When you’re moving between the 48th most populous city in the world and a Pacific island inhabited by 167,294 people,i it’s safe to say that your life will undergo some significant changes. If you’re in this position, it’s in your best interest to ensure that the other aspects of your transition are as simple and stress-free as possible. Case in point: moving all of your personal possessions to your new home. 

When it comes to shipping household goods internationally, we’ve handled thousands upon thousands of moves for both families and individuals. If you’re transitioning between Guam and Hong Kong, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Customs procedures, moving tips, duties, and essential info to help you make a smooth move—you’ll find them all below. 

Tips for Moving to Hong Kong from Guam 

It’s easy to see the differences between living in Hong Kong and Guam. However, these two destinations do share one similarity: Both regions have been called “cultural melting pots” for their diverse range of influences and ethnicities represented. If you’ve enjoyed exploring the unique history and culture on Guam, you’ll likely find Hong Kong a fascinating place, as well. 

Demographics of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s population is largely Chinese (92%). However, you’ll find a wide range of ethnicities within that other 8%. Filipinos and Indonesians make up nearly half of that group. Finally, a welcoming environment for business and trade have brought many different influences to the city, giving it a cosmopolitan feel with plenty to offer.

Hong Kong Is a Free Port

Hong Kong’s free trade policy means no import taxes and duties on most items. However, there are a few exceptions, including cars, alcohol, and tobacco.

Think Twice Before Importing Your Car

According to the International Association of Movers (IAM), the taxes and rules in Hong Kong are set in order to discourage people from personally importing their vehicles. To give you a sense of what that means:

  • Left-hand drive cars are prohibited from import.
  • All cars are thoroughly inspected, and will be subject to significant first registration fees. For example, vehicles up to $150,000 HKD (~$20,000 USD) will be charged a fee of 40% of the value.
  • Additionally, it’s challenging to insure vehicles older than 10 years.

In summary, it probably makes sense to leave your car behind and get a vehicle in Hong Kong. However, if you still want to consider importing your car, the IAM recommends getting an estimate so you know exactly how much it will cost.

Bringing Your Pets Requires Some Paperwork

Because you’re moving from Guam, you’ll fall into the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department’s Group II category for importing your pets. This means you’ll be able to skip the mandatory four-month quarantine required for pets coming from other parts of the world. That said, you’ll still need to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped and has all the required vaccinations.

Your vet should be able to help you with the paperwork and the vaccine requirements, which can be found here on the AFCD website.

Note on Restricted Breeds: Pit Bull Terriers (also known as American Staffordshire Terriers), Japanese Tosas, Dogos Argentinos, and Filas Brazilieros—as well as any of their cross-breeds—will not be allowed into Hong Kong. The same is true of Bengal cats, unless you have paperwork to prove that the cats are at least fifth generation descendants. If you have concerns in this area,

Your Goods May Not Arrive in a Container

When you move to Hong Kong, you might expect to see the same container arrive that you packed in Guam. However, there are a couple of reasons why your shipment likely won’t arrive in the same container—or in a container at all:

  • If your shipment is chosen for inspection in Hong Kong, it will be taken to a bonded warehouse, where your items will be removed from your container. From there, they’ll likely be repacked, often into a van or a truck.
  • Even if your shipment doesn’t go through inspection procedures, it will still likely be transferred to a vehicle that can more easily navigate your area.

The bottom line? If your items don’t show up in a container, don’t worry; this is completely normal for an international move.

Customs

All your household goods will go through the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.

Hong Kong Customs Fees: Hong Kong is what’s known as a “free port.” In other words, in the interest of free trade, the government of Hong Kong doesn’t charge tariffs or duties on the import of most goods. However there are a few exceptions:

  • Cars, which, as noted above, are subject to high initial registration taxes.
  • Four commodities—liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol—that are subject to excise duties.

However, where your household goods and personal effects are concerned, you’ll be able to import them duty-free.

Duty-Free Allowances:  If you plan to import alcohol or tobacco, work closely with your moving company to create a detailed inventory list for your shipment to avoid any customs snags. Below, you’ll find the related duty-free allowances:

Alcohol:

  • Wine, as well as liquor with less than 30% alcohol by volume measured at a temperature of 20° C, is duty-free.
  • Alcohol with more than 30% alcohol by volume measured at a temperature of 20° C is charged 100% duties.

Tobacco: Passengers 18+ may bring the following quantities duty-free:

  • 10 cigarettes
  • 1 cigar (up to 25 grams)
  • Up to 25 grams of tobacco

Prohibited/Restricted Items: Every international destination has its own set of prohibited and restricted items. Review this list carefully so you can reduce the possibility of customs issues in Hong Kong.

  • Illegal drugs
  • Knives and deadly weapons
  • Controlled chemicals
  • Meat and poultry
  • Rough diamonds
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Pornographic material

  • Plants and plant products require a special license from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department
  • Weapons, explosives, and ammunition require permission/licenses from the Hong Kong Police Department

Documents Needed for Your Move to Hong Kong:

  • A copy of the identification pages of your passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
  • Detailed inventory
  • Full Hong Kong contact details for the owner of the shipment

For more information about customs rules and procedures, reach out to your moving company or refer to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website. One of our international move experts would also be happy to help! Just reach out, and we’ll help you get the information you’re looking for.

Now, let’s talk about the reverse journey: leaving Hong Kong to head to Guam.

land scape of guam beach, hotel and buildings along seashore, panorama view of beach

Tips for Moving to Guam from Hong Kong

If you’re leaving Hong Kong for our beautiful island of Guam, you might be wondering what to expect. To help you get a taste of life on Guam, we’ve put together an Insider’s Guide to Living on Guam. You’ll get a sense of where you might want to live, where to shop, and how to spend your leisure time on Guam.

Many people know Guam for its picture-perfect beautiful beaches. If you enjoyed island-hopping in Hong Kong, you’ll love touring around Guam’s 40+ beaches. Our guide to the best beaches on Guam will get you started. And if you’re not a beach person, check out our list of the 10 best things to do, attractions, and activities on Guam to see what else the island holds for you.

Next, let’s take a look into the specifics of your move to Guam.

Your Shipment Will Be Subject to Guam’s Customs Regulations- Although Guam is a U.S. territory, federal regulations have given Guam the responsibility of maintaining their own Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA).

You May Pay a Small Fee to Send Your Household Goods to Guam- If you send it via ocean freight, there’s a flat fee of $125 for the first 4,000 pounds and $0.0012 for every pound thereafter. You’ll find more details below! 

Customs: Your household goods shipment will clear through Guam’s CQA.  

You Don't Need to Be on Guam to Clear Custom

Many countries—including the Philippines—require the owner of the household goods shipment to be on island before it can clear customs. On Guam, as long as you have all of the correct documentation, your moving company can take care of customs clearance.

Your Shipment Will Be Subject to Duties

CQA duties vary depending how your shipment arrives. If you send your items via ocean freight, there’s a flat fee of $125 for the first 4,000 pounds and $0.0012 for every pound thereafter. (More details below!)

Guam Customs Fees:  The fees charged by the Guam CQA differ, depending on whether you ship everything via ocean freight or some of your goods via air freight.  

  • For ocean freight: The first 4,000 lbs. are assessed a $125.00 for international shipments. A $0.0012 fee will be charged for every pound thereafter.   
  • For air freight: The first 100 lbs. of air cargo will be assessed a $125.00 fee. A $0.0012 fee will be charged for every pound thereafter.  

Documents Needed:

  • The original bill of lading (OBL), copy of telex release or air waybill (AWB)  
  • A clear copy of the owner’s passport, including the signature and picture page 
  • A detailed inventory, signed by the owner 
  • Full contact information for the owner 
  • Full employment information for the owner  

Additional Possible Fees:

  • Inspections: Shipments held for a physical exam may be charged a fee of $75/hour for loose-loaded shipments or $50/crate for liftvan-loaded shipments.  
  • Firearms: If your shipment contains firearms, it will be held in a certified Container Freight Station for inspection prior to release. A fee of $1.00 per cubic foot will be assessed for the entire shipment. 
  • Motorcycles / Scooters / Mopeds / ATVs / Trailers / Watercraft : These items must be held in a certified Container Freight Station for inspection prior to release. A fee of $1.00 per cubic foot will be assessed.   

  • All food items, including things like dried food, spices, perishables, meats, and liquids  
  • Narcotics and dangerous drugs   
  • Pornography  
  • Misbranded articles  
  • Hazardous articles, including fireworks  
  • Toxic and poisonous substances  
  • Endangered species and artifacts 
  • Rooted plants, flowers, soil, and fruits 
  • Non-DOT approved tires  

  • Guam law allows the import of up to four legally authorized firearms for personal use. Ammunition is strictly prohibited. Documentation is required.  
  • An individual 21 years and older can bring in one gallon (3.8 liters) of alcoholic beverages. Any amount in excess will result in a 4% duty based on the value of the alcohol and the cost of the ocean freight of the entire shipment.  
  • Only normal required quantities of medicines and narcotics are acceptable for import, provided they are supported by a prescription or statement from a personal physician. They must also be properly identified. Narcotics listed under Schedule I, II and III of the Controlled Substance Act are generally prohibited. Severe penalties will be imposed if these substances are improperly imported. 

If you have ANY questions, ask upfront. It’s much easier to prevent problems, rather than trying to sort them out after the fact. You’re welcome to reach out to us. Our experts can clear up any confusion!

One Less Worry During Your Guam–Hong Kong Move

Relocations are stressful, no question. Moving your entire household to a new location can leave you with a long list of worries, concerns, and to-dos. However, by starting your research early, you’ll give yourself a good sense of what to expect when shipping your household goods, removing one more worry from your list.

Moving between Guam and Hong Kong? We’d love to help you make a stress-free move! Just reach out to one of our international experts to get started with a free quote.

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