Australia Post has revealed when Aussies should send Christmas gifts to loved ones overseas, warning that it will be another busy holiday season.
For cards and gifts travelling by economy air, the postal service said that many destinations require they be sent by November 14, while packages sent through International Standard and Express shipping have some more time.
“If posting with International Express, some popular destinations like the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Canada should be sent by 9 December,” Australia Post said in a statement.
“Recommended last sending dates for posting within Australia will be released in the coming weeks.”
The deadlines for shipping cover more than 180 international destinations and can be found on the Australia Post website.
Gary Starr, Australia Post’s Executive General Manager, Customer and Commercial, said the organisation had worked closely with international carriers to give Aussies as much notice as possible.
“We know our last sending dates provide an important guide for people in the lead up to Christmas and we’ve been preparing all year for another busy peak season to ensure things run as smoothly as possible,” Mr Starr said.
“For anyone who wants to send internationally for Christmas this year, we’re encouraging them to visit our website and post by the dates advised.
“As always, we’ll continue to deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible but they may not arrive until after Christmas.”
Australia Post also warned that factors beyond its control, including custom delays and overseas postal disruptions, could delay packages.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, the national postal service has also announced cut-off dates for sending packages for Christmas.
Packages and cards sent by economy delivery need to be ready to send by November 23 if they are heading to Australia, November 18 for the South Pacific, UK, North America, and Europe, and by November 14 for the rest of the world.
Delivery through a courier and express comes with later deadlines, with cut-off dates of December 6 for everywhere except Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, the UK, Europe and North America.
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