HK Post Services Guide: Air vs Surface Mail Explained

There are many options for postal services. How should we choose the service that best suits us? Hongkong Post offers up to ten different international mailing options, ranging from fast and accurate Speedpost, cost-effective e-Express and e-Mail, to regular registered letter/parcel and parcel services. These services can be broadly divided into two categories based on shipping method: air mail and surface mail. Air mail is known for its fast speed and high timeliness. It is an ideal choice for urgent mail or mail that needs to reach the destination quickly. In contrast, surface mail is an affordable option, and although delivery times take longer, it is a cost-effective option for mail that is not urgently delivered. Faced with these diverse choices, the Fuuffy editor will discuss their characteristics, postage, and delivery time differences in detail in the following content to help you make the most appropriate decision based on your own needs.

 

Introduction to air and surface mail services

Air Mail

Air mail refers to mail services delivered by air transport. This method is faster and suitable for emails that need to be delivered as quickly as possible.

 

Surface Mail

Surface mail is a mail service delivered by land or sea. Although is slower, the postage is relatively low.

 

The difference between air mail and surface mail

	Air mail	Surface mail
Transportation	Mainly by airplane Transportation	Mainly by ship Land transportation such as , train or truck
Delivery speed	Faster, It usually only takes a few days to a week	Slower, It may take weeks or even months
Postage	Higher cost	Lower cost
Applicable circumstances	Ideal for emergency documents , time-sensitive items	Suitable for non-emergency items, or senders on a budget
International delivery time	Asia: 3 -5 working days	Asia: 2 -3 weeks
Europe and America: 5 -7 working days	Europe and America: 4 -8 weeks
Other regions: 7-10 working days	Other regions: 2-3 months
Tracking service	usually provides details Tracking service	Tracking possible Limited or not available

 

Comparison of air mail and surface mail postage

Local surface postage

Weight	Postage
Under 20 grams	$2.0
20-50g	$3.0
50-100g	$4.0
100-500g	$8.0
500-1000g	$12.0

 

Want to know more about local surface mail in Hong Kong? Recommended reading: 【2024】Hong Kong Local Surface Postage Guide: Cost, Time, Shipping Methods and Precautions</p >

 

International surface postage

Take sending a 1kg package from Hong Kong to the UK as an example:</ p>

 

Air mail postage

Take sending a 1kg package from Hong Kong to the UK as an example:

 

Please note that the above postage is for reference only. Actual air and surface postage may be adjusted due to policy changes. The latest prices are subject to Hong Kong Post official website.

 

Comparison of air mail and surface mail delivery times

Purpose land	Surface mail	Empty Mail
Local</td >	1-3 working days</ span>	Not applicable</ td>
Asia</td >	2-3 weeks	3-5 working days</ span>
Europe</td >	4-6 weeks	5-7 working days</ span>
North America</td >	4-8 weeks	5-7 working days</ span>
Oceania</td >	3-5 weeks	5-7 working days</ span>
South America</td >	6-10 weeks	7-10 working days</ span>
Africa</td >	6-12 weeks	7-10 working days</ span>

 

Delivery times are estimates only. Actual delivery times may vary due to various factors, such as customs inspections, weather conditions, holidays, etc.

 

Precautions for surface mail packages

1. Weight limit:The weight limit for surface mail packages varies depending on the destination, usually between 2-20 kg.

2. Size restrictions:The maximum size of a surface mail package is length + width + height not exceeding 90 cm, and the longest single side is not more than 90 cm. 60cm.

3. Prohibited items: Certain items may be prohibited from being sent by surface mail, such as flammable items, batteries, liquids, etc. Please check the relevant regulations of the destination country before sending.

 

Air mail special service

Speed ​​Post

EMS is a faster airmail service. Usually delivered to most countries within 2-3 working days.

 

Christmas Air Mail Service

Every year before Christmas, Hongkong Post will provide a special Christmas airmail service to ensure that mail can be delivered before Christmas. Please check the current year's Christmas airmail deadline.

 

Teaching on sending surface mail and air mail

1. Prepare email

Make sure the address is correct

Use appropriate packaging materials

Clearly label sender and recipient information

 

2. Select a stamp

Choose stamps of appropriate denomination based on weight and destination

Stamps can be purchased at the post office or convenience store

 

3. Mail

Can be delivered at the post office counter or mailbox

Large packages need to be processed at the post office counter

 

4. Tracking

Some services provide tracking numbers, and you can check the status of the mail on the Hongkong Post website

 

Hong Kong Post Special Services

Pick up at the post office

In some cases, the recipient can choose to pick up the first-class parcel at the post office, which is suitable for larger Packages that are large or require a signature.

 

Special regulations for air mail to Canada

Air mail sent to Canada may require additional customs declaration information, it is recommended to send it before sending Consult the post office staff before sending.

 

Special handling for surface mail letters

For important surface mail letters, you can consider using registered service. Although the cost is slightly higher, you can get better protection.

 

Summary

Choosing air or surface mail depends on your specific needs. If time is tight and the budget is sufficient, it is recommended to choose air mail; if time is not the main consideration and you want to save costs, you can choose surface mail. When making your decision, weigh factors such as speed, cost, and email importance. In addition to the services of Hong Kong Post, you can also consider international express services when sending overseas. Use UPS, DHL, Fedex, etc. to send items through Fuuffy International Price Platform. To overseas, the shipping cost is up to 70% optimized, which is cheaper than post office postage. Get a free shipping quote now!

 

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