I found out that a US credit card isn't actually necessary for the Hirono US-Exclusive

The Hype Surrounding Hirono 'The Other One'

As a dedicated collector in Manila, I’ve been following Lang’s work with Hirono since the very first series. When Pop Mart announced the Pop Mart x Hirono 'The Other One' US-Exclusive Vinyl Figure in early 2026, I knew I had to have it. This specific release is a 'Rising Star' item, meaning it was produced in limited quantities exclusively for the US webstore. Collectors globally, especially in China and Southeast Asia, have been scrambling to find a way to get this piece because it captures that signature Hirono melancholy in a way we haven't seen before.

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I initially thought that being in the Philippines meant I would have to pay triple the price to resellers. I assumed that since the store was US-only, there was no way for me to access it directly. However, I discovered that using a freight forwarder with a tax-free us address makes the process surprisingly straightforward.

Why My Philippine Credit Card Failed at Pop Mart US

My first attempt to buy the Hirono figure was a disaster. Like many US-based retailers such as Nike, Sephora, or Apple, the Pop Mart US store often implements strict security filters. I tried using my local BPI and GCash cards, but the orders were instantly cancelled. These stores frequently block international credit cards or flag addresses that they recognize as commercial warehouses.

I was worried that my chance to own 'The Other One' was gone. This is a common frustration for us in the Philippines. We see a 'Shop US Store' button, but the checkout page becomes a brick wall. I even tried a VPN, but the payment gateway still recognized my card's billing country.

The BuyForMe Solution for US Exclusives

This is where I learned about the BuyForMe service. Instead of me struggling with my local card, I asked comGateway to act as my proxy shopping agent. With this assisted purchase, they use a US-based domestic card to buy the item on my behalf.

I found this to be the safest way to guarantee that my order didn't get cancelled by the Pop Mart system. They handled the transaction, and the figure was sent directly to my personal suite in their Oregon warehouse. If you are tired of seeing "Order Cancelled" emails, I highly recommend checking out their BuyForMe service to save yourself the headache.

Estimated Shipping Costs and Box Details

Before I committed to the purchase, I wanted to know exactly what I was getting into regarding international shipping rates. I used the shipping calculator to get a ballpark figure. Here is what I found for a single Hirono 'The Other One' figure:

I always suggest checking the latest shipping fees before checking out, especially if you plan on adding more blind boxes to your shipment to maximize the international shipping cost.

Understanding Philippine Import Rules

I used to be terrified of import duties. In the Philippines, we have the De Minimis rule. As of 2026, if your total shipment value (including shipping and insurance) is under PHP 10,000, you are generally exempt from customs tax. Since the Hirono exclusive figure is priced well below this threshold, I didn't have to worry about extra import tax at the border.

If you are planning a larger haul, you might also like to read our guide on how to consolidate packages to manage your GST/VAT exposure effectively.

My Step-by-Step Guide to Buying from the US

If you want to replicate my success, here is the step-by-step guide I followed:

• I signed up for a comGateway account to get my own tax-free US mailing address.
• I went to the Pop Mart US webstore and found the Hirono 'The Other One' listing.
• Because I knew my card would fail, I went to the BuyForMe service section and pasted the product link.
• I paid comGateway, and they secured the figure before it sold out.
• Once the figure arrived at my US address, I received a notification.
• I chose my preferred delivery speed and paid the international shipping rates to Manila.

The how it works page on their site explains this in even more detail if you are a first-timer. If you ever get stuck, their FAQ and help center are very responsive to support queries.

I realized that the biggest barrier wasn't the distance or the cost, but simply knowing which tools to use. My Hirono collection is now one 'Exclusive' richer, and I didn't have to beg a friend in the US to help me out.