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The reasons I needed this US-exclusive Hirono
I have been collecting Hirono figures since they first debuted, but 'The Other One' US-Exclusive Vinyl Figure presented a unique challenge for my collection in 2026. As a collector living in Thailand, I noticed that this specific release was restricted to the US Pop Mart webstore. The design captures the signature melancholy and raw emotion that Lang creates, but the regional exclusivity made it a 'Rising Star' in the secondary market almost immediately.
I realized that waiting for a local release in Bangkok was not an option. Collectors in China were already using package forwarders to secure these units, and I knew I had to act fast before the stock depleted. My goal was to get the item directly from the source to ensure authenticity and avoid the massive markups found on resale platforms.
My process for shopping the US Pop Mart store
When I first visited the US Pop Mart site, I saw they only shipped within North America. To get around this, I used a tax-free us address provided by comGateway. This allowed me to checkout as if I were a local resident in Oregon, which also saved me from paying US sales tax on the initial purchase.
I found that using a freight forwarder is the most reliable way to manage these regional drops. Once my order was confirmed, I waited for the notification that my Hirono had arrived at my US suite. This method has become my standard routine for any US-exclusive hobby releases that don't offer direct international shipping service to Southeast Asia.
Logistics and shipping estimates for the figure
I want to share the exact logistics data I used to plan my budget. Before I clicked buy, I used a shipping calculator to see if the cost of transport would outweigh the value of the figure. Here are the estimates I worked with for the Hirono 'The Other One' figure.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg) including protective packaging |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 15cm x 15cm x 25cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. This item is compact and dense. Volumetric weight should not exceed actual weight unless you bundle it with large, light items. |
| Battery Check | None. This is a solid vinyl figure with no electronics. |
I always recommend checking the international shipping rates for 2026 before finalizing your order. Since the figure is relatively light, the shipping fees were quite reasonable for a single unit. However, I found that consolidating it with a few other blind boxes helped me maximize the base shipping cost.
How I handled Thailand import taxes
Shipping to Thailand requires some awareness of the current 2026 customs regulations. I made sure to keep my total value (including shipping) in mind. In Thailand, if the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value exceeds the de minimis threshold, you will be responsible for a 7% VAT and potential import duties. Because Hirono figures are collectible toys, I checked the specific harmonized system codes to ensure I wasn't surprised by the bill.
My experience with international shipping has taught me that being honest on the customs declaration is the best way to avoid delays at Suvarnabhumi. I clearly labeled the package as 'Collectible Toy' and included the invoice. This transparency helped my package clear customs in less than 48 hours.
What I do when US stores reject my credit card
Occasionally, I run into US stores that refuse to accept my Thai issued credit card. When the Pop Mart store or other US retailers flag my payment method, I switch to a BuyForMe service. This proxy shopping option allows the forwarder to purchase the item on my behalf using their US-based payment methods.
Using the assisted purchase feature is a life-saver for high-demand drops where every second counts. I simply provide the product URL, and they handle the checkout. This ensures I don't miss out on limited 'The Other One' stock just because of a payment error. If you are serious about your 2026 collection, having this backup plan is essential.
I am very satisfied with how this Hirono figure looks on my shelf. By planning my logistics early and choosing the right international shipping partner, I managed to get a US-exclusive into my hands in Thailand without the typical stress of international commerce.
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