Yes, you get tax-free shopping in Hong Kong because it is a free port with no VAT, goods and services tax (GST), or sales tax on items. There is no need for tax refund counters as prices are already tax-free, making items like electronics, luxury goods, and clothing generally cheaper.
Q: Is there any sales tax in Hong Kong? A: Mostly, no. All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. However, all retail businesses in Hong Kong will charge a minimum levy of HK$1 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers in order to reduce waste.
The refund amount is based on the APDT paid when purchasing air tickets. For tickets purchased on or before 30 September 2025, the APDT amount is HK$120 per passenger. For tickets purchased on or after 1 October 2025, the APDT amount is HK$200 per passenger.
Duty-free shopping at Hong Kong International Airport is a great way to enjoy tax-free savings on premium brands and essential travel goods. With a wide selection of stores, easy pre-order services, and flexible payment options, shopping at the airport is convenient and rewarding.
Luxury goods in Hong Kong are already cheaper than the usual prices in the region; however, there are seriously great high-end finds to purchase during the sale season.
Hong Kong Tax Free Shopping & Exploring its Crazy Nightlife | Hong kong Tour Guide
Is 1000 HKD enough for 2 days?
Really depends where you intend to eat, drink and shop. Travel around the city is economical enough if you use public transportation. If you are budget minded, you can get by on HK$1000 per day quite easily. Plenty of reasonably priced food and drink options to keep you well within that budget.
Gucci is generally cheapest in Italy, its country of origin, due to lower base prices, no import costs, and high VAT refunds, with significant savings possible in cities like Milan, Florence (especially outlets), and Rome, often making it cheaper than the US or even France after tax refunds. Other European countries like France and the UK also offer good deals compared to the US, but Italy usually provides the best overall value for Gucci products.
✅ Tax Refund Conditions – Are You Eligible in Hong Kong? Unlike many countries, Hong Kong does not impose VAT, GST, or Sales and Service Tax (SST) on most goods and services. As such, there is no formal Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) in place — because most retail purchases are already tax-free.
Travelling to Hong Kong is an adventure, but for shopping enthusiasts, it's a paradise enhanced by the allure of duty-free delights. Duty-free shopping in Hong Kong offers a unique experience, allowing travellers to indulge in a world of premium products without the added burden of taxes.
In Hong Kong, popular items worth buying include electronics, such as the latest gadgets and accessories, often at competitive prices. Additionally, unique local products like Chinese tea, traditional handicrafts, and designer fashion from local boutiques make excellent souvenirs.
However, as of January 1, 2021, the UK government discontinued the VAT refund scheme for tourists. For many visitors, this decision ended an era of cost-effective shopping in Britain. No longer can tourists claim refunds on the 20% VAT added to most items, which has left a noticeable gap for budget-conscious travelers.
A monthly salary of HKD 20,000–30,000 (USD 2,550–3,830) can support a comfortable lifestyle in Hong Kong. While HKD 50,000 (USD 6,380) is considered a high income, it's well above the city's average salary of HKD 20,000 (USD 2,550), offering greater financial flexibility.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but the answer is yes. There is income tax for every individual in Hong Kong. Even foreigners have to pay taxes. There are also differences between profits tax, income tax and property tax, with different requirements for each.
Hong Kong is home to some of Asia's most innovative and immersive shopping experiences. As well as boasting a plethora of sleek luxury malls and lofty designer stores, the city also features many local labels that make its retail scene uniquely rich and diverse.
With its duty-free import policy and absence of Valued-added Tax (VAT) or sales tax, luxury goods are cheaper than elsewhere in the region, or indeed globally.
From luxury brands to electronics, Hong Kong is known to have some of the best prices on branded items compared to most other countries in Asia. You get to shave prices off some of your favourite items just by buying them there – which is all the reason you need to go on that shopping spree.
Conclusion. Duty-free shopping at Hong Kong International Airport is a great way to enjoy tax-free savings on premium brands and essential travel goods.
The best things to buy duty-free are typically heavily taxed items like liquor, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics, which offer significant savings, alongside luxury goods such as watches, jewelry, and high-end electronics, plus unique local gourmet foods or snacks, especially when flying out of regions known for those products (like French skincare or Japanese sweets). Always compare prices beforehand, as savings vary, and research what's available at your specific airport for the best deals.
How to get paid a VAT refund. By completing your VAT Return online, HMRC will automatically calculate if you're due a VAT repayment for that accounting period. Once you submit your VAT Return, HMRC usually repays any VAT within 30 days. For more information, see HMRC's VAT Notice 700 guide.
Hong Kong's tax rate is low, and the system is simple to understand. There is no sales tax or VAT , no investment withholding tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax, no wine tax, and no tax on dividends or interest from savings.
Hong Kong Duty Free curates a broad portfolio of more than 100 of the world's leading brands to complement every aspect of our lifestyle, from beauty and fragrances, duty-free spirits and wine, travel retail exclusive sets, fashion accessories, to food and gifts.
All authentic Gucci bags come with white cards printed with the Gucci logo, followed by the words “controllato” (an Italian word meaning “checked”), and “1234567890” below them. This is a controllato card, and it signifies that the bags have undergone quality control during their manufacture.
Every authentic Gucci bag is manufactured in Italy. The interior tag must say “Made in Italy.” If it says “Made in China,” “Turkey,” “India,” or any other country, it's not real. The inside tag of an authentic Gucci bag also features a serial number on one side and the ® symbol with the brand logo on the other.
