For many Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong, sending a balikbayan box is more than just shipping goods — it’s an act of love and sharing a piece of a family member’s experience abroad.
Whether it’s your first time to pack a balikbayan box or you’ve just arrived in Hong Kong, sending that box filled with items from abroad is one of the most meaningful ways to stay connected with your family back home.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sending a balikbayan box from Hong Kong, from choosing a courier to creative tips on packing your box that combines both love and practicality.
What Is a balikbayan box?
A balikbayan box is a large cardboard box sent by OFWs to their families in the Philippines. These boxes often contain clothes, canned goods, chocolates, toiletries, and even small appliances. There are also second-hand items that are still deemed useful in the Philippines.
The term balikbayan literally means “returning to the country,” and while it was originally used for returning migrants or vacationing Filipinos, the balikbayan box became a cultural tradition for Filipinos abroad, thus adopting its name.
Picking up your balikbayan box
If you’re a first-time sender in Hong Kong, don’t worry — the process of picking up and preparing your balikbayan box is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it typically works with most cargo forwarding companies.
By the way, thanks to the Balikbayan Box Law (Republic Act No. 10863), eligible Filipinos based abroad are entitled to send up to three tax-free balikbayan boxes per year, with a total value of up to P150,000.
There are well-known cargo forwarder that cater to OFWs in Hong Kong:
Types of boxes
Balikbayan boxes come in various sizes, so it’s best to choose based on how many items you’re planning to send. Most cargo companies offer boxes with dimensions up to around 24 inches x 24 inches, though exact measurements can vary slightly.
Common types are:
- Regular/Standard Box – ideal for clothes, small appliances, and toiletries
- Large or Jumbo Box – for bulkier items or multiple recipients
- Half Box or Mini Box – for lighter loads
Prices depend on the box size and delivery destination in the Philippines, but on average, rates range from HK$600 to HK$1,000. Always confirm pricing with your chosen cargo provider.
Schedule a delivery or self-pickup of boxes
Once you are in touch with a preferred cargo company, you have two options to receive the empty balikbayan boxes:
- Home delivery of empty box: Many companies offer free delivery of the box to your flat. Just give your name, address, and preferred time. While it is more convenient, it may take time for empty box to be delivered during busy periods so ask for estimated time of delivery or consider the other option.
- Self pick-up: You can also collect the box yourself from the company’s warehouse or collection point — often located in areas like Central, North Point, or Tsuen Wan.
When you receive the empty balikbayan box, you’ll typically be asked to pay a deposit — usually between HK$50 to HK$100. This amount is deducted later from your total shipping cost when your packed box is picked up.
Make sure to get a receipt or note of this payment, especially if you’re paying in cash.
When you receive the empty box, the courier usually provides a packing kit which includes the empty box, a tracking list (to write items in your shipment for customs), packing tape and box tracking labels.
Fill out your balikbayan box
Here’s where we get practical — and a little bit creative. Being in Hong Kong gives you access to quality items that your loved ones will treasure, so make every inch of your box count.
Prioritise practicality
In Hong Kong, it’s easy to be tempted by sale items at Sasa, Pricerite, or Aeon. But always ask yourself: “Will this be useful back home?” You don’t want to see your balikbayan items dumped in the corner because they are unusable.
Examples of good items to pack:
- Multipacks of toothpaste, shampoo, and bath soap (Watsons and Mannings)
- Shirts or pants (souvenir ones from Mong Kok or sale items at Giordano)
- Durable shoes from outlets like Nike or Adidas in Citygate
Shrinkwrap and resealable bags are your best friends
Make use of Hong Kong’s affordable Daiso or Japan Home Centre shops for vacuum bags, Ziplocks, and organizers. This will help:
- Compress clothes to save space
- Keep food items separate from toiletries
- Prevent leaks or spills
Group items for each recipient
Pack by person, not by category. This helps your family divide the contents easily and reduces squabbles among your folks back home!
Use reusable eco bags or labelled drawstring pouches:
- “Para kay Mama” — kitchen tools, skincare, comfy clothes
- “Para kay Bunso” — school supplies, toys, milk chocolate
- “Para sa Lolo” — massage oil, warm socks, sugar-free snacks
What not to include in your packing
There are prohibited items that can delay or stop your box from arriving. Avoid sending:
- Firearms or replica weapons
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Perishable items (fresh food, liquids)
- Pornographic material
- Large electronics like televisions (require taxes and permits)
Finishing up your balikbayan box packing
Before sealing your box, you must fill out a simple tracking list provided by the courier. This helps customs clear your box when it arrives in the Philippines. It includes the general description of items (e.g., 3 shirts, 5 lotions, 2 boxes of cookies), quantity and estimated value (no need to be exact).
Use the provided packing tape to seal the box tightly. For fragile items, use newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Fill empty spaces with soft items like towels or clothes. As the box is usually shipped by sea, make sure your content is safe from breakage that might occur during transit. Line the bottom of the box with towels or jackets for extra cushioning and support.
Label your box clearly with your full name and HK phone number and receiver’s complete name, Philippine address, and contact number.
Once your box is ready, book a pick-up with the cargo company. Many couriers offer weekend or evening pick-up schedules which is perfect for domestic helpers or workers on tight shifts. Alternatively, you can drop off the box at their office or warehouse, especially if you live nearby.
After your box is collected, the courier will issue:
- A final invoice, deducting the deposit already paid
- An official tracking number
- An estimated delivery time (usually 30 to 60 days depending on your destination, with Mindanao taking the longest time to arrive)
You can track your box online or via WhatsApp updates from your courier.
Once everything is done, inform your family in the Philippines. Share the tracking number so they can monitor the delivery and prepare for receiving the box.
Timing and schedules: when should you send a box?
Balikbayan boxes can take 30 to 60 days to arrive, depending on the forwarder and shipping method (air or sea). So, plan ahead:
- August to early October — for Christmas delivery
- March to May — for school opening season
- Before typhoon season — avoid delays due to weather
Avoid rushing during ber months if you want to skip the holiday backlog. And keep receipts of your transaction just in case!
A balikbayan box from Hong Kong is filled with hard work, patience, and love. For newcomers and first-time senders, don’t stress over how “big” your box is. What matters is the care and thought you put into it.
Every sachet of shampoo, every bar of chocolate, and every piece of clothing carries your hopes and longing for families from a distance. Whether you’re packing after your Sunday rest day or squeezing items between shifts, know that your efforts are deeply appreciated back home.
So go ahead, fill that box with care, seal it with love, and send a piece of your Hong Kong journey to the people who matter most.