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partially changing its delivery services. *Note that sometimes a force majeure can disrupt the system and some regular postal services might change or not be available.Question: Is it just me or have mail deliveries gotten slower?Īnswer: It might be due to Japan Post Co. Roughly how much would this cost to send by airmail? Koukuubin de okuru to ikura gurai kakarimasuka? Here are a few important Japanese phrases to make the process smoother.
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When you’re finally ready to send your package, you might have some questions, or conversely, the staff might have some questions for you. A 10kg package to New York costs around ¥23,000 and takes around three days to arrive at its destinationĪ few other words you might need along the way:Įditorial credit: Picturesque Japan / Useful Japanese Phrases for the Post Office The fastest and often the most expensive method, though there are exceptions.
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When you’re at the post office, you might need to tell the staff what you are sending to get advice on how to go about it. Bring that together with your parcel and the staff will process it. Do this on your computer and print it out at home, or do it on your phone and print it at select post offices. If you’re sending a package abroad, you’ll need to first create a label for international shipping online. They’ll weigh it and may ask you a few more questions (see below), before ringing it up and sending it off. Bring your parcel and label to the staff counter. You can fill in the information in English or Japanese.
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The pink one is for 着払い (chakubarai), or COD (cash on demand) when the recipient is paying for postage. Pick up a blue ゆうパック (yuu pakku) label from the island countertop and fill it in. Or, buy a pack of regular or special edition stamps to use for yourself.įor domestic parcels, you’ll need to fill out a label. Take a number or line up, buy a stamp at the counter, and the staff will take care of the rest. If you’re sending a letter or postcard domestically, all you’ll need is a stamp.
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ATMs – You can withdraw money from most banks here, but those with a Japan Post bank account can withdraw money for free during certain hours.Įditorial credit: Terence Toh Chin Eng /.An island countertop – This will have labels for you to fill out for domestic deliveries.Card displays – Seasonal postcards and letters for special occasions.Service counters – If you’re sending a letter or a package, you’ll need a ticket from the ticket machine or line up to be served.But sending things is confusing enough, so let’s stick to standard postal services for now.Īrriving at the post office, you’ll see four main things: What to Expect at a Japanese Post Officeįrom paying your taxes to sending your luggage to the airport, there’s more on offer than lick-and-stick stamps at Japanese post offices. It’s hard enough navigating through the maze of processes without the extra language barrier, so we’re here to guide you through it all. Not only do you have to find one that’s open outside of your working hours, but once you get there, you’re greeted with a ticketing system and a whole load of confusing Japanese to boot. Going to the post office in Japan can be a complicated affair.
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