Communication
Philippine Post
Gary Lising, the witty columnist, of the Manila Chronicle once told his readers that he wrote a letter to the postmaster general with some suggestions on improving the postal service. The letter, according to Gary, got lost.
But as a matter of fact, the postal service in the Philippines is not as bad as some Filipinos say. For many, it is convenient to blame the post for not writing a letter they were supposed to. Insisting the letter was actually sent but got lost saves face.
Philippine post may not be the fastest but is cheap. Those who don't mind paying higher rates can utilize the services of domestic courier firms as JRS for delivery within one day between all major cities and towns of the country.
Domestic Mail
Since January 1, 1987, ordinary domestic letters cost 1 peso for every 20 grams (approx. 0.7 oz). If the letter is sent special delivery, it costs 1 peso more. Domestic parcels are 50 centavos per 100 grams (about 3.4 oz).
Ordinary domestic letters take 1 day to be delivered within Metro Manila, and up to 1 week for remote areas in the provinces. For Metro Manila, there is a same day delivery box at the General Post Office at Lawton. Same day delivery, however, is only possible if the letter is posted before 9:00.
Mail is slower during December and January because of Christmas letters and parcels. Mail is supposed to be a little bit faster if sent special delivery but many Filipinos claim the price is the only difference.
Speed air mail is considerably faster between Manila and some provincial cities. Speed air mail delivery is supposed to take just one day but experience shows that in many cases, two days are needed.
Speed air mail costs 5 pesos for up to 20 grams (approx. 0.7 oz), and 1 peso additional for every 20 grams more. It is available in most cities and major towns.
Money Orders
It is a common practice in the Philippines to make money remittances, especially when the receiver is in a rural area, by post rather than by bank if the amounts are not high. To make a Postal Money Order one pays the amount at any post office. For the amount, checks are issued which are then sent to the receiver. He will have the amount paid out at any post office he chooses. Each single check is limited to 400 pesos. The fee charged depends on the amount of the money order. For 400 pesos, the charge is 7.50 pesos. The recipient must have suitable I.D.. Money orders should be sent by registered mail for greater security and to facilitate tracing in case of loss.
International Air Mail
International air mail takes 7 to 14 days between Europe or North America and the Philippines. For air mail purposes, the globe is divided into four zones. Zone 1 includes Asia except the Middle East; Zone 2 encompasses the Middle East, Australia and many Pacific Islands; Zone 3 consists mainly of Europe and North America; Zone 4 roughly covers Africa and South America.
Packages arriving from overseas are generally not delivered but have to be claimed at a customs post office after the notice of arrival is delivered. I.D. (such as passport) is required and there is a charge of about 3 pesos in addition to custom charges.
Air Parcels
Country, rate for up to the first 100g, in parentheses the rate for each additional 100g or fraction thereof.
Post Restante
Poste Restante mail (held at the post office for pickup) is best sent to the General Post Office of Manila, at Lawton. There is a separate counter for post restante (general delivery).
P.O. Boxes
P.O. boxes are available for rental. A small box is officially charged 50 pesos per quarter, a medium 100 pesos, a large 150 pesos. A key deposit of 15 pesos must be paid. As there is a big shortage of P.O. boxes in Metro Manila, there is a gray market for them just as for telephone lines. Those wishing to buy or sell P.O. box rights often advertise in major newspapers. Prices for P.O. box rights can reach several thousand pesos.
Post Offices
Tourist Belt
General Post Office (GPO) - Lawton
(Liwasang Bonifacio), Intramuros
Mon-Sat 8:00-17:00, packets 8:00-16:00
Sun, hol 8:00-12:00
Ermita, Malate Customs Postal Office
Indiana cor Remedios Sts
Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00, Sat 8:00-12:00
Mabini Post Office - 1335 Mabini St, Ermita
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00
no packets, no registered mail
Rizal Post Office - Rizal Park
across from Manila Hotel
Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00, Sat 8:00-12:00
Airports
NAIA Post Office - Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
packets, registered mail 8:00-12:00
Sat 8:00-16:00
Dom Airport Post Office - Domestic Rd
Pasay City; Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
Packets, registered mail 8:00-16:30
Sat 8:00-12:00
Makati
Makati Central Post Office - Gil Puyat Ave
Makati, nr Medical Ctr; Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
packets, registered mail 8:00-16:30
Sat 8:00-12:00
Surface Parcel Rates
Aimail Parcel Rates
International Surface Mail Rates
SAL (Surface Airlifted) Rates
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_insight_communication.htm
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