HONG KONG TOY SHOPS

[sax5thave]

I'll be in HK for 4 days for a family vacation. Been there twice so this will be my third. Lotsa toy shops there with price to beat. Last time I've been there though was 6 years ago. Does anyone know of toy shops worth going to? I can pay them a visit and post some photos of my find for you guys.

Anthony

[Heer]

The biggest hong kong model store is in Mong Kok. The store is called UML. I've lived in Hong Kong for years, but UML is one of the newer hobby stores. They had a large selection of toys, model kits, dragon wings and dragon armor. Their prices are not too competitive though, compared to other small hobby stores.Hope you have fun and really looking forward to the pics.

[Jesse James]

Hey Heer,

In general, what kind of prices do HK toy shops have? Like conmpared to the states I mean.

[Heer]

Hey sax,

First of all, HK do not have sales tax on toys, so the price you see on the price tag is the price you are going to pay. UML, which stands for Universal Hobbies Limited, has about 3 hobby stores scattered throughout HK. The biggest is in Mong Kok. A 1/72 diecast dragon armor tank is about 100-140 HK dollars. That's about 10-13 US dollars and without shipping . However, there are mant lesser known hobby shops that have old and rare models for a considerably cheaper price, because the owners know nothing about their value. There is a toys tore in Causeway Bay that sells cheap and rare models, but I forgot the name. I will have to dig it out.

[[CAT]CplSlade]

If you happen to come across an old Aurora 1/32 B-25 kit for super cheap I'll pay you back plus whatever the shipping comes to.

[sax5thave]

If you happen to come across an old Aurora 1/32 B-25 kit for super cheap I'll pay you back plus whatever the shipping comes to.

Send me a photo so I can print it and use it for reference.


Thanks Heer! Yeah I'm familiar with Mong Kok since I often hang out there when I'm in HK. I'll look for that store. There are hole in the wall stores on the other side of kawloon when you take the ferry. I will have to do a lot of walking here. As for the photos, I'm pretty sure I can take photos of the outside but will ask if they allow it inside the store. Here is a link I found on the net which will give the rest of you an idea what is in store when one goes on a toy hunt.

http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/foru ... php?t=6686

Work your way on the links provided in the thread.

@JJ .. HK prices are like Walmart prices on sale and then some. It's actually the variety that will astound you. One time I went into a store no bigger than a kiosk. They had 1/6 loose stuff scattered and plastered everywhere and you just pick em up and total the price, then haggle. I would often use a calculator to communicate with them since they don't speak English. Compared to the Philippines ( colonized by the US for half a century) I find it odd since they have been a British colony for over 100 years.

[Heer]

Oh, yeah, you definatly need to go to toyzone in Causeway Bay. They have a website. Seriously, toyzone is a treasure trove for toy cars (I collect Tomica cars ) and for dragon armor. I must warn you however, that UMl sells mostly dragon. They have no hobby master or other lesser known brands. UML has all the new stuff, but not the old stuff. I am a member of UML, so each time I go back I get a discount.

BTW will you be staying in a hotel? If you are it's not cheap at all . I have friends there so I stay with them.

[Jesse James]

I'd love to go experience this great toy blowout they have going on overseas... I have friends with shops and things, but haven't ever experienced it really. When they sell stuff though, it's just a glorious toy buying frenzy.

[sax5thave]

True, HK ain't cheap when it comes to creature comforts and so is America when I go there. My family and I will be staying at Shamrock along Nathan right along the MTR. This trip is actually a gift from my sister for my two daughters who aced in their class. I'm already fixated on anything 1/18 and 1/6 military with a few 1/72 planes in the mix and an RC tank.

[sax5thave]

I'd love to go experience this great toy blowout they have going on overseas... I have friends with shops and things, but haven't ever experienced it really. When they sell stuff though, it's just a glorious toy buying frenzy.

Toy binge in China or HK is a must for collectors. It's amazing how much and many you can buy with your $100. The night markets alone is worth the time. Specially if you are into exotic Asian adventure/travel which I am not.. ( I'm Asian ). Maybe that's why I enjoy watching Bordain and Zimmer of the food channel when they go to Asia.

[Heer]

I'm Asian too ! I personally lived in HK for many years and loved it there. Housing is extremely expensive in HK. However, the food is great. I'm not talking about 5 -star restaurants, but stinky tofu, fish balls, and cow stomach, all for 20 HK dollars!!

[sax5thave]

I'm Asian too ! I personally lived in HK for many years and loved it there. Housing is extremely expensive in HK. However, the food is great. I'm not talking about 5 -star restaurants, but stinky tofu, fish balls, and cow stomach, all for 20 HK dollars!!

Hahaha. I'll pass on those street food. I always end up eating at Yoshinoya, Mcdonalds and Jolibee since I'm Asian with a very western palate. But maybe I'll try the street noodles this time.

[[CAT]CplSlade]

Hahaha. I'll pass on those street food. I always end up eating at Yoshinoya, Mcdonalds and Jolibee since I'm Asian with a very western palate. But maybe I'll try the street noodles this time.

C'mon, be brave. Zimmern would do it in a heartbeat, especially if you offer him testicles.