Why I stopped buying high-end power banks in Belgium and chose a US freight forwarder instead

April 13, 2026

The 2026 remote work essential

As I sit in my home office in Brussels, I have realized that my old charging gear simply cannot keep up with the demands of my 2026 tech stack. Between my dual-screen laptop and my tablet, I needed something with serious muscle. That is when I found the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W). This beast is currently the gold standard for the international remote work community, offering enough wattage to charge two laptops simultaneously at high speeds.

Why I stopped buying high-end power banks in Belgium and chose a US freight forwarder instead
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I noticed everyone in my professional circles talking about this specific 2026 model, but when I looked at local Belgian retailers, the price was staggering. It felt like I was being penalized for living in Europe. I knew there had to be a more efficient way to source my gear without the massive local markup.

Why the US market is different

We often see that US-based retailers like Amazon or Best Buy offer significant discounts on Anker products that we never see here in Belgium. During my research, I found that the US price for the Anker Prime 250W was nearly 40% lower than what I was seeing in Brussels. Even with the cost of international shipping, the math made perfect sense.

The secret is that US stores have much higher stock turnover, leading to frequent flash sales. However, the challenge for us in Belgium is getting those items across the Atlantic. That is where I learned to use a freight forwarder to bridge the gap between a US warehouse and my front door.

How I shipped to Belgium

When I decided to pull the trigger, I used comGateway to handle the logistics. By using their service, I was given a tax-free US address to use at checkout. This meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax, which already saved me about 8-10% right off the bat.

Before I committed, I made sure to use the shipping calculator to get a clear picture of the total cost. I wanted to ensure that the weight of a heavy 27,650mAh battery wouldn't make the shipping costs negate my savings. Fortunately, the rates were reasonable, and I could choose between DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping depending on how fast I needed it.

Solving payment blocks with BuyForMe

One major hurdle I encountered—and something many of my Belgian colleagues complain about—is the "international credit card block." Many high-end US tech stores and major brands like Apple or Nike often decline orders if they detect a non-US billing address or a known package forwarding address. It is incredibly frustrating to have your order cancelled just because your credit card was issued in Europe.

I found the solution in comGateway’s BuyForMe service. This is a proxy shopping feature where their team actually buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic payment method. I simply tell them what I want, pay them, and they handle the entire transaction with the store. It is the safest way to guarantee that my order doesn't get flagged or cancelled by picky US retailers. If you have ever struggled with a store that refuses to ship to a freight forwarder, this service is your best friend.

Understanding import tax and duties in Belgium

I have to be honest: you cannot forget about the Belgian customs office. When I ship items from outside the EU, I am always prepared for import tax and VAT. In Belgium, the standard VAT rate is 21%, and for electronics over a certain value, there may be additional duties.

I always check the comGateway guide on import tax to keep my expectations realistic. While the savings from the US store are massive, you must factor in these local costs to ensure you are still getting a good deal. Even with the 21% VAT, I still found that my Anker Prime was cheaper than buying it locally in Antwerp or Brussels.

Safety rules for shipping high-capacity batteries

Shipping a 27,650mAh battery isn't like shipping a t-shirt. There are strict international regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries. I was initially worried that a power bank this large might be on the list of prohibited items.

I checked the rules and found that while there are restrictions, most package forwarding services can handle them as long as they are packaged correctly and stay under the 100Wh limit (which this Anker model specifically stays under for flight compliance). If you are ever unsure about a specific gadget, I highly recommend checking the FAQ on the provider's site to avoid having your package returned to the sender.

My experience getting the Anker Prime 250W from the US to Belgium was seamless once I understood the logistics. It is not just about the product; it is about knowing how to navigate the global market to get the best tech for my 2026 setup without the local price hike.

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