A Reliable Shop in Central to Print, Photocopy, & Buy Stationery
As someone who thought it was a good idea to purchase a new printer each year in university, only to never once use said printer, I know how important it is to have ‘outside options’ to take care of all your printing and photocopying needs.
Even in my mid-thirties, I don’t own a printer. Why would I need to in one of the world’s most convenient cities? I don’t have any mid-term papers to turn in, fraternity flyers to print, or past exams to photocopy. Hong Kong is a city of convenience where everything I need is generally within a 5 to 10-minute walk and available most hours of the day.
However, when I need a reliable print and photocopy shop in Hong Kong, mainly for visa renewal and accounting errands, I head down to Wellington Street in Central. It’s a spot that I’ve been using since I first moved to Hong Kong in 2012 and it has never steered me wrong.
This post isn’t just for those who live in Hong Kong but also for businesspersons, tourists, and other people who might find themselves in a situation requiring urgent printing services (ex. A visa application or prenuptial agreement after a long night in Wan Chai).
Here is my go-to print shop and stationery store in Hong Kong.
Pale Ale Travel Note: If you are a parent in Hong Kong, I imagine it’s probably best to own a printer as it will save you a lot of headaches and hassle in the long run.
Sum Kee Book Store: an Immovable Stationery Store on Wellington
Printers, photocopies, and stationery for days.
Website, Address, & Details: N/A
- Location: 150 Wellington St, Central
- Notes: Closed Sunday
Important: Do not confuse Sum Kee Book Store with Sam Kee Book Co. in Fortress Hill, as this is a common (incorrect) result when you search online.
Honestly, I’m unable to confirm the origins of Sum Kee Book Store on Wellington Street in Central but from everything I’ve gathered, it’s been open longer than I have been alive (albeit bouncing between a few locations).
I first discovered Sum Kee in my early days in Hong Kong when I was a graduate student, in dire need of printing and photocopying for papers, tests, and everything in between.
It’s a no-nonsense, jack-of-all-trades shop that’s easily identifiable by its metallic shopfront sign etched with red Chinese lettering and faded blue English lettering (almost completely) underneath. Look for something like the picture I took above and you’re in business.
To print, simply email Sum Kee the documents that you need printed (centralsumkee@yahoo.com.hk or centralsumkee@hotmail.com) and head to the back of the shop where the printing maestro will take care of you. And, it’s extremely affordable.
Don’t quote me on prices but it’s generally no more than HK$1 or HK$2 per page (black and white) and costs me no more than HK$10 to HK$20 for most document printing hauls I need. Color printing is, of course, available as well.
A small but stacked stationery shop.
You’ll find business cards right at the entrance with the appropriate email address to send your documents. Sum Kee staff have always been incredibly helpful anytime I’ve needed anything specific, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Stationery is everywhere as well. From more types of pens and pencils than you can shake a stick at to notebooks, markers, binders, multidiver tabs, post-it notes, and more. You name it, they have it.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking for other practical tips about traveling to or living in Hong Kong? Make sure to check out my Hong Kong mega-page.
Why Buy a Printer When You’ve Got Sum Kee in Your Backyard?
Considering Sum Kee Book Store has been around for my entire Hong Kong tenure (and significantly longer), I do not doubt that it’s one of those institutions that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
It’s convenient, it’s fast, and it’s affordable.
That sure beats my university days when I’d have to submit my documents in the printing queue at the library and make awkward small talk with others waiting for their documents to print.
If you have any questions about moving to or living in Hong Kong, please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@palealetravel.com.
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Print well everyone,
Big Body
Big Body is a voracious lov…eater, a cowardly fighter, and a self-proclaimed curry goat BBQ-eating champion (don’t forget the donkey milk) who likes Stoicism, baseball, and writing in the third person. Having worked for himself for the last 7 years, he isn’t particularly successful but he does still drink ice-cold Sapporo draft beers with the best of them and knows his way around a Dai Pai Dong or two. He is based in Hong Kong but you can still find him in Saigon, Osaka, and Vienna for extended periods.