Question by Nicholas Bundy: How does getting packages work in china?
I am living in china for a year for a job. My mom wants to send me a package from the United states I dont know how it will get delivered. I dont have a mail box I live in a apartment on the fifth floor. My assistant says the mailman will knock and leave a note if I dont answer. That seems kinda wierd. My mom also sent me two letters on different days last week and I havent got those yet.
Best answer:
Answer by Cultural Insight
The postal service in America and China deliver packages in the exact same way. A postal employee knocks on the door of the addressee and hands over the parcel. If no one is home, then a note is left instructing the addressee to pick up the package at the nearest post office. “Seems kinda weird”? Really? How else would you get your package?
Standard air mail between the USA and China takes 10 to 14 days, so letters mailed last week won’t be arriving for a while.
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The letters should get through to you in about 10 days.
As for packages, remind your mother to put a red envelope inside the package, addressed to “Customs Agent, PRC”, and containing sufficient funds to cover bribing the Customs Officials so they don’t steal the contents.