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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?

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SalarymanJim

SalarymanJim

A foreign salaryman in Japan, documenting life from somewhere near 'salaryman town' Shimbashi, Tokyo. Way out of my depth!

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18 Answers

  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    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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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    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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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    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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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    on Nov 23

    @genkidesu Good plan!

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  • JapanRamen

    JapanRamen

    on Nov 24

    I tried sending things to Canada and to HK using EMS. They both took significantly longer than expected. Your idea of turning them from Christmas to New Year would probably be a great idea, giving people you love a much-needed to start to 2021.

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  • helloalissa

    helloalissa

    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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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    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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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    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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  • helloalissa

    helloalissa

    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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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    on Nov 27

    @helloalissa Thanks for the list. That was helpful.

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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    on Nov 27

    @Saitama I like the idea of using the local shops who might deliver. To my shame I hadn't thought of that but it's something I'll keep in mind from now. Thank you.

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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    on Nov 27

    So just a quick follow-up: Christmas cards accepted and sent by air mail (London bound hopefully). No word on if or when they will arrive except to say that post office staff told me it would take longer than usual.

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  • Eli

    Eli

    on Dec 1

    Shipping is available to most countries at the moment. There are still some delays, for some destinations, tracking is not available and SAL shipping is not possible, but that's about it. I shipped several items to the US and Europe via airmail in the past weeks and arrived without any issues.

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  • Eli

    Eli

    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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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    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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  • JTsu

    JTsu

    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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  • park

    park

    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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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    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.

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