Shipping times and costs from United Kingdom to Hong Kong

Shipping from
United Kingdom
Shipping to
Hong Kong
Shipping times
1 - 3 Days by air
16 - 21 Days by sea

1 Bedroom flat

Shipping costs by air £2,974 - £3,289
Shipping costs by sea £1,562 - £1,727

3 Bedroom house

Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £2,402 - £2,657

5 Bedroom house

Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £3,604 - £3,985

The cost of shipping is all dependent upon how much you need to ship, and how far. Read up on all you need to know about international shipping to your chosen country.

Please note: the prices listed here are meant as an estimate only. The best way to get a comprehensive, tailored quote is to fill out our form and be matched with a supplier.

Shipping Container Costs to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to Asia’s World City, having connected the East to the West for centuries. With a name that literally translates into “fragrant harbour”, this Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China is a land of two very different halves. In the south there is the famously buzzing metropolis, bursting with skyscrapers and neon lights. The rest is beautiful landscape, untouched wilderness and seaside villages. The city itself is packed with things to do, from junk boat rides and shopping in night bazaars to taking the tram up Victoria Peak. The influences of British and Cantonese culture have combined to create one of the most unique urban experiences in the world. Outside of the city, you’ll find natural beauty like the rocky uplands of West Lantau and the mighty Dragon’s Back trail. You’re certainly never short of variety in Hong Kong.

Different shipping options

If you’re thinking of relocating permanently to Hong Kong, you’ll probably want to bring a few belongings with you. There are two main options to choose between: air freight or sea freight.

Air freight offers a fast service. Cargo planes are able to reach Hong Kong from anywhere in the world in just two or three days. However, air freight is expensive, so it’s handy if you need to move abroad quickly but it’s not great for keeping costs low.

Sea freight is the slower option but it’s also much more affordable, being around five times cheaper than air freight. If you’re moving on a budget, sea freight is ideal, but you also need to allow several weeks for your cargo to arrive.

If you choose sea freight, your belongings will go in either a 20ft container or a 40ft container, depending on the amount of stuff you’re bringing. If the total volume of your cargo is less than around 15 cubic metres, you will share a container with other people (in a process known as Less Than Container Load, or LCL). Most of our shipping suppliers provide a full door-to-door service, which means they’ll take your belongings all the way from your old home to your new one in Hong Kong. Easy!

Major shipping routes

Your shipping container will go to the Port of Hong Kong, which is the fifth busiest container terminal in the world. It’s a vital part of the global economy, dealing with about 20 million containers every year. The port has some seriously high-tech equipment, so it can deal with containers quickly and safely. Once your goods arrive in the Port of Hong Kong, they will pass through customs and then be taken by truck or train to your new residence.

Hong Kong customs

Hong Kong’s customs process is relatively easy. You can bring your household and personal goods into Hong Kong entirely duty-free, irrespective of whether they are new or used. Shipments are allowed to arrive unaccompanied, so you don’t need to be present during the customs process. However, you are required to create an inventory of everything you’re bringing into Hong Kong, being as accurate and specific as possible. Shipping containers are inspected at random in the Port of Hong Kong, and if your inventory does not match up with what’s inside the container then you’ll incur additional fees. Take a look below for an idea of the items that are prohibited or restricted by Hong Kong customs. You can also get more information on their official customs website.

Shipping Container Options

20Ft Shipping Container

Dimensions:
33 Cubic Meters
5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)

Price: £2,402 - £2,657

Get a quote for a 20ft container
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  • Boxes
    16 x medium boxes
  • Kitchen
    1 x american fridge, 1 x small fridge, 3 x kitchen appliances
  • Bedrooms
    1 x wardrobe, 1 x double bed, 1 x single bed, 2 x lamps
  • Lounge
    1 x sofa, 4 x chairs, 1 x table, 1 x armchair, 1 x television
  • Various
    1 x motorbike, 4 x bicycles

Please note that this is an estimate and is intended for rough guidance only.

40Ft Shipping Container

Dimensions:
67 Cubic Meters
12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)

Price: £4,565 - £5,047

Get a quote for a 40ft container
Get Shipping Container Quotes
  • Boxes
    28 x medium boxes
  • Kitchen
    1 x american fridge, 1 x small fridge, 3 x kitchen appliances
  • Bedroom
    1 x wardrobe, 1 x double bed, 1 x single bed, 2 x lamps
  • Lounge
    1 x sofa, 4 x chairs, 1 x table, 1 x armchair, 1 x television
  • Various
    1 x car, 1 x motorbike, 4 x bicycles

Please note that this is an estimate and is intended for rough guidance only.

Car shipped by sea freight

Max Dimensions: 5.75m x 2.2m x 2.2m (l x w x h)

Base Price: £744 - £822

Quarantine & Taxes: £1,000 - £2,500

Price: £4,502 - £7,907

Get a quote for a car
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Unusual Restricted Items

Tobacco Products
Any tobacco products are banned.
Flammable and Explosive Items
Any flammable and explosive items are banned.
Firearms and Ammunition
Any firearms and ammunition are prohibited.
Cannister
Self-defence sprays e.g. pepper spray and CS gas are banned.
Perishable Foodstuffs
Any perishable foodstuffs are banned.
Electronic Equipments
Any electronic equipments are banned.