Every year, you vow to send Christmas cards, and every year, you remember far too late to send them on time. So this is a friendly reminder to those who said they’d get organised next year; next year is now! 

Postal services are at their busiest during the holiday rush, so it’s important to take possible delays into consideration when planning to send cards and parcels to family and friends overseas. 

Let’s take a look at the international postage deadlines you’ll need to know to ensure your festive mail arrives in time for Christmas.

International Postage Deadlines

Whether you’re sending Australian themed kids’ gifts to loved ones in Asia or Christmas cards to friends in the UK, Australia Post’s international postage deadlines will vary depending on the destination and the kind of delivery service you choose. 

Note that some services may be unavailable or suspended, so always check well ahead of time. You can view a complete list of international postage deadlines here.

If you’re using a postal service other than Australia Post, you’ll need to confirm the Christmas cut-off dates for international shipping directly with the carrier. Many carriers offer international delivery within 15 days, but posting your cards and parcels earlier than recommended is the best way to avoid delays during the busy holiday season.

US Tariffs and Christmas Postage 

After temporarily suspending postal services to America because of changes to customs and import tariffs, Australia Post began shipping to the US again in early October. If you’re sending Australian Christmas gifts to family and friends in the US, they’ll need to be valued at under USD$100 to be exempt from paying duties and fees. Chat with your local post office staff for clarification on any additional fees or duties you may need to pay.  

US tariffs have caused global disruptions to postal services, so posting early to account for possible delays is recommended.

Other Tips for International Postage During the Festive Season

Double-check all cards and parcels are clearly labelled with the correct name and postal address of the recipient to avoid lost or delayed mail.

Visit the post office in the morning to send off cards and parcels to ensure you don’t miss the daily mail collection. 

Get organised ASAP to ensure your Christmas mail arrives before Santa does!