THERE’S nothing worse than a Christmas present or card delivered late – so it’s best to keep an eye on the last posting dates when you’re living abroad.
Royal Mail have said that mail from Britain to Ireland should be posted via airmail by December 17 for Christmas Day.
All gifts, cards and general mail must be within Royal Mail’s postal system by then to ensure they arrive in time for December 25.
In Ireland, An Post have said that letters, parcels and mail being sent to Britain should be posted by December 19 to arrive before Christmas Day.
Couriered items will still be accepted by An Post up until December 21.
Mail to Northern Ireland should be put in the box by December 20 or December 21 if a courier service is used.
An Post and Royal Mail have released their last posting dates for Christmas 2016 [Picture: iStock]An Post advises that senders place an 'air mail' sticker on overseas post, as well as a clearly inscribed name and address written in capitals to ensure that Santa’s little helpers get parcels to their destinations on time.
They also advise that senders steer clear from using cellophane, masking tape or string and instead use a form of packing tape.
Postal rates have gone up since last year so it’s worth checking Royal Mail and An Post’s rates here.
