My experience scoring the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 from US stores for my Switzerland collection

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• The hype behind the LEGO Technic McLaren P1
• Why I chose US stores over local Swiss retailers
• How I handled stores that block international cards
• My process for shipping to Switzerland
• What I learned about Swiss import tax and duties
• Checking for prohibited items before I ship
• Estimating my international shipping rates

The hype behind the LEGO Technic McLaren P1

As an Adult Fan of LEGO (AFOL) living in Switzerland, my excitement for the 2026 release of the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 (Model 42172) was off the charts. We are talking about a 1:8 scale masterpiece that captures every curve of the iconic hypercar. When I first saw the functional 7-speed gearbox and those signature butterfly doors, I knew it had to be the centerpiece of my collection. The engineering detail in these Technic builds has reached a new peak this year, and the P1 is arguably the most sophisticated model we have seen yet.

Why I chose US stores over local Swiss retailers

I often find that buying locally in Zurich or Geneva comes with a significant "Swiss premium." When I compared the prices, the US base price for the McLaren P1 was significantly lower. More importantly, US retailers like the LEGO Store or big-box retailers often bundle these high-end sets with exclusive Gift-with-Purchase (GWP) items that we rarely see in the Swiss market. To make this work, I used comGateway to provide me with a tax-free US address. By shipping my 42172 to a warehouse in a sales-tax-free state like Oregon, I saved an immediate 7-10% that I would have otherwise paid in US domestic sales tax.

How I handled stores that block international cards

One major hurdle I encountered—and something many of my fellow collectors face—is the dreaded order cancellation. Many US-based stores, including big names like Nike, Sephora, and even the official Apple or LEGO stores at times, tend to block international credit cards. I have had my fair share of frustration when my Swiss-issued card was declined simply because the billing address didn't match the US shipping destination.

To solve this, I relied on the BuyForMe service. This is essentially an assisted purchase where the team at comGateway buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic payment method. It is honestly the safest way to guarantee that my order doesn't get flagged or cancelled by strict US retail systems. If you are struggling with proxy shopping for high-demand items, I highly recommend this route to avoid the headache of refund loops.

My process for shipping to Switzerland

Once my McLaren P1 arrived at my US locker, I had to arrange the Switzerland delivery. The process to buy from US ship to Switzerland is surprisingly straightforward once you have a reliable freight forwarder. I prefer to manage everything through a single dashboard where I can see my package, check its weight, and decide when to ship it. I found that consolidating multiple small LEGO sets into one box is the best way to optimize the space and cost.

What I learned about Swiss import tax and duties

We all know that Swiss customs can be quite thorough. When importing a high-value item like the 42172, I had to account for the Swiss VAT (which is 8.1% in 2026). I always make sure to declare the value accurately to avoid any delays at the border. If you are unsure how much you will owe when the package hits the border, you should check out this guide on import tax. Understanding the difference between customs tax and processing fees helps me budget my hobby more effectively.

Checking for prohibited items before I ship

While LEGO is generally safe, I always do a quick scan of the prohibited items list before I start a shipment. You would be surprised at what can be flagged—sometimes it’s specialized cleaning fluids or even certain types of batteries that might be included in Power Functions sets. Keeping an eye on restricted goods ensures that my McLaren P1 doesn't get stuck in a warehouse due to a compliance issue.

Estimating my international shipping rates

Before I even placed my order at the US store, I used a shipping calculator to get a ballpark figure. By entering the estimated dimensions of the LEGO 42172 box, I could estimate shipping cost options ranging from express to standard delivery. My goal is always to find the balance between speed and international shipping rates. I’ve noticed that international shipping for heavy Technic sets can add up, so I always check for any available shipping discounts or fuel surcharge updates before clicking the final "Ship" button.

Overall, my experience getting the McLaren P1 from the US to my home in Switzerland was seamless. By using a proxy service for the purchase and a solid forwarder for the transit, I managed to get a better deal and a few exclusive GWPs that my local store simply didn't have in stock.