It’s time to start thinking about sending Aunt Mae and Uncle Harry their Christmas cards and presents. That’s because the Cayman Islands Postal Service’s deadline to mail gifts to family and friends overseas for the holiday season is fast approaching.

Did you know that CIPS has four posting methods that should suit any customer’s needs?

1. Surface Mail

For customers wishing to use the most economical postage, Surface mail is the best.  This method typically transports the item by land or sea. It also takes the longest to be delivered. To send a 2-lb. package to the US costs CI$3.50 and takes six to eight weeks to be delivered. For most Caribbean islands, the deadline is Tuesday, 29 October. For the USA and Canada the latest posting date is Tuesday, 5 November. The United Kingdom and Western Europe is Wednesday, 9 November.

2. Airmail

Which is the most popular posting method, has a delivery time as quick as three days or it could take up to two weeks, depending on the location. The deadline for the US, Canada, most Caribbean Islands, the UK and Western Europe is Tuesday, 10 December. For all other countries, the deadline is Wednesday, 4 December.

3. Air Parcel

For an option with tracking and cost saving, Air Parcel is the best. For instance, a 2-lb. package to the USA costs CI$4 and takes two to three weeks to be delivered. The deadline for all other countries is Friday, 15 November. For Canada, the USA, most Caribbean islands, the United Kingdom and Western Europe, the deadline is Tuesday, 3 December.

4. Express Mail Service (EMS)

For a method that delivers both tracking and speed, Express Mail Service (EMS) is the best. For instance, a 2-lb. package costs CI$18 and takes about three to five days to be delivered to the US. The deadline for all other countries is Wednesday, 11 December; for the UK and Western Europe, it is Friday, 13 December and for the USA and Canada it is Monday, 16 December.

“Please remember there are a number of posting restrictions to various countries,” said Deputy PMG, Operations Melissa Martinez-Ebanks, “In order to comply with international security requirements, any package (letter mail, small packet, parcel and EMS) weighing more than 16 ounces must be examined by the Cayman Islands Postal Service counter staff. Due to new restrictions, items containing lithium batteries, including cell phones and laptops, cannot be accepted for transport in mail originating from the Cayman Islands,” she explained.

Ms. Martinez-Ebanks also noted that it is a good idea to be aware of prohibited items, which are deemed to be any materials that are hazardous, flammable, combustible or explosive.

“This includes perfume and alcohol which is 70% proof and over. In addition, the CIPS will not accept any ink or toner cartridges that weigh more than 16 ounces, for mail transportation,” she added.

There are also four other points to bear in mind when posting:  (1) Post early (2) fill out a Customs declarations form particularly if the item is valuable (3) Use white labels only (4) Write legibly.

These pointers will help ensure that packages get to the intended recipients on time.

For more information, please go to www.caymanpost.gov.ky  or call 949-2474.

Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure Hon. D. Kurt Tibbetts encouraged the public to remember loved ones during the Christmas season. “Everyone likes being remembered and sending greeting cards is another way to stay in touch with family and friends overseas. It shows you took the time to say you care.”