Johannesburg - Post Report Question and Answers
How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The Consulate uses the diplomatic pouch, and your Amazon packages will get to post… eventually. If you get a South African bank account and use local options for online shopping, motorcycle courier services are generally reliable for package delivery. - Aug 2022
We rely exclusively on the diplomatic mail. We've had friends send us packages from different places in the world by regular post, and all had problems: one never showed up, and one came with an outrageous 'duty' charge that we simply didn't pay. Often takes months via regular post. - Jun 2022
Diplomatic pouch. - Oct 2019
Haven't used the local post office, as we use the pouch via the consulate. Courier mail (e.g. DHL) is also available. - Apr 2017
No real problem with mail. I believe Amazon now ships to SA as well. - Sep 2016
we send mail throught the embassy, but local mail with DHL or FeEx is okay, if not expensive for international mailing. - Aug 2011
U.S. Govt. personnel use the pouch. Local mail isn't super reliable, but major couriers are available, and local mail isn't a complete disappointment if you have to use it. - Jul 2010
The SA mail system is unreliable. Customs likes to take things from the mail. If you need it, you must use a courier, which is super expensive. - Oct 2009
