Chongqing

๐Ÿ“ฌ

Postal Services

Sections

1. Overview of Postal Services in Chongqing

China Post (ไธญๅ›ฝ้‚ฎๆ”ฟ) is the official postal service provider in Chongqing and across China. It offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international mail, parcel delivery, express services, and financial services. In addition to China Post, several private courier companies operate in Chongqing, such as SF Express (้กบไธฐ้€Ÿ่ฟ), ZTO Express (ไธญ้€šๅฟซ้€’), and DHL for international shipments.

2. Services Offered by China Post in Chongqing

China Post provides the following services:

A. Domestic Mail and Parcel Services

  • Ordinary Mail (ๅนณไฟก): For letters, postcards, and small items. This is the most affordable option but does not include tracking.
  • Registered Mail (ๆŒ‚ๅทไฟก): A more secure option for letters and small parcels, with tracking and proof of delivery.
  • Parcel Post (ๅŒ…่ฃน้‚ฎๅฏ„): For larger items, available with or without tracking.
  • EMS (Express Mail Service): A faster, premium service for urgent deliveries, with tracking and guaranteed delivery times.

B. International Mail and Parcel Services

  • International Ordinary Mail: For letters and small parcels, without tracking.
  • International Registered Mail: Includes tracking and proof of delivery.
  • International EMS: A fast and reliable service for sending documents and parcels abroad, with tracking and priority handling.
  • SAL (Surface Air Lifted): A cost-effective option for international parcels, slower than EMS but faster than surface mail.

C. Additional Services

  • Postal Savings Bank Services: Many China Post offices double as banks, offering savings accounts, money transfers, and bill payment services.
  • E-commerce Logistics: China Post collaborates with online platforms like Taobao and JD.com for package delivery.
  • Customs Clearance Assistance: For international shipments, China Post assists with customs declarations and paperwork.

3. Costs of Postal Services

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

A. Domestic Mail

  • Ordinary Letter (up to 100g): Starts at ยฅ1.20.
  • Registered Letter: Starts at ยฅ3-5, depending on weight.
  • Small Parcel (up to 1kg): ยฅ10-20, depending on distance.
  • EMS: Starts at ยฅ20 for documents and increases based on weight and distance.

B. International Mail

  • Ordinary Letter (up to 20g): ยฅ5-10, depending on the destination.
  • Registered Letter: ยฅ15-20.
  • Small Parcel (up to 1kg): ยฅ80-150, depending on the destination.
  • EMS: Starts at ยฅ150 for documents and increases based on weight and destination.

C. Private Courier Services

Private couriers like SF Express and DHL are generally more expensive than China Post but offer faster delivery and better tracking. For example:

  • SF Express Domestic Delivery: Starts at ยฅ12-20 for small parcels.
  • DHL International Delivery: Starts at ยฅ200-300 for small parcels.

4. Procedures for Sending Mail or Packages

A. Sending Domestic Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item: Pack your item securely. For fragile items, use bubble wrap or padding.
  2. Visit a Post Office: Locate a nearby China Post office (look for the green and yellow logo). Many offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
  3. Fill Out Forms: For registered mail or parcels, fill out the required forms, including the recipient's address in Chinese characters.
  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. Get a Receipt: Keep the receipt, especially for tracked services, as it contains the tracking number.

B. Sending International Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item: Ensure the item complies with customs regulations (e.g., no prohibited items like batteries or liquids).
  2. Customs Declaration: Fill out a customs declaration form (available at the post office). Include details about the contents and their value.
  3. Choose a Service: Decide between ordinary mail, registered mail, or EMS.
  4. Pay and Track: Pay the postage fee and keep the receipt for tracking purposes.

C. Using Private Couriers

  • Private couriers often offer door-to-door pickup services. You can schedule a pickup via their app or hotline.
  • Provide the necessary details, including the recipient's address in Chinese and any special instructions.

5. Receiving Mail or Packages

  1. Domestic Deliveries:

    • For ordinary mail, items are usually delivered to your mailbox.
    • For registered mail or parcels, you may need to sign for the delivery. If you are not home, the courier may leave a notice for pickup at the nearest post office.

  2. International Deliveries:

    • International packages may require customs clearance. You might need to pay import duties or taxes, depending on the item's value.
    • If customs clearance is required, you will receive a notification with instructions on how to proceed.

  3. Tracking: Use the tracking number provided by the sender to monitor the status of your delivery. You can track items on the China Post website or app.

6. Tips and Local Considerations

  • Address Format: Always write the recipient's address in Chinese characters for domestic mail. For international mail, include both the Chinese and English versions of the address.
  • Mobile Apps: Download the China Post app (ไธญๅ›ฝ้‚ฎๆ”ฟ) for tracking, locating post offices, and calculating postage fees.
  • Peak Times: Avoid visiting post offices during lunch hours (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) or just before closing, as they can be crowded.
  • Language Barrier: Most postal staff in Chongqing may not speak English. If you donโ€™t speak Chinese, prepare a written note with the recipientโ€™s address and your request in Chinese.
  • Customs Regulations: Check the list of prohibited items for international shipments. Commonly restricted items include lithium batteries, liquids, and perishable goods.
  • Private Couriers for Speed: For urgent deliveries, consider using SF Express or DHL, as they are faster and more reliable for time-sensitive shipments.

7. Finding Post Offices in Chongqing

  • Use Baidu Maps or Google Maps to locate the nearest China Post office. Search for "ไธญๅ›ฝ้‚ฎๆ”ฟ" (China Post).
  • Major post offices in Chongqing are located in central areas like Jiefangbei (่งฃๆ”พ็ข‘) and Shapingba (ๆฒ™ๅชๅ).

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Chongqingโ€™s postal system with ease. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!