Why Buy Video Gear in Hong Kong?

The tax rates in Hong Kong are so low that it makes perfect sense to stop over there during an overseas trip. Even when factoring in the extra cost of a hotel, it’s a great opportunity to save quite a bit on brand-new or second-hand equipment.

To give a price comparison, the Sony 70-200 GM2 f/2.8 is listed at €3,000 on the French Sony website but is available in Hong Kong for 15,000 HKD (approximately €1,770). That’s a huge difference of €1,200—almost the price of a round-trip ticket between Europe and Hong Kong, which costs around €800.

What About Taxes?

In theory, you should declare the lens upon arrival and pay the tax difference. You’ll need to provide the original invoice, but this requirement applies only to brand-new items. Most shops in Hong Kong are legitimate, so getting an invoice is not an issue.
In France, the tax rate is about 20%, so in our example, 20% of €1,770 is approximately €350. This brings the total cost to €2,200, which is still well below the local price of €3,000. If you choose not to declare it at the border on your way back… well, you get the idea.

Buy Online or in a Physical Shop in Hong Kong?

For items like this, I always recommend checking the gear in person. However, it’s completely normal in Hong Kong to use a courier service that delivers the item in exchange for cash.
Services like GoGoVan even offer delivery with a built-in money exchange option for a fee, making the process convenient—but you really need to trust the seller.

Where Is the Photo & Video Mall in Hong Kong?

Like many cities in Asia, Hong Kong has a dedicated photo mall called Sim City, which offers a wide selection of second-hand camera gear. While it’s not as large as some malls in China, it’s still a great place to find what you need.
Sim City is located in Mong Kok, and you can easily get there by subway, exiting at Mong Kok Station and walking half a block. You can also use Mong Kok East Station, though it requires a slightly longer walk.
The surrounding area is packed with malls and bustling streets. It’s also very close to a popular tourist spot—the infamous Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street, which you’ll likely visit anyway!

How to Smartly Buy Second-Hand Photo Gear in Hong Kong

My advice is to check online first on this great second-hand marketplace: Carousell Hong Kong.
However, be aware that scams are common, so use the site mainly to find listings for the item you’re looking for—preferably from sellers located in Sim City Mall. This way, you won’t waste time searching or negotiating blindly. Plus, having similar items available on the same floor gives you better leverage to compare prices and negotiate.

Which Language Should You Know?

On second-hand websites, most ads are in Cantonese, but lens model references in English can already help you navigate. Keep in mind that Cantonese is referred to as “Chinese” by locals, but it is not the same as Mandarin, which is spoken in mainland China. In fact, since 2019, speaking Mandarin to a Hongkonger could even be considered rude.
Some individual sellers, especially those not affiliated with shops, may not be fluent in English. However, for all photo mall shops and major websites, English is perfectly sufficient.

How to Buy Brand-New Photo Gear in Hong Kong?

While some camera shops are at street level, the best deals are often found in small, hidden offices inside buildings without any signage.
Don’t expect to test multiple cameras before buying or get detailed technical explanations—these shops keep prices low by focusing only on sales and operating in the smallest spaces possible to minimize rent.

The Internet Is Your Best Friend for Buying Photo Gear

Once again, you should choose which shop to visit before going.
The best website to check is Price.com.hk. It’s in Cantonese, but if you search using the exact camera or lens model, you can easily find what you need.

I highly recommend contacting the shop via WhatsApp to confirm availability before making the trip.

Shop Recommendations

For Professional Video Gear

If you’re looking for high-end video equipment like Lupo panels or Vinten tripods, I highly recommend A&S Broadcast LTD.
They stock all the right imported gear, but their website doesn’t reflect actual stock, so it’s best to contact them via email.

For Lower-End Photographic Gear

I was very pleased with Borwin Shop in Mong Kok (三陽數碼).
Located on the 16th floor of a building near Sim City. You’ll need to wait in line for the elevator, and once inside, it’s tucked between a lady’s bag shop and a travel agency—but trust me, it’s a hidden gem.

Payment Methods

• They accept cash and credit cards, wire transfer done prior to pick up.
• A 3% fee applies to overseas bank cards, so cash is the cheaper option.

Important Message

I wrote this blog without any commercial affiliation to the shops and websites mentioned.
No one is paying me, and I’ve never received any discounts from them. This is purely based on my personal experience after spending several years in Hong Kong as a production house owner.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!