INFO: Sending packages abroad; info, prices and convenience...

ABOUT CHINA POST

Since its foundation in 1949, their services which began locally, also have expanded internationally--to cover the world over. Before China Post was established, the postal affairs were ran by the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). Its beginning were with Sir Robert Hart in 1878, when it was first established as the Customs Post Office. 

Presently, China Post serves the entirety of China. It give services to over 220 countries around the world, and it has been ranked second (Equal Ocean, 2021)--as one of the best postal services on the planet and continuously expanding/growing throughout China and the globe.

What I’m going to post will include prices or an approximate on the pricing for those who send through China International Express or China International EMS (China Post), and on an average of 1 kilogram package weight. 

These services are subject to change and of course, there are cheaper ways of sending a parcel; but these prices for expats or Chinese here in China who send packages to their loved ones abroad, also want the best or quickest way there in three to 15 business-days (a business week - Monday through Friday). 

The approximate price is posted below these lines, and the service is according to the country. Please add another eight to 16 RMB for tracking fees and services: 

Now, this article is based on the people or expat community whom I have interacted with, encountered and met here in China throughout the years. Excuses if I left any country out, it wasn’t on purpose, just there are too many countries to mention; at least over 200 countries across the globe. But if you want a quick reference or guide on what a package will cost you approximately, please check the following: 

China Post Rate: Postage Calculator, Air Mail Price, ePacket/EUB, EMS Shipping Cost 2024 (chinapostaltracking.com)

A little about the differences between: China International Express and China International EMS:

These are under the same corporate umbrella as China Post. China International EMS is a little bit more expansive than the average services. If you have any doubts on liquids and perishables, please contact them; since, some items can be delivered--while others cannot. Weight limits for documents are for less than 500 grams, and for heavy packages less than 30 kilograms (however, this will also depend on the country your item is being sent too). The biggest item which a person can send is no more than 1.5 meters or less than 3 meters in circumference. 

China International Express does have a high priority service when items are sent, and its coverage is in over 200 countries, dealing with the majority of postal offices and customs services: the same applies as with EMS when it comes to documents and heavy parcels, etc. Check which country applies to you, whether it’s China International Express or China International EMS.

China Post divides their international services into three zones; whether these services are in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania or the Americas. However, if you check the prices above these lines, you’ll notice for example--that most European countries average between 220 to 280 RMB; while Asian countries closer to China, like South Korea and Japan are between 115 to 180 RMB (East Asia). For those countries like: Russia (Europe/Asia) and Ukraine (Europe) or South Africa and Nigeria (in Continental Africa)--the prices remain the same. Then, you’ll notice that countries in the Americas are around 260 to 335 RMB. Southeast and Central Asian countries can run a customer somewhere from 250 to 335 RMB. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and prices; but please check with your local China Post and what services they offer. 

For example, not all China Post stations offer an international service; therefore, check with your local postal services before you visit to avoid any inconveniences, hassles or additional headaches. Usually, when I have visited a China Post, I do it with a Chinese person or friend who has experience (expat or otherwise)--that can help me wade through the complications. I take a form of identification (ID), which is my passport; I recommend you all do the same. 

As for China Post and my experiences with them, well, when I first came to China--it was less straight forward and with more complications. Years after, and especially after COVID-19, their services are much improved and better to say the least. Another thing which I have experienced with them and haven’t with any other postal service company is the following: in my years sending packages through China Post, whether its been with delays or quite rapid in service, all my packages have arrived safely and undamaged, and that is a compliment for them to take to heart. 

For my evaluation on their services, in the past, I would have given China Post three stars out of five. Today, their services have improved greatly, and I’ll give them four stars out of five for a job well done!