Why I am importing the LEGO Pan Am DC-3 from the US because the Dutch retail price is wild

The hype around the LEGO DC-3 Pan Am Airliner

Since its launch on April 1, 2026, I have been obsessed with the LEGO Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner (11378). As an aviation fan living in the Netherlands, seeing those classic Pan Am colors in brick form is a dream. This set is massive, capturing the sleek lines of the aircraft that defined the golden age of flight. I noticed it immediately started trending on popular products lists because of its sheer detail and nostalgia factor.

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However, I quickly realized that getting my hands on it locally was going to be more difficult—and expensive—than I thought. While US shelves are stocked, European retailers are already seeing delays, and the price difference is hard to ignore.

The hidden price barrier for Dutch collectors

I did some digging and found a frustrating reality. Even with currency conversion, the US retail price is significantly lower than what we are being asked to pay in the UK or the Netherlands. It feels like a hidden tax just for living across the Atlantic. I decided I wasn't going to settle for the local markup when I could use a package forwarding service to buy directly from the source.

By using comGateway, I can access a tax-free US address in Oregon. This means I don't pay US sales tax on top of the already lower price, making the deal even sweeter for my wallet.

Why US stores keep declining my Dutch credit card

My plan hit a snag almost immediately. I tried to buy the set from a major US retailer, but they kept cancelling my order. I learned that many US stores like Nike, Sephora, and even some major toy retailers often block international credit cards or refuse to ship to known warehouses. It’s a huge barrier when you’re just trying to buy a hobby item that isn't available at a fair price locally.

We see this often with high-demand releases in 2026. The stores want to keep stock for domestic customers, which leaves international fans like us in the lurch.

How I used BuyForMe to bypass store blocks

I didn't want to give up on the DC-3, so I tried the BuyForMe service. This was a total lifesaver. Instead of me struggling with my Dutch card, I just told the comGateway team what I wanted. They used a US-based credit card to purchase the item on my behalf.

I found this to be the safest way to guarantee my order didn't get cancelled. They handle the purchase, the item arrives at my suite, and I don't have to worry about regional payment restrictions. If you are struggling with a store that won't take your payment, check out our guide on prohibited items to make sure your other purchases are also good to go.

Shipping estimates for the LEGO DC-3 (11378)

Before I committed, I needed to know the international shipping rates. I used the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the costs. Here is the breakdown I used for the LEGO Icons Douglas DC-3:

My experience with package forwarding to the Netherlands

Once my LEGO DC-3 arrived at the warehouse, I was able to manage the final leg of the journey. I checked the international shipping rates one last time and chose a courier that offered the best balance of speed and cost. For us in the Netherlands, remember that you will still need to handle VAT upon arrival, but because the base price in the US was so much lower, I still came out ahead.

I've found that using a dedicated freight forwarder is much more reliable than hoping a US store will ship directly to Europe. My package arrived in perfect condition, which is vital for LEGO collectors who care about the box art. If you are looking to start your own 2026 collection, I highly recommend looking toward the US stores for better stock stability.