Think Those Rare US Pop Mart Labubus are Out of Reach for Aussies? You’ve Been Looking at the Wrong Map

The Labubu Phenomenon: Why 2026 is the Year of the Monster

If you have walked through the streets of Melbourne or Sydney lately, you have likely seen a mischievous, serrated-toothed rabbit-like creature dangling from backpacks and keychains. This is Labubu, the breakout star of Kasing Lung’s "The Monsters" series, produced by Pop Mart. As we move through 2026, the obsession has only intensified. What started as a niche designer toy has evolved into a global cultural currency.

Labubu’s appeal lies in the perfect blend of "ugly-cute" aesthetics and the thrill of the blind box. In 2026, the rarity of certain editions—especially those released exclusively in the North American market—has turned these vinyl figures into high-stakes collectibles. For the Australian collector, however, the excitement often turns to frustration when the most coveted drops are restricted to US zip codes.

Correcting the Myth: Why US Stores Aren't Actually Off-Limits

There is a common misconception among Australian hobbyists that if a US retailer doesn’t offer international shipping to AU, the item is simply unattainable. Many collectors believe they must wait for local Australian distributors to receive stock—which is often delayed by months—or resort to paying exorbitant markups on the secondary market. This is a myth that needs correcting.

The truth is that geographic boundaries in e-commerce are largely artificial. By using comGateway, Australians can access a dedicated US shipping address. This allows you to shop at the US Pop Mart official store or other major US retailers as if you were living in a loft in New York, effectively bypassing the "We do not ship to your country" barrier that stops so many others.

Why Australian Collectors are Looking Toward the United States

You might wonder why it is worth the effort to shop from the US when there are Pop Mart outlets in Australia. The answer comes down to three factors: Variety, Volume, and Exclusives.

• Exclusive Collaborations: US-based artists often collaborate on limited editions that are never slated for an Australian release.
• Stock Availability: Because the US market is significantly larger, they often receive higher stock allocations of popular series like the "Labubu Flip with Me" or "Exciting Macarons" sets.
• Pricing Dynamics: Even with the currency conversion from USD to AUD, the base price in the US is often lower than the heavily taxed retail price in Australian brick-and-mortar stores.

The Logistics Lifeline: How a Reliable Package Forwarder Works

Once you’ve realized that US stores are accessible, the next hurdle is getting the physical item across the Pacific. This is where a reliable package forwarder becomes essential. A forwarder doesn’t just give you an address; they act as your logistics hub in the States.

When your Labubu order arrives at the US warehouse, you are notified. From there, you can choose to ship it immediately or consolidate it with other purchases from different stores to save on international costs. This level of control is vital for collectors who are hunting multiple figures across different platforms. If you ever feel lost, you can always check the FAQ section for detailed guidance on how the process works.

Overcoming Checkout Hurdles with the BuyForMe Service

Sometimes, the barrier isn't shipping—it’s the payment. Some US online stores are notorious for rejecting international credit cards or PayPal accounts registered outside of the United States. It is a frustrating experience to have a rare Labubu in your cart, only for the transaction to fail at the final second.

To solve this, you can utilize the BuyForMe service. With this assisted purchase option, the forwarder buys the item on your behalf using a local US payment method. You simply tell them what you want, pay the forwarder, and they handle the rest. It’s the ultimate "set and forget" strategy for securing high-demand drops before they sell out.

Calculating the Investment: Shipping to Australia Without the Shock

Shipping from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere can be expensive if you don't plan ahead. One of the biggest mistakes collectors make is not accounting for the weight and dimensions of the packaging. While a single Labubu blind box is light, the protective shipping boxes used by retailers can add bulk.

Before you commit to a purchase, use a shipping calculator to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved. This tool allows you to input the dimensions of your expected haul and see the rates for shipping from USA to Australia. Knowing these numbers upfront prevents "sticker shock" when it’s time to send your monsters home.

Navigating Australian Customs and Prohibited Items

Australia has some of the strictest customs regulations in the world. While vinyl toys like Labubu are generally safe, it is always wise to stay informed about prohibited items and restricted goods. For example, if you are buying a Labubu-themed electronic gadget or something containing specific liquids or magnets, it could face delays.

Furthermore, remember the Australian GST rules. For goods valued under AUD $1,000, GST is typically collected at the point of sale or by the forwarder. For items over $1,000, you may be liable for additional duties and processing fees upon arrival. Being aware of these 2026 regulations ensures your package doesn't get stuck in a customs warehouse in Sydney or Perth.

Your Step-by-Step Blueprint for a US Labubu Haul

Ready to start your international collection? Follow this simple workflow to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Register: Sign up for a free US address through a forwarder.
2. Shop: Visit the US Pop Mart store or retailers like Mindzai or Myplasticheart. Use your new US suite address at checkout.
3. Track: Wait for the notification that your Labubu has arrived at the US warehouse.
4. Consolidate: If you have multiple orders, combine them to reduce the volumetric weight.
5. Ship: Choose your preferred shipping speed to Australia and pay the international freight.

By following this method, you are no longer at the mercy of local stockists. You have the same access as any collector in Los Angeles or Chicago, bringing the whimsical world of Labubu directly to your Australian doorstep in record time.