Why I decided to import my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from the US to New Zealand this year

The bundle gap that forced my hand

I recently spent a few hours comparing the launch offers for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is February 2026, and once again, I noticed a frustrating trend. While my friends in the US are getting massive trade-in credits and exclusive carrier-free bundles that include free storage upgrades and Galaxy Buds, we in New Zealand are often left with much smaller incentives. I realized that if I wanted the best value for my money this year, I had to look beyond our local retailers.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (US Unlocked) is particularly appealing because it lacks the carrier branding and pre-installed software that usually comes with subsidized phones. I found that even after paying for international shipping, the US deals often come out ahead because of those exclusive bundle offers that simply don't exist in the Kiwi market.

Why the US Unlocked version is better for my needs

I prefer the US Unlocked model because of the frequency of software updates directly from Samsung. Plus, the resale value for an unlocked device is generally higher. When I checked the US Samsung store, I saw they were offering a specific 'Titanium Blue' colorway that I couldn't find anywhere else. I knew I had to find a way to shop US store options without being blocked by regional shipping restrictions.

I also wanted to avoid being tied to a specific network. My plan was to buy the phone outright and then just pop in my local SIM card once it arrived in Auckland. This flexibility is the main reason I started looking for a reliable freight forwarder to bridge the gap between San Francisco and my front door.

Shipping logistics for the S25 Ultra

Before I committed to the purchase, I needed to know exactly what I was getting into regarding the physical package. I did some research on the typical retail packaging for the 2026 Ultra series to help me estimate shipping cost effectively.

A note on volumetric weight

I should mention that since a smartphone box is quite compact and dense, we don't have to worry about a volumetric warning. Unlike shipping a large plush toy or a pillow where the size of the box increases the price more than the weight, the S25 Ultra is billed based on its actual weight. I used a shipping calculator to confirm that the cost would be quite reasonable for such a high-value item.

Battery shipping rules

Because the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (US Unlocked) contains a high-capacity lithium battery, I had to ensure my chosen package forwarding service could handle dangerous goods. Most modern couriers are fine with one phone per box, but it is always good to check that your provider follows the latest IATA regulations for 2026. I made sure my shipment was properly labeled to avoid any delays at the airport.

My experience using a freight forwarder

I decided to use comGateway to handle the transition. They provided me with a tax-free US address in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my Samsung purchase. This saved me about 7-10% right off the bat, which almost covered the cost of the international shipping to New Zealand.

The process of parcel forwarding service usage was smoother than I expected. Once the phone arrived at the warehouse, I was notified immediately. I could then choose my preferred shipping speed. If you are curious about the specifics of the process, you might also like to read about how a freight forwarder manages the logistics of sensitive electronics.

Dealing with New Zealand customs and GST

One thing I had to be careful about was the import duties and GST/VAT. In New Zealand, the threshold for GST is quite strict. Since the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end flagship, it definitely exceeds the low-value goods threshold. I had to factor in a 15% GST charge that Customs New Zealand collects.

I recommend checking the latest customs tax updates before you buy. I found a very helpful guide on import tax that explained how the billing works for electronics coming into Oceania. It’s better to be prepared for that extra bill than to be surprised when the courier reaches your door.

A simple way to manage your US purchase

If you are thinking about doing this, here is a quick step-by-step guide on how I managed my order. First, I signed up for a how it works account to get my US suite number. Then, I went to the US Samsung site and used that address as my delivery point.

I waited about three days for the phone to reach the warehouse in Oregon. After it arrived, I logged into my account, paid the shipping fee, and within five business days, the package was in my hands in New Zealand. The US version of the S25 Ultra works perfectly on all NZ networks, and I finally have the exclusive bundle that I was eyeing from the start. We just have to be smart about the logistics to get the tech we actually want.