Why I decided to source my M5 iPad Pro from the US instead of waiting for a Dutch sale

Why the 2026 M5 iPad Pro is currently on my radar

Last week, Apple finally pulled the curtain back on the iPad Pro 11-inch (M5 Chip, 2026 Edition). As someone who relies on mobile workstations for my creative projects here in the Netherlands, I was immediately struck by the performance claims. The M5 chip isn't just a minor iteration; the benchmarks suggest a significant leap in neural processing, which is a huge deal for the latest AI-integrated design tools we are seeing this year.

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While the hardware is impressive, what really caught my eye was the global buzz surrounding its availability. The 2026 model has already become a trending topic among my peers, not just for its speed, but because of the weird disparity in how it’s being priced across different regions.

The massive price gap between US and Dutch retailers

I started doing some math when I saw the US launch prices. I noticed that the US retail price is approximately 15% lower than what I am seeing listed at local electronics stores in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. When you are looking at a high-end device like the iPad Pro, a 15% difference isn't just pocket change—it’s enough to cover high-quality accessories or a decent chunk of a keyboard folio.

I wondered why we pay such a premium here. Between the logistics of European distribution and the local retail markups, the price creeps up quickly. This realization led me to look into how I could buy directly from a US store to take advantage of those lower prices. I realized that if I could find a reliable way to get it delivered, I would come out ahead even after paying for transport.

My experience using a freight forwarder to bridge the distance

Since most US retailers don't ship high-value electronics directly to the Netherlands, I knew I needed a middleman. I decided to use comGateway to handle the logistics. They provided me with a tax-free US address in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay any US sales tax on my purchase—saving me even more money right at the start.

I found the process of package forwarding to be surprisingly straightforward. Once my iPad arrived at their warehouse, I received a notification and could manage everything from my phone. I’ve found that using a dedicated freight forwarder gives me a level of control and security that standard international shipping often lacks.

Shipping estimates and logistics for the M5 iPad Pro

If you are thinking about doing the same, you need to have a clear idea of the logistics involved. I took some time to estimate shipping cost based on the standard packaging for the 11-inch model. Here is the breakdown of what I found for the 2026 edition:

Before I committed, I made sure to check the FAQ on the forwarder's site to ensure there were no new restrictions on shipping lithium batteries to the EU in 2026. Everything looked clear, as long as the battery is contained within the device.

Handling import taxes and duties in the Netherlands

We have to be realistic about the costs of importing into the Netherlands. When my package arrived, I was prepared for the Dutch VAT (BTW), which is 21%. While the US price is lower, the Customs and Excise department will still want their share. However, for tablets and computers, the import duty is often 0%, meaning you only really need to worry about the VAT and a small administrative fee from the carrier.

Even with the 21% VAT added to my US purchase price, my total cost was still lower than the local Dutch retail price for the M5 model. Plus, I was able to get my hands on the device much earlier than if I had waited for local stock to stabilize. I recommend you check the help center if you are unsure about how to declare the value of your electronics for customs purposes.

My step-by-step process for a smooth delivery

I wanted to make sure I didn't miss any details, so I followed a specific routine. First, I looked at the how it works page to refresh my memory on the consolidation process. If I had ordered a case or a Pencil from a different store, I could have bundled them together to save on shipping.

I placed my order at a major US electronics retailer using my assigned US address. Once the item was delivered there, I logged into my account to estimate shipping cost one last time with the exact weight. I chose a priority shipping method because I didn't want a high-end iPad Pro sitting in a warehouse for too long. The package arrived at my door in Amsterdam just four days later, perfectly packed and ready for me to set up the M5 chip's power.