LIU DAWEI

Sending letters or parcels, domestically or internationally, is pretty straightforward in China. As long as you know what kind of service you are looking for, and the rules that need to be followed, you should not run into any problems. Here are some tips to help make this process easier.

China Post: Do's and Don'ts

Mail and parcels can be sent internationally or domestically from your local post office. Posting letters and cards from China is pretty straightforward.

However posting parcels requires some background information. Home sealed parcels are not accepted. This is because post office staff usually will want to check the contents of the parcel for security reasons. China Post offers a wide range of cardboard boxes and other packing materials, such as bubble wrap, tape, staplers and a strapping machine to seal your contents, so it's no problem to make up your parcel on the premises.

Make sure not to seal your parcel before you take it to the office, as the employees might want to check what's inside before letting you fill out the declaration form. Avoid packing prohibited items, such as dangerous goods (for example flammable or corrosive products), currency, goods liable to decay, and DVDs and CDs. These items are likely to be refused by the post office.

To countries such as the United States, France, Germany and the UK, China Post allows customers to send parcels that weigh up to 30 kg. For other nations, for instance South Africa, you will only be allowed to send up to 20 kg. For domestic parcels, the maximum weight is 35 kg.

Regarding the service itself, China Post is the cheapest option for sending international parcels. The sea freight service will take between one to three months depending on the destination. Prices also vary according to the destination, but for a 20-kg box sent to South Africa, expect to pay around 450 yuan ($68.4).