Guilin

๐Ÿ“ฎ

Postal Services

Sections

1. Overview of Postal Services in Guilin

China Post is the main provider of postal services in Guilin, offering a wide range of services for both domestic and international mail. In addition to China Post, private courier companies like SF Express, EMS (a subsidiary of China Post), DHL, FedEx, and UPS also operate in Guilin for faster or specialized delivery needs.

2. Services Offered by China Post in Guilin

China Post provides the following services:

  • Domestic Mail Services:
    • Standard letters, postcards, and parcels.
    • Express Mail Service (EMS) for faster delivery.
    • Registered mail for secure delivery with tracking.
  • International Mail Services:
    • Letters, parcels, and EMS for international destinations.
    • Surface mail (cheaper but slower) and airmail options.
  • Special Services:
    • Money remittance services (domestic and international).
    • Sale of stamps, postcards, and philatelic items.
    • Packaging materials for parcels.
  • E-commerce Logistics:
    • Delivery services for online shopping platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and others.

3. Costs of Postal Services

The cost of postal services in Guilin depends on the type of service, weight, and destination. Below is a general breakdown:

Domestic Mail Costs:

  • Standard Letter: Starting at ยฅ1.20 for letters under 20g.
  • Postcards: ยฅ0.80 per postcard.
  • Parcels: Starting at ยฅ10 for small parcels under 1kg, with additional charges for heavier items or longer distances.
  • EMS (Domestic): Starts at ยฅ20 for small packages, with delivery times of 1-3 days.

International Mail Costs:

  • Standard Letter: Starting at ยฅ5 for letters under 20g.
  • Postcards: ยฅ4-5 depending on the destination.
  • Parcels: Starting at ยฅ80 for small parcels under 1kg, with costs increasing based on weight and destination.
  • EMS (International): Starts at ยฅ150 for small packages, with delivery times of 3-7 days depending on the destination.

Additional Costs:

  • Registered Mail Fee: ยฅ3-5 extra for tracking and secure delivery.
  • Packaging Materials: Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap are available for purchase at post offices, typically costing ยฅ5-20 depending on size.

4. Procedures for Sending and Receiving Mail

Sending Mail or Packages:

  1. Prepare Your Item:
    • Ensure your item is properly packed. You can purchase packaging materials at the post office if needed.
    • Write the recipientโ€™s address clearly in Chinese characters (for domestic mail) or in English (for international mail). Include the postal code.
  2. Visit a Post Office:
    • Take your item to the nearest China Post office.
    • Inform the staff about the type of service you need (e.g., standard mail, registered mail, EMS).
  3. Weigh and Pay:
    • The staff will weigh your item and calculate the cost based on weight, size, and destination.
    • Pay the fee in cash or via mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
  4. Obtain a Receipt:
    • Keep the receipt, especially if youโ€™re using registered mail or EMS, as it contains the tracking number.

Receiving Mail or Packages:

  1. Domestic Deliveries:
    • For standard mail, items are usually delivered directly to your address or mailbox.
    • For registered mail or parcels, you may receive a notification slip asking you to collect the item from the post office.
  2. International Deliveries:
    • Customs clearance may be required for international packages. You might need to pay import duties or taxes depending on the itemโ€™s value.
    • Youโ€™ll receive a notification slip or a call to pick up the package at the designated post office or customs office.
  3. Identification:
    • Bring your ID (passport for foreigners) and the notification slip when collecting mail or packages.

5. Operating Hours

Most China Post offices in Guilin operate during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Some larger branches or those in tourist areas may have extended hours or operate on public holidays.

6. Locations of Major Post Offices in Guilin

Here are some key post office locations in Guilin:

  1. Guilin Main Post Office:
    • Address: No. 1 Zhongshan Middle Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin.
    • Services: Full range of domestic and international services.
  2. Qixing District Post Office:
    • Address: No. 12 Qixing Road, Qixing District, Guilin.
    • Services: Standard and EMS services.
  3. Yangshuo Post Office (popular with tourists):
    • Address: No. 18 Pantao Road, Yangshuo County, Guilin.
    • Services: Domestic and international mail, packaging materials.
  4. Lingui District Post Office:
    • Address: No. 88 Lingui Avenue, Lingui District, Guilin.
    • Services: Domestic mail and parcel services.

7. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language Barrier: Most postal staff in Guilin speak limited English. Itโ€™s helpful to have the address written in Chinese characters. You can ask a local or use a translation app to prepare the address.
  • Tourist Areas: If youโ€™re staying in a tourist area like Yangshuo, post offices there are accustomed to handling international mail and may have English-speaking staff.
  • Customs for International Mail: When sending packages abroad, youโ€™ll need to fill out a customs declaration form (available at the post office). Be specific about the contents and their value.
  • Tracking: Use the China Post website (www.chinapost.com.cn) or apps like 17Track to track your mail or packages. Tracking numbers are provided for registered mail and EMS.
  • Peak Times: Avoid visiting post offices during lunch hours (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) or just before closing, as they can be busy.
  • Private Couriers: For faster or more reliable service, consider using SF Express or international couriers like DHL or FedEx. These companies often provide door-to-door service.

8. Emergency Contact Information

  • China Post Customer Service Hotline: 11185 (domestic) or +86-10-11185 (international).
  • EMS Customer Service Hotline: 11183.

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Guilinโ€™s postal services with ease. Let me know if you need further assistance!