Got International Christmas Posting to do? Here's our guide to getting Christmas gifts to loved ones abroad in time for Christmas
Christmas is a busy time of the year, and is arguably one of the biggest times of the year too. With many people living, working and studying abroad, away from their friends, families and loved ones, posting cards and gifts to them is the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer. Here’s our guide to international christmas posting this December.
Royal Mail is the main postage service in the UK, and every year they run well-publicised campaigns for the last posting dates for sending mail within the UK. What doesn’t get shouted about so much is the last posting dates for letters and parcels going to places beyond Europe. Never fear, we’re here with our international Christmas posting guide.
This is the most affordable service that Royal Mail offers its customers. This is great for student budgets, but you need to bear in mind that this is the slowest service that they offer. The last posting dates for many countries will be coming up as early as mid-November. Some dates may have already gone, but don’t despair, there are other services available!
With International Economy, the Royal Mail say that for ‘Australia, Middle and Far East (except Hong Kong and Singapore), New Zealand and all other non-European destinations (except Canada, South Africa, USA)’ The deadline for posting was Saturday 5th October. Therefore, International Standard and tracked may be better for sending mail to many of these destinations.
For Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and the USA, the last posting date is Saturday 12th October.
This is the other main service that Royal Mail offers to its customers. The delivery times should be significantly lower than the International Economy ones. Bear in mind that these services will cost more as a result. The last posting dates for many countries will be coming up in late November to early December time, so you will still need to plan ahead!
For Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Far and the Middle East, the last posting date is Monday 9th December. For Australia and New Zealand, the date is Thursday 12th December. Finally, For Canada and the USA, the last posting date is Saturday 14th December.
Left it too late?
If you’ve left it a bit too last minute to post your items with Royal Mail, all is not lost. There may be other services that can help. You may be able to send your items at short notice with a courier such as DHL, UPS or Parcelforce.
These services will be better-placed to offer express delivery services. Be aware, however, that these services will also have their own last posting dates, so be sure to check their websites. Another thing to consider is that due to the express nature of these services, they will cost significantly more than the services offered by Royal Mail.
Now you know how you can do your international christmas posting.
Need any further help? Contact us, we are here to help!
