Job Discussion Forums

ChinaLady · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:30 am Post subject: The Chinese Post Office

for your information.
in case anyone is leaving China (like I am) or just wants to mail a package? the Chinese Post Office is an experience.
I am now on box #31, 19 boxes have arrived at the future destination in the USA. (going home for a Sino-fatigue break)
so far, so good? yes? well, sorta kinda.
the Chinese PO people pack your box for you. you pay for the box and the documents. YOU fill out the documents, 3 documents for each box.
ok, so far? yes.
now, the fun part - I have a box in my GZ flat filled with "China PO rejects." rejects? you ask, ah yes.
wood hangers, wood boxes, brushes, combs, wood ANYTHING.
leather jackets, down quilts, leather belts, ah, ha, ANIMAL products.
all medicines, foreign or Chinese, , unless you have a receipt.
kitchen cooking utensiles, metal or wood, NO.
maps, of anywhere, forget China maps or the world.
books with pictures of Chinese people.
anything with Mao on it, books, pictures, posters, etc.
you get the idea, yes?
each post office person has full discretion as to what can go.
starting to make the USA postal service look good.
so, I go to Fed Ex to ship the Chinese PO "rejects."
over 2,000 rmb for a 25 kilo box.
I am allowed 26k each in two bags going home on the airlines.
I am getting really creative.
so much for Chinese memories.

Molson · Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 137 Location: China

Why don't you find out how much an extra bag will cost on the airplane? From Korea to China it cost me $100 US...even if you had to pay $200, that is still cheaper than Fed EX.

Thanks though for letting me know. I guess we'll take the boat to Korea when I leave and pack the kitchen stuff to bring that way.

Lister · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 264

Have you tried going to a different branch ? The first time I sent stuff home was awful. The staff were surly and rude and seemed to be going out of their way to give me problems.

The next time I had to post things I went to a different branch a few blocks away and the staff were really friendly and helpful,they gave me excellent service.

.

nobleignoramus · Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 208 Location: On the road

I guess you are based in Guangzhou ("GZ" in your post); save your precious money and time and take that box of rejects to Macau or Hong Kong. No problem getting it across the boundary, and even less hassles at the post office there.

killian · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:26 am Post subject:

take a digital picture of each treasured item. then throw/give the item away.

31 boxes shipped. i came here with one duffle bag of 20 kg. or less. if i ever go home it will also be with one duffle bag.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

During my many years in China and in the USAF before that, I have learned to travel light. I have bought many books, dvds, etc., that I have subsequently given away to students and colleagues. I like to come and go easily and quickly, unencumbered with material things. It is a liberating feeling to leave my pack-rat days behind in the distant past. If I ever leave China for good, all I want to take with me are memories.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Thanks for this post about the ...er...post. Wink

Good luck, hope everything works out.

chinatwin88 · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 379 Location: Peking

Many mailers do not carry on like this and sometimes it takes a while to find the friendly PO. You could try and see if a major hotel that does a lot of business with foreigners has a PO. I use one in the hotel near my house and never had them question anything I sent. Oh, except for the Ming dynasty king I had packed in brine and was sending home as a gift to my cousin.