Beijing

๐Ÿ“ฌ

Postal Services

Sections

1. Services Offered by China Post in Beijing

China Post provides a wide range of services for both domestic and international needs. These include:

Mail Services

  • Standard Mail: For letters, postcards, and small parcels.
  • Registered Mail: Offers tracking and proof of delivery for important documents or items.
  • Express Mail Service (EMS): A faster, premium service for domestic and international deliveries.
  • EUB (ePacket): A cost-effective service for small parcels, popular for e-commerce shipments.

Parcel Services

  • Domestic Parcels: For sending packages within China.
  • International Parcels: For sending packages abroad, with options for air, surface, or combined transport.

Specialized Services

  • Postal Savings Bank: Many post offices double as banking facilities.
  • Philately: Purchase collectible stamps and commemorative items.
  • Utility Bill Payments: Some post offices allow you to pay bills for utilities or services.
  • Logistics and Freight: For larger shipments or bulk goods.

2. Costs of Postal Services

The cost of postal services in Beijing depends on the type of service, weight, and destination. Below are approximate costs:

Domestic Mail

  • Postcards: Around ยฅ0.80.
  • Letters: Starting at ยฅ1.20 for up to 20g.
  • Small Parcels: From ยฅ10-20, depending on weight and distance.

International Mail

  • Postcards: Around ยฅ5-6.
  • Letters: Starting at ยฅ6 for up to 20g.
  • EMS: Prices vary by destination but typically start at ยฅ150 for a 500g package to the U.S. or Europe.

Additional Fees

  • Registered Mail Fee: Around ยฅ3-5 extra.
  • Insurance: Optional, based on the declared value of the item.

For exact pricing, you can use the China Post online calculator (available in Chinese) or inquire at a post office.

3. Procedures for Sending Mail or Packages

Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide for sending mail or packages in Beijing:

Sending Domestic or International Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item: Write the recipientโ€™s address clearly in Chinese (for domestic mail) or in English (for international mail). Include the senderโ€™s address in the top-left corner.
  2. Visit a Post Office: Locate the nearest China Post branch (details below).
  3. Choose a Service: Inform the staff of your preferred service (e.g., standard mail, registered mail, EMS).
  4. Weigh and Pay: The staff will weigh your item and calculate the cost. Pay in cash or via mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
  5. Obtain a Receipt: Keep the receipt, especially for registered or tracked mail, as it contains the tracking number.

Sending Parcels

  1. Packaging: Use sturdy packaging. China Post offers boxes and envelopes for purchase if needed.
  2. Customs Declaration (for International Parcels): Fill out a customs form detailing the contents and value of the package.
  3. Tracking: For EMS or registered parcels, youโ€™ll receive a tracking number to monitor the shipment.

4. Receiving Mail or Packages

  1. Home Delivery: For most standard mail and small parcels, the postman will deliver directly to your address. Ensure your address is written in Chinese for accuracy.
  2. Pick-Up at Post Office: If the item is too large or requires a signature, youโ€™ll receive a notification slip. Bring the slip and your ID (passport for foreigners) to the specified post office to collect your item.
  3. Customs Clearance (for International Packages): If your package is held at customs, you may need to pay duties or provide additional documentation. The post office will notify you.

5. Locations and Operating Hours

China Post offices are widely distributed across Beijing, including in residential areas, business districts, and near tourist attractions.

Typical Operating Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM โ€“ 5:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM
  • Some larger branches or those in busy areas may operate longer hours.

Key Locations

  • Beijing Central Post Office (ๅŒ—ไบฌ้‚ฎๆ”ฟๆ€ปๅฑ€): Located near Tiananmen Square at No. 3 Financial Street, Xicheng District. This is a major branch with extended services.
  • Beijing International Post Office: Located at No. 2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, this branch specializes in international mail and customs services.
  • Neighborhood Post Offices: Use Baidu Maps or Google Maps to find the nearest branch by searching โ€œไธญๅ›ฝ้‚ฎๆ”ฟโ€.

6. Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Language Barrier: Most postal staff speak limited English. Itโ€™s helpful to have addresses written in Chinese. Use a translation app like Pleco or Google Translate if needed.
  • Mobile Payments: Many post offices accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are widely used in China. Carry cash as a backup.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid visiting post offices during lunch hours (12:00 PM โ€“ 1:30 PM) or just before closing, as they can be busy.
  • Customs Restrictions: Check China Postโ€™s website or inquire at the post office for prohibited items (e.g., certain electronics, liquids, or perishables).
  • Philately: If youโ€™re a stamp collector, Beijingโ€™s post offices often sell unique, commemorative stamps that make great souvenirs.
  • Tracking: Use the China Post tracking website (available in English) to monitor your shipmentโ€™s progress.

7. Alternatives to China Post

If you need faster or more specialized services, consider private courier companies like:

  • SF Express (้กบไธฐ้€Ÿ่ฟ): Known for speed and reliability within China.
  • DHL, FedEx, or UPS: For international shipments, these companies offer premium services but at higher costs.

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Beijingโ€™s postal system with ease. Whether youโ€™re sending a postcard to a friend or shipping a package overseas, China Post offers a variety of services to meet your needs.