Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The postal system is fairly reliable, if not terribly fast.
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It takes at least a week for letters to reach European destinations, and two weeks to get to Australia and
North America.
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Sending post from a city normally gives mail a head start.
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Worldwide postcards cost around Dh13 to send, and letters around Dh18.
Sending Parcels
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The parcel office, indicated by the sign 'colis postaux', is generally in a separate part of the post-office
building.
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A 1kg package costs around Dh140 to send via airmail to the UK, Dh140 to the USA and Dh240 to Aus-
tralia.
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Parcels should not be wider, longer or higher than 2m; weight limit varies according to the destination, but
it's typically 30kg.
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To ship goods home, buy a box and a shipping form at the post office and take them to the shop where you
purchased your wares.
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The shopkeeper knows the product and can wrap and pack the pieces well with newspaper and cardboard.
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If you've purchased carpets, the vendor should have rolled and bound them in plastic sacks; if not, return
and ask them to do so.
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Label the outside of the package in several places with a waterproof pen.
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Be very clear about the destination country; marking it in French as well as English helps.
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Indicate the value of the contents if you like, but you may be charged taxes at the receiving end.
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Don't seal the box! Customs officers at the post office need to view the contents.
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Your packages will be weighed and you will be charged Par Avion (air) freight rates unless you specify
that you prefer the items shipped by land.
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The overland service is considerably less expensive but can take three months.
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Valuable speciality items such as large furniture may involve customs clearance.
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Shopkeepers should be able to arrange clearance and shipping for you, but make sure you keep copies of
all documentation in case the goods never arrive.
Express Mail & Couriers
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There is usually an Express Mail Service (EMS), also known as Poste Rapide, in the same office as parcel
post.
