Nov 23, 2020
Posting overseas during corona
Has anyone any experiences of posting items overseas from Japan since the coronavirus outbreak? Is there much point in trying to send parcels home for Christmas, do you think?
A foreign salaryman in Japan, documenting life from somewhere near 'salaryman town' Shimbashi, Tokyo. Way out of my depth!
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on Nov 23
Unfortunately I think you might be out of luck for it to get there on time, depending on where you're shipping to. I had to post something to the US back in September(ish) for my work, and was told there was no air mail going - that it would go by sea mail. ETA was 8 weeks, recipient still hasn't received it.
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on Nov 23
@genkidesu Thanks. It sounds like things are going to be quite sluggish then. I might just try and send off some Christmas cards instead and see how they get on.
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on Nov 23
@SalarymanJim yes, I think that's what I'm going to do too...I'll probably opt for New Year's cards just in case! If they arrive early I guess I'll just look extra organized.
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on Nov 23
@genkidesu Good plan!
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on Nov 24
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on Nov 25
It depends on where you're sending things of course. This list from JP is helpful: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/overview_en.html I sent a box to the US (surface / by ship), which can take 3-4 months, plus a letter to Brazil that was returned. (Some places are not even accepting regular letters right now.) Maybe digital gifts are the most convenient these days?
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on Nov 25
I've periodically gone up to the post office to check on the situation. Unfortunately, they still won't take post to go to Ireland. I can't understand - my friend is able to send air mail to Wales, but I can't send anything unless its by boat which takes 2 to 3 months. If I'd thought of it sooner I'd have sent everything to family / friends in the UK to send on to Ireland. But I didn't, so I'll be using local shops in Dublin who'll deliver to my family / friends there.
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on Nov 26
@helloalissa I think the digital gift route is a good one - that's what I'm doing for people back home. Either digital gift cards, or finding independent stores there that I can order from. I am trying to make a considered effort to support small businesses where I can, so the holiday season is a great time to do that! :)
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on Nov 26
@Saitama & @genkidesu Good call supporting local businesses. I don't usually send gifts, but if I did, I imagine using sites like etsy (anywhere to order locally made handmade goods) would be helping a lot of tiny, female owned, local businesses. Emailing (or printing and mailing) family photos has been appreciated. Especially ones with colorful autumn or illumination backgrounds.
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on Nov 27
@helloalissa Thanks for the list. That was helpful.
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on Nov 27
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on Nov 27
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on Dec 1
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on Dec 1
@genkidesu Shipping restrictions for the US were mostly lifted in October. Airmail is available again now. My shipments usually arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.
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on Dec 1
@Eli that's good to know! Sounds like I just missed it in September!! Might have to actually send Christmas cards this year after all!
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on Dec 10
@Eli Yes! Though airmail to the states is only open for letters and small packets up to 2kg, it has been going again for a minute. I'm having the break what would have been a big Christmas box into 2kg parcels, but they will still likely get there on time if shipped this week.
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on May 14
Unfortunately, It’s pretty weird to see but there are just some people who have done it but there are so many issues with it still. It’s pretty hard to prove that you deserve to go outside the country given that the pandemic situation is pretty drastically different from the ones that you’re familiar with. Hopefully,
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on May 16
@park - Yes, leaving country at this time does appear to be risky in terms of getting back in again, given that the situation can change.
18 Answers