Hongkong Post Ordinary Mail | Delivery Times and Postage

Hongkong Post Ordinary Mail Services Overview

Hongkong Post’s surface mail services are divided into local and international categories. Local services cater to letters, documents, small files, and lightweight items, with postage costs significantly lower than express options. International surface mail, typically transported via sea or land, is notably slower, taking approximately 2 to 4 weeks to reach destinations like Europe or the Americas. This makes it ideal for lightweight, non-urgent items such as postcards, personal letters, or low-value goods.

Compared to express services, surface mail is characterized by its low cost but slower pace. Most surface mail items come with only a basic proof of posting, lacking end-to-end tracking, which makes it challenging for senders to monitor delivery progress. In cases of loss or delay, compensation is limited, offering minimal recourse.

Ordinary Mail Postage Structure and Weight/Size Restrictions

Local surface mail postage is calculated based on weight and size, with letters and packets capped at 2 kilograms and parcels up to 20 kilograms. Costs increase incrementally with weight:

• Small letters: HK$2.2 for up to 30 grams, HK$3.3 for up to 50 grams.

• Large letters: From 50 grams to 500 grams, charges range from HK$4.1 to HK$14.6.

• Packets: From 100 grams to 2 kilograms, fees range from HK$5.6 to HK$48.

• Local parcels: From 3 kilograms to 20 kilograms, costs range from HK$77 to HK$245.

Size restrictions also apply. Letters must measure at least 90 mm x 140 mm. Small letters cannot exceed 165 mm x 245 mm x 5 mm (thickness), while large letters are capped at 305 mm x 381 mm x 20 mm (thickness). Packets must not exceed a combined length, width, and height of 900 mm, with no single side longer than 600 mm. Exceeding these limits requires parcel rates.

International Surface Mail Delivery Times and Postage

International surface mail costs and delivery times vary by destination. Shipments to nearby Asian countries like Japan or South Korea typically take 5 to 9 weeks, while deliveries to Europe or the Americas require 8 to 12 weeks. During peak seasons or flight delays, these timelines may extend further, with costs increasing for heavier or larger items.

For example, sending letters or packets to the UK, Canada, or Australia takes at least 6 weeks, with postage varying by weight:

For urgent shipments, air mail or commercial logistics providers like DHL are recommended, though at higher costs. For instance, sending a small letter to the UK via surface mail takes 9 to 11 weeks, air mail takes 10 to 11 working days, while DHL Express delivers in 1 to 3 working days:

Surface mail suits low-urgency items like personal letters or small gifts. However, for commercial documents, contracts, or urgent shipments, DHL Express is more suitable, offering delivery in as little as 1 to 3 working days. The “DHL Express 9:00” service ensures next-business-day delivery by 9:00 AM. DHL covers major global cities, provides 24/7 tracking, and offers professional customer support. DHL Business accounts can also access preferential rates, reducing overall shipping costs.

Stamp Application and Packaging Tips

Affixing stamps is straightforward: place them in the top-right corner of a clean envelope, ensuring they are flat and not folded. The stamp’s value must match the required postage. For items near weight limits, include additional small-denomination stamps to avoid returns due to insufficient postage.

For packaging, use waterproof plastic bags or kraft paper for letters. For international shipments or delicate items, add bubble wrap or old newspapers inside to minimize damage risks during transit.

Unattended Deliveries and Redelivery Process

If the recipient is unavailable during delivery, Hongkong Post leaves a notification card with instructions to collect the item at a post office within a specified period or via a smart locker. Redelivery can be arranged through the Hongkong Post website.

DHL offers On Demand Delivery (ODD) options, allowing recipients to modify the address, reschedule delivery, or redirect to a pick-up point, providing greater flexibility to suit individual schedules.

Inquiry and Compensation Process

For surface mail delays, senders can inquire at post offices, but compensation for international surface mail is limited. Claims require proof of posting, customs documents, and photos, with payouts often insufficient to cover the item’s value, posing risks for commercial shipments.