Let’s face it, Manila isn’t a great place to be if you’re a J-pop fan. Unlike Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even Bangkok — where CD stores regularly supply J-pop CDs to local fans, collectors in Manila have no choice but to go online for their JE or HAIKARA fix.
We all have our favorite online CD stores, but my quest to fill in gaps in my collection has led me to narrow the field down to three excellent sources: HMV, CD JAPAN, and YES ASIA. In order to help you pick and purchase from the retailer that suits your needs best, I’ve selected three bases of criteria and will rank each store on their performance in each field.
Price
While all stores maintain a comparative price level (just USD 1 or 2 above or below each others prices), I think the store with the best deals for the lowly Philippine Peso is HMV. HMV quotes their prices in JPY and not in USD, giving you a slight edge over the generally nasty conversion rates credit card companies impose on the US dollar. It will also help you when you have your parcel taxed by customs, since their JPY conversion is likewise low compare to the US dollar.
Availability
Of the three stores, CD Japan has the most extensive selection of J-pop CDs and DVDs. While some might contend that YES ASIA has a bigger inventory, some of these merchandise are actually Chinese or Korean. HMV on the other hand does not have a large selection of older CDs and DVDs, so it’s not a good place to look for items that are not more recently released.
Shipping
Of the three stores, YES ASIA is the only one to offer free shipping, and this is a great deal in more ways than one. Sure, both HMV and CD JAPAN offer safe and secure EMS and courier shipping, but sometimes SAL can be good too, especially if you’re trying to save money or if you’re attempting to dodge the tax man 😀 I’ve never lost a parcel via free shipping, and when a friend got hers lost in the mail, YES ASIA replaced the item within four to six weeks.
Some Words on Safe Credit Card Use
All three stores accept payment via credit card. When ordering from them, never do it in a public terminal like an Internet rental shop or a free-access Wi-Fi connection. You do not know if keyloggers have been installed in the computer, or if someone is monitoring the Wi-Fi signal, in order to steal your credit card number.
If the service asks for you to scan the card front and back for confirmation, always remember to block out the security pin (which is usually three numbers located somewhere on the back of your card). This is so it cannot be used by other people in case they manage to break into your e-mail account.
Last but not least, always check if the address bar displays the correct URL and not a fake redirect, and that the payment screen is secured by HTTPS. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry. Good luck and have fun shopping online!
JPOP Manila 
Nice entry, in my own experience I mostly buy my stuffs at HMV Japan, they offer great deals not to mention better discounts for online members as well as member’s points. I also buy from Amazon Japan pricing are the same as HMV Japan but the packaging cost a bit more (FedEx), mostly I buy magazines or things that are not available at HMV Japan. For box sets I go for YesAsia since they always declare the amount of my packages “USD 5 to 15” to avoid paying custom duties and taxes.
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hi sean — you’re right, i have to say that i likewise favor HMV above all stores i mentioned. it’s really the great currency exchange rate that clinches it for me.
let’s keep our fingers crossed that the customs office no longer taxes us for our orders, since the customs dues on books and magazines has been lifted by the office of the president 🙂
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Thanks for posting this! Next time I will try ordering from HMV. You and Rjene (I am not sure if you remember her) both have praises for HMV and I’d love to buy from them within the next couple of months. I’d wait for my order from Yes Asia first.
Lovely guide. I’d link to it from my blog 🙂
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thanks, clair — just glad to help 🙂
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You can get jpop and jrock songs downloaded to your computer instantly if you buy from the Japanese iTunes store. You can get a prepaid card at Jpopmp3s.com. They guarantee delivery of the card code in less than 24 hours. I actually got mine in 10 minutes once. Another time it was 6 hours. I guess it depends on what time of the day you order.
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that’s another avenue to explore, but for collectors who like to have the physical albums like myself purchasing from a store is still a better option. also, AFAIK (although i could be wrong 😀 ) iTUNES JAPAN blocks IP addresses from the philippines so even if we did purchase the download card, we wouldn’t be able to use it.
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hi, do you know how long does SAL usually take? I ordered from CDJapan 2 weeks ago and they shipped it on Jan 13. I’m kinda worried that it might end up in customs.
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give it another two weeks or so — SAL is very unpredictable because the speed of the shipment depends whether or not a large cargo vessel makes the journey from japan to the philippines.
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really 2 more weeks??? oh well.
How about air mail? I changed my latest order from SAL to air mail because I was getting impatient. Is there any chance that I my package will end up in customs even if I use air mail?
and thanks for the fast reply. I’m glad I discovered your site.
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unfortunately, air mail parcels have a higher risk of being taxed by the customs office than SAL packages. you may get your parcel faster, but you’ll be taking a chance with the taxman — good luck 🙂
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I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. My order is less than $50 so I hope I don’t get taxed; but if I do, I might have to just go back to buying from Yesasia. Thanks for all the help!
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no worries — i hope you get your parcel soon 🙂
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I just got a notice from the post office that I need to pick up a package. Whether my package was sent through SAL or air mail, do I always have to pick it up there?
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yes — all registered packages whether sent by air or by sea need to be picked up and signed off at your local post office.
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I didn’t know that. I guess Yesasia is actually kinda better since they deliver it to my home. Thanks!
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This was very useful, thanks! So I was wondering, for EMS, does it get sent straight to my place? How do you know anyway if it’s going to be taxed; do they send a notice to my house?
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if you’re lucky yes, the parcel will be sent straight to your house with just the PhP 35 releasing fee. otherwise, you will receive a postcard notice saying that you have to pick up your parcel in pasay and pay the levied taxes.
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I live in USA. I’m planning to buy some dvds and use my US currency credit card for HMV. Will the payment be automatically converted from dollars to yen? Are there any fees? If so, does it follow the current exchange rate?
Sorry I just asked a lot of questions…
Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance! 🙂
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yes, your card will be charged the USD equivalent of the JPY amount, based on that day’s conversion rates as followed by your issuing bank or financial institution.
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Oh, Ok 🙂 Maraming Salamat!
Gulong-gulo ako doon sa HMV. T^T
Maraming salamat talaga!
Wish I could go back and visit Philippines someday for J-related events. (off topic)
Pretty nice site 🙂
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try mo toggle yung language settngs ng HMV — the site has both a japanese and an english version 🙂 good luck at sana magkita tayo sa pinas balang araw 🙂
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Yeah, I did that. I was just worried na baka may hidden fees pag nag-exchange ng currency.
Anyways,
Thank you soo much! 🙂
Haha XD Sure why not?
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I purchased 3 CDs from YesAsia totalling $49.97 (I availed their free standard shipping). It was shipped on May 31, and it arrived just this afternoon, June 3, delivered at my doorstep by the postman. I can’t believe it took only 3 days! LOL And I also didn’t pay any tax or storage fee (because it was delivered directly to my house). Am I lucky or what?
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lol u guess the USD 0.03 saved your ass 😀 shipments under USD 50 are less likely to be taxed than larger parcels. congratulations!
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hey there..it’s my first time buying from HMV ^^ and i am not sure if the order i made was successful .. I mean they send a confirmation mail right? Can someone tell me how long does it take for them to send a confirmation mail ? *worried* Usually in other stored i get to see something like ‘your transaction was successful’ when i pay.. But in HMV after clicking ‘purchase’ ..i ..am not sure if it went out successfully ~
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check the inbox of the e-mail address you used to register an account with HMV. your invoice should have been sent to you within minutes of purchase. if none can be found, your transaction probably did not go through and you need to place your order all over again.
if you’re not comfortable with that option, you can e-mail HMV support to check the status of your order before you make another order — just in case to prevent double booking your purchase.
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okay thanks a lot! I will mail them and ask (._.) *nervous*
a friend told me HMV takes time to send an invoice ..even about even two days ! so that’s why i wanted to make sure…
But just saying…. unlike CD Japan , i think orders in HMV can be canceled . I’m glad they have that option ^ ^’
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i also like the fact that they charge their customers in JPY not USD — much better for credit card exchange rates 🙂
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well I just sent them a message through the ‘help’ section asking about the order.. I hope i get a reply.. if i don’t ..umm..i don’t know .. I’ll order again after a few days from HMV . I really need that CD so I’m worried 😦
If things work out well then I will buy from HMV in future ..otherwise I’ll just stick to CD Japan..
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i contacted HMV and yes 🙂 everything is okay now ~
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brilliant! i hope everything goes smoothly now 🙂
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CDJapan is offering Fedex shipping now.
It looks like it will be cheaper than their EMS if you have a lot of items in one shipping.
Any chance of escaping customs charges?
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lol 100% taxation on FEDEX items — the courier pays for your customs charges first and then asks you to reimburse them for it, otherwise they will not release your parcel.
i learned this the hard way via PLAY ASIA >.>
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it happens all the time!? no chance of customs letting it some packages pass?
but where do I pick up the parcel in case I miss the delivery?
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yes, especially if the parcel originated from an online retailer.
FEDEX will keep trying to contact you until the delivery is made.
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I was kinda hoping that it would be random like EMS.
How does DPEX do it anyway? I receive my Yesasia items through them and they don’t seem to charge any customs tax.
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YESASIA ships via SAL — by cargo ship, and usually those are not taxed as severely as parcels that cam in by air freight like EMS, unless it’s a high volume order like idk 100 units of whatever~
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I’m confused. Isn’t DPEX sort of similar to FEDEX? I get a tracking number a few days after they ship my parcel.
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DPEX is like OCS — used by some japanese online shops, which send huge boxes of stuff that hold smaller boxes of individually shipped parcels by cargo ship, and then the smaller parcels are sent via land to the recipient. so yes, it is a courier service, but no not like FEDEX which relies mainly on air cargo.
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if i choose SAL, will it be delivered directly to my house? i’m a bit hesitant to buy online ’cause i’m not sure if it’s safe. 🙂
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oops — sorry monica i missed your comment. SAL shipments are either delivered to your home or need to be picked up from your local post office.
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could you tell me where I can find IPMO here in our country? Sadly, I don’t have credit card and it is too pricey for me to order from other Filipino seller. I hope you could help me. Thank you!
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they can be obtained from the main branch of the post office, or the central post office of a large city like makati, quezon city, etc.
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Hello po! I’d like to ask if you have any experience buying from Play-asia? I’m considering buying from this site. But I don’t really know anyone who has experience buying from the said site. >.< Thanks!
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yes, i’ve purchased from play-asia before. they are very reliable, and offer a number of shipping options for shoppers.
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Uhm. Have you ever tried their free shipping po? I’m planning on buying something and it qualifies for free shipping eh. I’ve heard stories kasi na super late dumating yung orders nila. Do you have any experience on availing the free shipping? Thanks!
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Hi! I’m planning to buy Japanese cds for the first time; the total cost is $66.74 (SNSD and AKB48 cds =)) So its over $50, meaning I’ll be taxed by customs? What kind of shipping wold you recommend? Is there a way for my goods to be delivered directly to my house? It seems that yesasia gets the best feedback from the comments so far. Based on the prices in terms of yen: cdjapan: 5047 yen; hmv: 5120 yen; yesasia: 5495 yen. Thanks!
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Hi I would like to ask if how much ung sinisingil ng FEDEX? for the tax~
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apologies for the late replies~
@mika: yes we’ve tried their free shipping before, but it takes forever to reach you, and we’ve already lost one item that way.
@roy: whatever shipping method you pick you will be taxed, it’s just a matter of how much. if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of picking up your parcel from the EM depot, go with FEDEX. and although YES ASIA has the best feedback based on the comments, i personally prefer HMV.
@yla: sample customs calculations can be found here.
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hello. what i want to ask is about the condition of the cds.
i know that from cd japan their condition is perfect, they have no scratches whatsoever. i have ordered from yesasia once, the cd was in a perfect condition too.
i have never tried hmv and i am thinking about trying it now, but, what about the condition of the cds? i really want them to look perfect and not have any scratches on them at all. i reeeally want them to be perfect.
since you’ve used that site so much, can you tell me about it?
thank you in advance.
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CDs purchased from HMV are new and sealed in plastic when they arrive in their shipping boxes 🙂
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i bought cd from CDJapan and use AIRMAIL as Shipping method, its been 3weeks, should i go to the postoffice in pasay?
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The Central Dispatch at Pasay is only for EMS parcels; airmail parcels go to a different depot.
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ahh, thanks for replying (y)
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Hi! I’m planning on purchasing from HMV, and it’s around 4500 yen, I’m wondering if I will get taxed (the scary way, like Php500+ and up)? I’d like to hear based from your experience, since you’ve had transactions with HMV before. Thanks in advance! 🙂
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That’s less than USD 50 so you should be safe 🙂 Still, there’s a slim chance that you’ll be taxed, so I wish you the bext of luck!
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Hello, I ordered 3 CDs from CD Japan yesterday. And I chose SAL as my shipping method. I’m from the Philippines. Where will my package be delivered? And if it doesn’t arrive in a week, how long would it usually arrive?
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SAL is really slow — anywhere from two to eight weeks 😦 Just be patient and make regular follow up calls to your local post office. Good luck!
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Alright, thanks! 🙂
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Back again, hi. I don’t really mind slow shipments since they help me save my money while I wait. How long would air mail take (assuming they take longer than 4-12 days)? And how much tax will be added?
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EMS is three days, standard air mail is five to eight.
Here is a link to a customs tax calculation matrix.
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Thanks again. 🙂
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Hi, my order from CDJapan worth 3000 yen was shipped lasr Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. Mga kelan ko kaya makuha to? First time ko lang mag order at iship via EMS. Sana lang ideliver sa bahay ko, at wag namang itax ng customs.
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EMS takes a minimum of three days to a maximum of two weeks. If your package was not delivered in 14 days, contact your post office and check up on the release of your parcel. Good luck!
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Thank you po for replying. According sa japanpost tracking number, it arrive in manila today at 1pm. So, I’m giving them till Friday to have it deliver in my place. Pagwala puntahan ko na lang po ba sa EMS Pasay?
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Hi po, uhm kapag po ba sa cdjapan or Hmv ako bumili, straight to my house po ba yung delivery or do i have to pick it up sa Customs or post office?
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Hi question, anyone try to purchase using paypal or globe virtual AMEX in cdJapan. i try both of this but no luck.
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Sorry, I only use Visa and Mastercard so I can’t help you with the AMEX issue 😦
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