Sending a parcel

Choose the service - Ordinary mail, Registered mail, Speed Services Couriers, EMS

Ensure that the destination address is correct, current and complete.

Check the spelling of surnames, street names and towns.

Ensure the address is written in black ink.

Write clearly.

Always use the correct postal code. View the postal codes.

Always include the sender's return address at the top left corner of the item if you are sending a parcel. Clearly print "From: Complete with the sender's address" and in the bottom right-hand side of the item: "To: Complete with the recipient's address."

Always include the receiver's cell phone number so that they can be notified when the item is ready for collection.

Remember to put the correct postage on each and every mail item. Ask a teller if you are unsure.

Secure the parcel. Make sure the item inside the box is securely packed and protected with bubble wrap. Please use a sturdy box. Please cover it with brown paper and seal the box before going to the post office. We do sell EasiPost boxes at our branches.

For overseas mail, make sure you allow at least fourteen weeks delivery for sea and surface mail.

Airmail to all overseas countries should be posted at least ten days in advance.

Costs are calculated using volumetric mass. It all depends on what service your choose, how far the item will travel, how much the item weighs and the dimensions of the item. Please take your item to your local post office for an estimate. Rates brochure (2.5MB )

Utilise Speed Services Couriers for all your overnight or urgent mail requirements. All rates exclude fuel surcharge and are VAT inclusive. Maximum dimensions allowed for documents are 353mm x 250mm x 30mm. Maximum mass allowed for documents is 1kg. Fees are based on the greater of the actual mass or the volumetric mass (i.e. length by width by height, (cm) divided by 5000) are charged for nondocuments (parcels).

Use EMS for all your International Mail items exceeding the standard mail sizes or weight limits. EMS is an international priority mail service that provides a service to most countries for the dispatch of urgent goods such as computer material, magnetic tapes, tender documents, business papers, merchandise and samples. The maximum weight to most countries is 30kg per item. EMS items shall not exceed 1.5m for any dimension or 3m for the sum of length and greatest circumference measured in a direction other than length.

Be aware of standard mail specifications and avoid sending oversized envelopes and parcels weighing more than 1kg via standard mail.

If you are unsure of what can or can't be sent via the normal postal service, call our Customer Service Centre on 0860 111 502 email our Customer Service Centre or visit your nearest Post Office for advice.

Do NOT send prohibited mail items. Your item will be confiscated and you will be fined by the authorities of the destination country.View the list of prohibited mailing items. View the Prohibited items per country- list.

Package parcels carefully - use a sturdy box with plenty of padding if sending a gift (EasiPost boxes are for sale at Post Office branches).

The Universal Postal Union has implemented a new rule in terms of all International Mail items. All International Mail items must be accompanied by a set of forms, called " The Customs Declaration" before it will be accepted at any International Mail service. The forms must be completed online before taking your international mail item to your local post office for posting. When you get to your local post office, the forms will be linked to your parcel, and you will get your tracking number. The forms will be sent electronically to the destination country on your behalf. No international mail item will be accepted at any Post Office branch without the declaration forms completed beforehand.

Tips when sending an item

For overseas mail, make sure you allow at least fourteen weeks delivery for sea and surface mail.

Airmail to all overseas countries should be posted at least ten days in advance.

Utilise Speed Services Couriers for all your overnight courier requirements.

Be aware of standard mail specifications and avoid sending oversized envelopes and parcels weighing more than 1kg via standard mail.

If you are unsure of what can or can't be sent via the normal postal service, call our Customer Service Centre on 0860 111 502 email our Customer Service Centre or visit your nearest Post Office for advice.

Do NOT send prohibited mail items. Your item will be confiscated and you will be fined by the authorities of the destination country.View the list of prohibited mailing items. View the Prohibited items per country- list.

Package parcels carefully - use a sturdy box with plenty of padding if sending a gift (EasiPost boxes are for sale at Post Office branches).