Things to Keep in Mind When Enjoying Duty-Free Shopping in the Fascinating City of Hong Kong

Night views, gourmet food, shopping... Hong Kong is a fascinating city where you can enjoy all kinds of things. The sparkling skyscrapers in the night sky and delicious food are great, but shopping is definitely something you won't want to miss! Even luxury brand items that are normally out of reach can be purchased at a good price thanks to duty-free shopping. Since it's a special overseas trip, why not treat yourself and get something a little extravagant?

This time, we've put together some handy tips to keep in mind when using duty-free shops in Hong Kong. Their duty-free system is a bit different from other countries, so be sure to check this out for reference!

1. Is There No Sales Tax in Hong Kong in the First Place?

First, let's talk about Hong Kong's tax system. Did you know that in Hong Kong, taxes are only applied to profits or income earned within Hong Kong, and there's no such thing as a sales tax?

In other words, the entire city of Hong Kong is basically a duty-free shopping zone. This means there's no duty-free procedure at the airport either. Normally, when you shop at DFS (Duty Free Shops), you would have to pick up your purchases at the airport, but in Hong Kong, you can take your items home immediately after purchase. However, while this is convenient, it also means you'll need to carry your purchases back to your hotel yourself.

Note: Service charges at restaurants and hotels, as well as tobacco taxes, do exist.

2. The Benefits of Shopping at DFS (T Galleria)

You might be wondering, "If all shops in Hong Kong are duty-free, is there even a need to visit a Duty Free Shop?" Well, did you know that Hong Kong's DFS stores were completely renovated and reopened in 2013 under the name "T Galleria"?

The biggest appeal of "T Galleria" is its stylish, luxurious atmosphere packed with the latest trends! On top of that, they offer a full range of services provided by specialized staff. T Galleria is more than just a duty-free shop—it's an upscale shopping destination where you can find a wide selection of high-end brands all in one place.

There are three T Galleria locations in downtown Hong Kong: Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, and Causeway Bay. All locations are equipped with Wi-Fi, and each has a luxurious lounge called "Prestige," which is free to use. You can relax in comfort while enjoying your shopping experience.

In particular, the Canton Road location not only offers a vast selection of luxury brands, but also provides complimentary services like hand massages and facial treatments by beauty concierges! These services require reservations, so if you're interested, make sure to book early.

3. Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping at DFS (T Galleria)

Even though all of Hong Kong is duty-free, T Galleria is still a duty-free shop operated by the DFS Group! So, presenting your passport at the entrance is required. Each person is issued a number, and a record of your purchases is kept. When you receive a floor map at the reception, a sticker with your personal number will be attached to it. You'll need this number when you make a purchase, so make sure not to lose your floor map!

Also, be sure to check out the "Loyal T Program," which can be used at DFS shops around the world! Members receive various perks and services. The benefits and services depend on your membership tier, which is based on your spending. For example, you can earn 1 point for every US dollar you spend, and enjoy services like transportation arrangements.

4. Import Restrictions When Returning Home

After enjoying shopping in Hong Kong, you'll want to be aware of Japan's duty-free limits when returning home. Even if you got a great deal in Hong Kong, it would be disappointing to have to pay extra taxes upon your return. To avoid any trouble, keep the following information in mind:

Here are the duty-free allowances for one adult:
Alcohol : Up to 3 bottles!
Each bottle should be around 760ml. That's about the size of a standard wine bottle (which is usually 750ml), so you can bring in up to three bottles duty-free.


Cigarettes : Up to 200 cigarettes of Japanese brands AND 200 cigarettes of foreign brands!
This means you can buy one carton (200 cigarettes) of a Japanese brand and one carton of a foreign brand, for a total of two cartons duty-free.


Perfume : Up to 2 ounces!
One ounce is approximately 28cc, so you can bring in two 25cc bottles or one 50cc bottle duty-free. Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette are duty-free regardless of quantity.


Up to ¥200,000 (approx. USD 1,500) in overseas market value!
Goods with a total overseas market value of up to ¥200,000 are duty-free. Any amount over that will be taxed. Also, if one item exceeds ¥200,000—like a handbag worth ¥250,000—you'll be taxed on the full ¥250,000, so be careful!

◎ Summary

So, what did you think about the key points to keep in mind when shopping at duty-free stores in Hong Kong? It's quite surprising that the region of Hong Kong is essentially duty-free! But what makes DFS's T Galleria stand out is its extensive selection of brand-name products and excellent services. They also often hold exclusive sales and offer limited edition items depending on the season, so it's definitely worth a visit. And of course, don't forget about Japan's import restrictions when you return home!