If your worried that your packages might not get home or that people won't be able to send you things properly then read this quick guide to using the postal system.

Mailing things home

Having things mailed

Mailing things home

Supplies: before heading to the post office you will need some cash and your package.


Step 1: wrap your package and write the address on it

       Get your package all ready before heading to the post office. Remember that your package will be traveling a long way, so if something is breakable wrap it with extra packing material. You can write the address in English, just remember to write the country at the bottom.




Step 2: go to the post office

       Head on over to the post office nearest to you. If you need a list of post offices with directions you can click here.








Step 3: have your mail priced

       There will be a counter with at least one attendant behind it. Take your things to be mailed and give them to the attendant. He/she will weigh your packages and tell you how much it costs to send them. If your package is large you will have to fill out a special shipping label. Sometimes they will ask you to fill out a contents slip, like the one seen below. Sometimes they will ask you to write your phone number along with the return address. If you are sending a very large package be sure to ask what the price for express shipping is. Express shipping is priced differently and often times for big packages the price will be cheaper than regular shipping. In addition to cheaper prices the package will arrive in 4 days (as opposed to a month) and you can track it online using the shipping number that they give you. Sweet.

small package	small letter
cost = 168nt to USA	cost = 15nt to USA	contents slip

Step 4: buy stamps and attach

       The attendant will take any larger packages and mail them for you. For letters they will give you the postage and you will have to mail the letters yourself.




Step 5: drop your letter in the box

       Take your letters with stamps attached and drop them into he mailbox. If you are mailing over seas then you should be using the airmail box. Don't worry too much, if it goes in the wrong box the postal people will sort it out for you.




Receiving Mail

Step 1: your address

       It's fine for people to write your address in English. It will reach you just as well as if it is in Chinese. If you want to find out your postal code then click here. I should mention that I never have people write the postal code and my packages always arrive just fine.


Step 2: packages

       While letters will be placed in your mailbox you will have to personally pick up your packages. The mailman will buzz your door and wait a few moments before taking your package back to the post office. Some people find it easier to send their packages to their place of employment so that someone is always there to pick them up.
       

Step 3: pick up missed packages

       If you happen to miss a package delivery the mailman will drop a little card in your mailbox telling you where the package is. The package will stay there for about a month, after which time it will be returned to the sender.


Problems: contact post office

       If you have a problem getting your mail it's very difficult to find your package if you don't speak Chinese. Your best bet is to have a Chinese friend contact the post office and ask for you. Most foreign companies don't provide tracking for overseas shipments, so while you can contact the sender it usually wont help. You can also just wait and the package will eventually be sent back to where ever it came from.


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