For Canadians living in Hong Kong, finding familiar products from home can be a challenge. While some Canadian brands are available locally, many expats turn to online stores that ship Canadian goods directly to Hong Kong. Whether you're craving maple syrup, seeking Canadian health supplements, or looking for winter clothing, this guide covers the best online retailers that deliver Canadian products to your doorstep in Hong Kong.
Why Ship Canadian Goods to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong offers a wide range of international products, but certain Canadian staples are hard to find or come at a premium. For example, a 250ml bottle of pure maple syrup can cost over HK$150 in local stores, while online Canadian retailers often sell it for CAD$10-15 (about HK$60-90) plus shipping. Similarly, Canadian over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil are not always available in the same formulations. Many expats also seek Canadian snacks, such as ketchup chips or Coffee Crisp bars, which are rare in Hong Kong.
Shipping from Canada to Hong Kong typically takes 5-14 business days depending on the carrier. Most retailers use Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Hong Kong has no sales tax and duties on most consumer goods are low or zero, but you may still be charged a handling fee by the courier. For shipments valued over HK$5,000, customs duties may apply.
Top Online Stores Shipping Canadian Goods to Hong Kong
1. Canadian Grocery Retailers
Several Canadian grocery chains offer international shipping:
- Loblaws / Real Canadian Superstore – Their online store ships non-perishable items via Canada Post. Popular items include maple syrup, peanut butter, and cereal. Shipping to Hong Kong starts at CAD$20 for small packages.
- Walmart Canada – Offers a wide range of groceries, household items, and electronics. International shipping is handled by third-party services like Planet Express or Reship. Many items can be shipped directly via UPS with rates calculated at checkout.
- Costco Canada – Requires a membership. They ship to Hong Kong via Landmark Global. Typical shipping costs for a small box are around CAD$25-35. Bulk items like vitamins or coffee are popular choices.
2. Specialty Canadian Food Stores
- Canadian Maple Syrup Company – Based in Ontario, they ship pure maple syrup worldwide. A 1-liter tin costs CAD$39.99 with shipping to Hong Kong around CAD$15.
- Northern Delight – Offers Canadian snacks like Hawkins Cheezies, Coffee Crisp, and ketchup chips. They ship via Canada Post with flat rates starting at CAD$20.
- Maple Leaf Foods – Their online shop sells cured meats and cheeses. Shipping to Hong Kong is available on selected items, but due to food regulations, some products may be restricted.
3. Health & Beauty Retailers
- Well.ca – A Canadian online health and beauty store. They ship internationally via Canada Post. Popular categories include vitamins, supplements, natural skincare, and baby products. Shipping to Hong Kong starts at CAD$15.
- Shoppers Drug Mart – Their online store ships some items internationally. You can find Canadian-branded medications, cosmetics, and health products. Shipping is via Canada Post or UPS.
- iHerb – While not exclusively Canadian, iHerb stocks many Canadian supplement brands like Webber Naturals, Jamieson, and Organika. They have a distribution center in Canada and offer fast shipping to Hong Kong via DHL, with duties included in the price.
4. Clothing & Outdoor Gear
- Canada Goose – The iconic Canadian brand ships directly to Hong Kong from their online store. Delivery is via FedEx, and duties may apply. Prices are higher than in Canada, but you get genuine products.
- Arc'teryx – Another Canadian outdoor brand. Their website ships to Hong Kong with duties prepaid for orders over a certain amount. Shipping costs vary.
- Roots Canada – Known for its sweatshirts and leather goods, Roots ships internationally via UPS. Shipping to Hong Kong costs around CAD$20-30.
- Lululemon – While they have stores in Hong Kong, the Canadian website often has exclusive styles. They ship via UPS with duties included.
5. Books & Media
- Indigo Books & Music – Canada's largest bookstore chain ships books, games, and stationery to Hong Kong. Shipping is via Canada Post with rates calculated by weight.
- Chapters Indigo – Same as above; offers free shipping to Hong Kong on orders over CAD$50.
How to Save on Shipping Costs
Shipping from Canada to Hong Kong can be expensive. Here are tips to reduce costs:
- Use a package forwarding service – Services like Planet Express or Reship provide a Canadian address. You buy from any Canadian store and they forward the package to Hong Kong. Rates are often lower than direct shipping.
- Consolidate orders – Combine multiple purchases into one shipment to save on per-package fees.
- Look for free shipping promotions – Some retailers offer free international shipping on orders over a certain amount, e.g., Indigo's free shipping on orders over CAD$50.
- Choose economy shipping – Canada Post's surface mail (by boat) is cheaper but takes 6-10 weeks. For non-perishable items, it's a good option.
Customs, Duties, and Taxes
Hong Kong is a free port, so most goods enter duty-free. However, you may still need to pay a handling fee to the courier (e.g., DHL charges HK$60-120). For shipments valued over HK$5,000, customs duties may apply at rates between 0% and 60% depending on the product. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco are subject to excise taxes. Always check the Hong Kong Customs website for updates.
Some Canadian retailers collect Canadian taxes (GST/HST) at checkout; if they do, you can request a refund when the goods leave Canada. Keep your shipping documents.
Reliable Shipping Carriers from Canada to Hong Kong
- Canada Post – Offers tracked and untracked options. Economy (surface) takes 6-10 weeks; small packet air takes 2-3 weeks. Rates start at CAD$10 for a small package.
- UPS – Faster (3-5 business days) but more expensive. A 1kg box costs around CAD$40-60.
- FedEx – Similar to UPS; offers priority and economy services. Duties may be billed separately.
- DHL – Often used by iHerb and other retailers. Very fast (2-4 business days) with tracking. DHL handles customs clearance smoothly.
Popular Canadian Products to Ship
Based on expat forums and surveys, the most requested Canadian goods include:
- Maple syrup and maple products – Pure maple syrup, maple sugar, maple cookies.
- Canadian snacks – Ketchup chips (Lays, Old Dutch), Coffee Crisp, Smarties, Aero bars, Hawkins Cheezies.
- Peanut butter – Kraft and Jif are common, but Canadian brands like Kraft Smooth have a different taste.
- Breakfast cereals – Shreddies, Vector, and Mini-Wheats are hard to find.
- Over-the-counter medications – Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, Gravol, and Polysporin.
- Vitamins and supplements – Jamieson, Webber Naturals, and Organika brands.
- Clothing – Canada Goose parkas, Arc'teryx jackets, Roots sweatpants.
- Books – Canadian authors, textbooks, and French-language books.
Alternatives: Canadian Products Available in Hong Kong
If you don't want to wait for shipping, some local stores stock Canadian products. For example:
- Oliver's the Delicatessen – Carries Canadian maple syrup, cheese, and some snacks.
- City'super – Has a section with imported foods, including Canadian maple syrup and coffee.
- Wellcome and ParknShop – Occasionally stock Canadian frozen meats and salmon.
- Marks & Spencer – Sells some Canadian-style clothing but not specific brands.
For a full list of Canadian brands and restaurants in Hong Kong, check our article on Canadian Brands and Restaurants in Hong Kong.
Community Recommendations
Many Canadians in Hong Kong share tips on online communities. Facebook groups like "Canadians in Hong Kong" often have threads about where to buy specific products. Members recommend using Well.ca for baby supplies and iHerb for supplements. For snacks, Northern Delight is praised for its selection and reasonable shipping.
If you're new to Hong Kong, also read our Complete Guide to Living in Hong Kong as a Canadian for more tips on settling in.