With the countdown to Christmas already underway, New Zealand Post is reminding people sending cards and presents overseas of the International mail dates.
Sending mail by the recommended dates will help ensure family and friends overseas receive their letters, cards and parcels in time for Christmas, Postal Services chief executive Peter Fenton said.
"Economy mail for countries other than Australia and the South Pacific should be sent by Monday 23 November. Airmail items for countries other than Australia and the South Pacific should be posted by Monday 30 November," Mr Fenton said.
"Economy mail and airmail to Australia and the South Pacific can be sent up to a week later than international mailing dates for other countries," Mr Fenton said.
To help customers save on the cost of sending Christmas cards overseas, New Zealand Post is reducing the recommended retail price of a book of ten, $1.80 stamps before Christmas.
The book of ten stamps will have a recommended retail price of $15, saving $3, Mr Fenton said.
For $1.80 stamps purchased individually, the usual recommended retail price will apply.
A $1.80 stamp covers economy postage of a medium size card to an overseas destination. A full list of postage prices can be found at www.nzpost.co.nz/ratefinder.
Key international mailing dates at a glance
| Deadline |
Type of Mail |
| Monday 23 November |
International Economy: International cards, letters and parcels (except to Australia and South Pacific) |
| Monday 30 November |
International Economy: parcels to Australia and the South Pacific
Par Avion Air: International Air Mail (except to Australia and South Pacific)
|
| Monday 7 December |
Par Avion Air: International Air Mail to Australia and South Pacific
|
| Thursday 10 December |
Economy Courier: Parcels to overseas destinations (except to Australia and South Pacific)
|
| Monday 14 December |
Economy Courier: Parcels to Australia and South Pacific
International Express Courier: Express international parcels (except to Australia and South Pacific)
|
| Wednesday 16 December |
International Express Courier: Express parcels to Australia and South Pacific |
A note on duties and taxes
Most overseas countries charge duties and/or taxes on goods, including gifts, worth more than a certain value.
The receiver is responsible for any duties or taxes, and customs authorities may hold items until these are paid.
The threshold at which duties and/or taxes may apply varies by country and people sending gifts overseas should check the situation in the country to which they are sending the gift.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Keith FitzPatrick
New Zealand Post
Media Communications Manager
04 496 4566 or 027 453 9882