, the shipping fees are astronomical. This is where using a dedicated freight forwarder becomes a total game-changer. Instead of paying direct shipping fees that cost more than the tracker itself, you ship your purchase to a US warehouse first.

By using comGateway, you get a tax-free US address based in Oregon. This is a massive pro tip because it means you pay $0 in US sales tax at checkout. For a tech item like the Galaxy Fit 3, that’s an extra 7-10% savings immediately compared to shipping to a warehouse in New York or California.

Setting Up Your Tax-Free US Address

Getting started is easier than setting up the Fit 3 itself. Once you register, you’ll receive your unique suite number at the Oregon warehouse. When you shop on Amazon US or Samsung.com, you simply enter this address as your shipping destination. Once your package arrives, the parcel forwarding service notifies you, and you can choose when to ship it to your doorstep in the UAE.

Can't Use Your Local Card? Try Proxy Shopping

Sometimes, US stores are picky about international credit cards. If you’ve ever had an order cancelled because your billing address is in Dubai, don’t worry. You can utilize proxy shopping. Through the BuyForMe service, you just tell the experts what you want, and they will purchase the item on your behalf using a US-based payment method. It’s the ultimate "set it and forget it" way to shop the US market.

UAE Customs and Import Tax: What You Need to Know

When your Galaxy Fit 3 arrives in the UAE, it will go through customs. The good news? The UAE has a relatively high de minimis threshold. Generally, for personal imports under AED 1,000, you are mostly looking at the standard 5% VAT. However, always keep an eye on the latest import tax regulations, as these can shift. Since the Fit 3 is a low-value item, it rarely triggers heavy customs duties, making it one of the safest electronics to import from the USA.

Shipping it Home: DHL vs. FedEx International Shipping

Once your tracker is at the warehouse, you have choices. If you are in a rush to start your 2026 fitness goals, DHL international shipping is usually the fastest route to the UAE, often arriving in 3-5 business days. If you’re looking to save a few dirhams and don’t mind waiting an extra day or two, FedEx international shipping is a reliable alternative that frequently offers competitive rates for small electronics.

For those who shop frequently, looking into Prime membership benefits can help you consolidate multiple packages (like the Fit 3 plus some workout gear) into one box. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall international shipping cost compared to shipping items individually. So, stop paying the "Dubai markup" and start shopping like a pro. Your wrist—and your wallet—will thank you.