Royal Mail
The Royal Mail website contains information on the different International mail services available when sending mail abroad, including labelling and customs information along with Airmail and Surface Mail price tables.
Website: www.royalmail.com
Christmas Last Posting Dates (UK)
Dates may vary each year by one or two days
2009 Dates:Surface - All non-European destinations not listed below: 1 Oct
Surface - Far East (except Hong Kong & Singapore) and Middle East: 6 Oct
Surface - Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and the USA: 20 Oct
Surface - Eastern Europe, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Greece, Iceland: 10 Nov
Surface - Western Europe (except the above): 24 Nov
Airmail - All non-European destinations (except Canada, USA, Japan): 4 Dec
Airmail - Canada, USA, Japan & Eastern Europe: 10 Dec
Airmail - Western Europe: 11 Dec
UK Inland - Second Class: 18 Dec
UK Inland - First Class: 21 Dec
Website: www.royalmail.com
Also, for last posting dates and last order dates, see www.lastpostingdates.co.uk
Security tips on handling post
As some Christian organisations have been the target of recent terrorist attacks, here are a few bits of advice from the US postal service on handling mail.
If the letter is at all lopsided or lumpy in appearance, don't be so quick to tear it open. Be suspicious. What else should make you suspicious?
- It's hand-addressed and has no return address or bears one that you can't read
- It's sealed with excessive amounts of tape
- It's marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "confidential"
- It has excessive postage
Further precautions:
- Don't handle it if you suspect at all that it might be contaminated
- Don't shake it, bump it, or sniff it
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Notify your local law enforcement authorities
( Thanks to BRIGADA for this info)
Other international mail providers
Mailability Limited
Established in 2002, Mailability is a leading independent service provider in the international mail industry.Website: www.mailability.ltd.uk
Spring
Spring — the world's largest independent cross border mail distribution company – has over 60 local offices throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. They have a bulk mailing service that can be cost effective for sending numerous letters at once.Website: www.springglobalmail.com
DHL
DHL have a local office in many countries and often provide cost effective and secure solutions for sending letters and parcels, small and large, worldwide.Website: www.dhl.com or www.dhl.co.uk
Tel: 0870 1100300
L-Mail
L-mail is an online service that enables you to send letters to any postal address via the Internet. They can print and post letters from over 30 worldwide locations, meaning that L-Mail is often faster and cheaper than traditional overseas mail. This service has been tested successfully by OSCAR.Website: www.l-mail.com
Telegram Service
The Official Telegram Service sending messages Worldwide. We offer a wide selection of Greetings Telegrams as well as the traditional Telegram. Whether you need to send a message of important news or messages of love or celebration - say it all with a Telegram. Its something they will never forget.Website: www.telegramsonline.co.uk
Tel: 0800 190190