Shipping and Removals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a major port destination, making shipping and removal services abundant and delivery efficient. No duty or tax is levied on imported personal household items, and there is no limit on when goods can be imported or how much can be imported.

The cost of shipping is directly related to volume, method of delivery and the distance the cargo travels.

People moving to Hong Kong on an expat employment package should try to negotiate a shipping allowance in their contract. Typical offers include an air freight and sea freight allowance, both for shipping to Hong Kong and then back to one's home country upon the contract's completion.

Air freight services are faster, but much pricier than sending items by sea freight. The best way to reduce the cost is to split the shipment by sending the things that will be needed right away by air and sending the remainder by sea. Anything that's going to be needed soon after arrival should be included in the air shipment, or even in one's flight luggage.

Furniture in Hong Kong

Those looking for cost-effective solutions should carefully consider what they need to take with them and what can be replaced when they arrive in Hong Kong. Furniture purchased for another city may not fit into a Hong Kong apartment (which will likely be small), and precious family heirlooms may be safer at a family member’s home or in a storage unit than on a long voyage across the sea.

Furthermore, IKEA has several stores in Hong Kong where good quality furniture can be picked up, and it even offers a delivery and installation service if your toolkit didn't make the journey with you. It’s also good to keep an eye on expat websites for people leaving Hong Kong who are looking to get rid of their furniture. Some excellent quality items can be picked up for a small fee, or sometimes just a delivery cost.

Hiring an international shipping and removals company

If an expat employee manages to secure a shipping allowance through their work contract, or even if they are just looking for the most hassle-free option to send their belongings to Hong Kong, we recommend that they hire an international removals company. These companies come to a person's home, survey everything they want to take with and make a quote based on the size of the shipment crate that will be required.

It's important to obtain a few different quotes – usually provided free of charge – and then to make sure the company that's been selected has reliable ground services in Hong Kong. This door-to-door pick-up and delivery comes at a cost, so the best idea for those looking for money-saving options would be to shop around for the best deals with international shipping companies online.

Common services to look for in a shipping company 

• Picking up goods at the customer's location
• Basic disassemble and reassemble of furniture
• Border clearance and customs formalities at the destination
• Professional furniture wrapping
• Preparing inventory list
• Unloading all items to the destination residence, and setting all items per the customer's request
• Removing packing debris from the destination residence

Expats should be aware that shippers often tack on additional expenses for certain packing materials, handling and hoisting of excessively large items, and certain processing requirements.

Once a service provider has been chosen, they will come on moving day, pack everything, and deal with all insurance and customs formalities for the moving expat. Their quote should also include delivery and unpacking services at the Hong Kong end. Hong Kong apartments are usually high up and small, so professional help when moving in is certainly something new arrivals will be glad to have.

Shipping pets to Hong Kong

Many Hong Kongers have a dog or cat, and once they've arrived, expats will find that it’s common to see small dogs accompanying their 'best friends' to Sunday brunch. There’s a thriving culture of 'Fidos', 'Rexes' and 'Bellas' in Hong Kong, and expat pets can certainly make some new friends, but it’s best to think long and hard about whether relocation is the best thing for a pet.

Apartments in Hong Kong are small, and depending on where one lives, green space may be limited; furthermore, many city parks do not allow dogs. That said, there are definitely some ideal areas for animals.

Apart from the pet’s new home, expat owners must also investigate costs and legalities. A quarantine stay in Hong Kong and back in one's home country could be costly for the expat and stressful for the animal.

Pets from some countries don't need quarantine, and pets from certain other countries may be exempt from quarantine if they comply with permit terms. All pets must be microchipped and must get rabies and DHPP vaccinations at least 30 days before the expected relocation date. Expats must also apply for an import permit before making the move, this will remain valid for six months. 

Expats should consult the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong to see if their country requires quarantine, and to see what other formalities are required.

Several breeds, like the Pit Bull Terrier and Dogo Argentino, are banned from import in Hong Kong. There are several dedicated companies in Hong Kong that can help expats with importing pets.

Useful links

• The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department