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Postal Service

Postal Service

Although the mobile phone, internet or other even more advanced  means of communication emerge as the times require and have been developing fast, the postal service, a traditional communication mode that can not be ignored today, still plays a very important role in people's daily lives.

 What is the official postal service?

Answer: China Post (中国邮政) is the official postal service of the People's Republic of China, operated by the State Postal Bureau of the People's Republic of China.

 Is post office available everywhere in China?

Answer: In China, post offices, with a striking green logo, can be easily found everywhere in the cities.

 What are the business hours of the post office?

Answer: The operating time is 08:00- 18:00 seven days a week, but in some remote areas, the post office may be closed on weekends.

 Where can I buy an envelope?

Answer: Envelopes and stamps can be easily bought in any of the post offices. They are also sold in some of the stationery stores and supermarkets. The cost of an envelope is about 0.1-0.2 CNY. The cost of the stamp is equal to its par value.

 Can you give some instructions about how to address a Chinese envelope?

Answer: The format of Chinese envelope may be a little different from that common in other countries. Make sure you write the right information in the right place. The instructions on how to write an envelope are as follows:

 Step 1: Zip code of the destination.
On the left front is the zip code of the addressee. Different areas in China have different zip codes. You can refer to Area Code and Zip Code Directory to find the zip code. 

 Step 2: Address of the addressee.
The middle part should be your addressee's detailed address and name. In China, the address starts from addressee's country, province, city, district, street, number and name. If your can not write Chinese Characters, write it in Pinyin, the post officer won't mind. However, make sure that the pinyin is correct, or the letter may not be sent to the right place.

 Step 3: Return Address.
On the right bottom, you need to write your address and your name as well as your zip code. Actually, the letter can be sent to the addressee without this information. However, if you want a reply, the information about yourself is necessary.

 Step 4: After you address your envelope, do remember to stick the appropriate-value stamp firmly on the envelope.
Note: Writing in red ink is not allowed when addressing an envelope.

 What is the rate of mailing a domestic letter in China?

Answer: It is not expensive at all for you to mail a domestic letter in China. The price varies according to the weight of your mail and the delivering distance.
Letter less than 100g: For each 20g, 0.6 Yuan is charged if the mail is delivered in the same city, while 0.8Yuan is for the intercity mail delivery.
Letter over 100g: For each extra 100g, 1.2 Yuan should be added for the mail delivered in the same city and 2.0 Yuan for the intercity mail.
Registered post is much faster but another 3.0 Yuan will be charged for each piece of mail as the registration fee.

 How long is the delivery time of a domestic letter by surface?

Answer: The delivery time is different based on the distance. Generally speaking, it will take 5-7 days.

 What if I have an urgent letter to mail?

Answer: It is recommended to use EMS (Express Mail Service), which is basically the best way to mail the letter or parcel. Within 3 days, the mail will be successfully delivered. If you do not want to go to the post office to mail the letter or parcel, you can just call 11185. By providing your address,  a staff member will pick your letter or parcel at your home.

Note: The service number of EMS is 11185 (24-hour hot line)
The official website of China Post EMS in English: http://www.ems.com.cn/english-main.jsp.

 How does one mail a postcard abroad?

Answer: Postcards are sold in postal office. The normal one costs 1.5 – 2 CNY.
You need to write the address of the addressee clearly. Make sure that the address is written according the instructions given above.

 What is the cost of mailing a postcard?

Answer: The cost of mailing a postcard varies according to the method of delivery. The most expensive way is airmail, which costs 4.5 CNY each.

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