I saved a lot of money by ordering my LEGO Icons Retro Radio from the US instead of buying in Hong Kong
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Why the LEGO Icons Retro Radio is all over my feed
I have been seeing the LEGO Icons Retro Radio (10334) everywhere since it dropped. It is not just another brick set; it is a functional-style piece of art that looks exactly like a 1970s transistor radio. We are talking about a working tuning dial and a sound brick that plays actual tunes. For a hobbyist like me living in a small Hong Kong apartment, it is the perfect aesthetic piece that doesn't take up too much space.
The problem I noticed early in 2026 is that the stock levels in Hong Kong are incredibly inconsistent. Whenever a local shop gets them, they are either gone in minutes or the price is marked up by 30% or more. I decided to see if I could find a better way to get my hands on one without paying the local premium.
My realization about Hong Kong versus US pricing
A lot of my friends told me that shipping a box from America would be too expensive and that I should just wait for a local restock. I used to believe that too. However, after looking at the prices on the US LEGO Shop and Amazon, I saw the set listed at the standard retail price. Even with shipping costs, the total came out lower than what resellers in Mong Kok were asking for.
I also realized that when you shop US store sites directly, you get access to VIP points and exclusive promos that we often miss out on here. I decided to use comGateway to handle the logistics because they provide a tax-free US address in Oregon, which saved me from paying US sales tax on top of the purchase price.
Shipping estimates for your package
To help you figure out if this is worth it for you, I put together some rough estimates based on my own experience. You can always use the shipping calculator to get a more precise number for your specific location.
| Metric | Estimate |
| Box Weight | Approx. 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
| Box Dimensions | Medium (Approx. 15" x 10" x 3") |
| Volumetric Warning | LEGO boxes are notoriously light but can be bulky. Always check if your freight forwarder offers repacking to minimize empty space. |
| Battery Check | This set contains a 'Sound Brick'. These typically use small button cell batteries (LR41/LR44). These are generally permitted for international shipping, but it is always good to check the FAQ for the latest 2026 air safety rules. |
How I used a package forwarder to shop US stores
The process was much simpler than I expected. Once I signed up for my account, I got a dedicated address to use at checkout. I simply placed my order on the US LEGO site and waited for the notification that my package had arrived at the warehouse. Since I wanted to see the international shipping rates upfront, I checked their dashboard to compare different speeds.
I chose a standard shipping option for my Hong Kong delivery, and it arrived at my doorstep in about 6 business days. If you have questions about how the consolidation works, the support team is usually very responsive. I found that combining this with a few other small items made the shipping fees per item even lower.
Import rules for Hong Kong in 2026
One of the best things about being in Hong Kong is the lack of heavy import duties on toys and hobby items. Unlike many other countries, we do not have a GST or VAT to worry about for these kinds of consumer goods. This is a huge advantage when you buy from US ship to Hong Kong.
If you are worried about paperwork, don't be. Most of the customs clearance is handled by the carrier. You might also like to check out our guide on import tax if you are planning to buy higher-value electronics or luxury items, but for this LEGO radio, it was a breeze. We really have it easy here when it comes to bringing in cool stuff from overseas.
Overall, my experience was great. I got a pristine box, the official US version of the set, and I didn't have to hunt through crowded shops in Sham Shui Po. If you have been on the fence about the Retro Radio, I highly recommend looking at the US stores first.
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