Why Are the Best Year of the Horse Ray-Bans Hiding in US Stores?

The 2026 Hype: What Makes the Year of the Horse Collection So Different?

As we gallop further into 2026, the zodiac-themed releases are reaching a fever pitch. But nothing has quite captured the attention of Hong Kong collectors like the Ray-Ban Year of the Horse Collection. Unlike previous iterations, this year's design leans into a sleek, avant-garde aesthetic that balances traditional symbolism with high-tech materials.

The collection features distinctive horse-hair texture engravings on the temples and a unique "Amber Gallop" lens tint that is supposedly exclusive to this run. While some pieces have appeared in local boutiques in Tsim Sha Tsui, the most exclusive colorways—including the matte titanium frame variant—seem to be localized strictly for the North American market. This has left many in Hong Kong wondering if they are missing out on the true centerpiece of the collection.

Why Your Best Bet is Shopping in the USA

It is a common secret among seasoned shoppers: US retailers often receive higher stock allocations and wider variety for limited edition drops. For the 2026 Year of the Horse series, US-based stores like Nordstrom, Sunglass Hut, and even the official Ray-Ban US site are offering customization options that aren't available elsewhere.

However, the hurdle has always been the same: many of these stores do not offer direct shipping to Hong Kong, or if they do, the costs are astronomical. This is where a us package forwarding service becomes a game changer. By using a local US address, you bypass the restrictions and often gain access to "US-only" promotional codes that can save you a significant amount on the initial purchase.

The 'Lazy Method' for Shipping to Hong Kong

If the thought of filling out customs declarations and coordinating international couriers makes you want to close your browser, you are in luck. The "Lazy Method" involves letting a professional freight forwarder handle the heavy lifting. Instead of navigating the complexities of international logistics, you simply ship your Ray-Bans to a provided tax-free us address.

Once your package arrives at the warehouse, comGateway notifies you. From there, it is a single click to send it to your doorstep in Hong Kong. This process eliminates the need to communicate with US sellers about international shipping policies. You shop as if you lived in the United States, and the logistics experts handle the rest.

Why Choose This Specific Route?

Using a dedicated international shipping service ensures that your luxury eyewear is handled with care. Ray-Bans are delicate, and the Year of the Horse collector's box is just as valuable as the glasses themselves. Professional forwarders provide repacking services to ensure the box isn't crushed during its journey across the Pacific.

No Math Required: Estimating Your Shipping

One of the biggest anxieties of shopping from the USA is the "hidden cost" of shipping. You don't want to buy a pair of $300 sunglasses only to find out the shipping is another $100. To avoid any surprises, you should use a shipping calculator before you hit the 'buy' button.

By inputting the estimated weight of the Ray-Ban package (usually around 0.5kg to 1kg depending on the case), you can estimate shipping cost to Hong Kong instantly. This allows you to see exactly how much you are saving compared to buying the limited edition frames at a local markup.

The Truth About Hong Kong Import Rules in 2026

Hong Kong remains one of the most friendly cities for international shoppers. As of January 2026, Hong Kong continues to be a free port. This means that for most consumer goods, including sunglasses, there are no import duties or GST/VAT levied by the government.

However, it is always wise to stay informed. Check our guide on customs tax if you plan on ordering more than just eyewear, such as alcohol or tobacco, which are subject to different rules. For your Ray-Bans, you can generally expect a smooth transit through customs with zero additional tax payments required upon arrival.

What if the US Store Rejects My Credit Card?

Occasionally, US stores implement strict payment security that rejects credit cards issued outside of the United States. This can be a frustrating roadblock for Hong Kong residents. If you find yourself in this situation, you don't have to give up on your Year of the Horse collection.

The BuyForMe service (also known as proxy shopping) is designed for exactly this scenario. You simply provide the link to the sunglasses you want, and the service makes the purchase on your behalf using a US payment method. It is the ultimate extension of the "Lazy Method"—you don't even have to use your own credit card on the retailer's site.

The Five-Minute Setup for Your New Shades

If you are ready to secure your 2026 Ray-Bans, here is the simplified workflow:

• Sign Up: Get your US address from a parcel forwarding service.
• Shop: Visit US retailers and use your new tax-free address at checkout.
• Calculate: Use the shipping calculator to plan your budget.
• Relax: Wait for the notification that your package has arrived at the US warehouse.
• Ship: Choose your preferred international shipping speed and wait for your delivery in HK.

The Year of the Horse only comes around once every twelve years. Don't settle for the leftovers in the local mall when you can easily source the premium US exclusives with zero paperwork and maximum efficiency.