What is EMS?
EMS stands for express mail service. This is the fastest method of delivery. EMS packages can be sent to any EMS member nation. If you are in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, or China, you can get next day delivery for an extra fee. EMS packages are tracked and insured up to 2,000,000円 (about 200,000 dollars). EMS from Japan to the west coast of the United States takes roughly 2-3 days.
What is SAL?
SAL stands for Surface Air Lifted. The package is treated as ground mail in Japan and in the receiving country, but it is air lifted between the two countries. No tracking, no insurance. 1 - 2 weeks estimated arrival time.
What is Surface?
Surface is boat mail. 6-10 weeks estimated arrival time. There is no tracking, but you can get insurance.
What should I send my package by?
Very expensive items (over $100) should ALWAYS be sent by EMS. If you send the item by SAL and it is damaged or lost, you cannot get any money back. If an item is very heavy, pick either surface or EMS because SAL can be more expensive than EMS when items are too heavy. If sending to Italy, Spain, or Brazil, always EMS and insure for the FULL VALUE of the item. These countries have very messed up postal systems and things get damaged or lost often
Now THIS is helpful. ;D Thanks kite. :D
Good stuff. Thanks!
Man I didn't know it was that long for the cheapest....gotta wait now...
Are you sure about SAL and Surface? Seems to me that they should be reveresed: I've had packages from asia via SAL ensured but not Surface. Surface is pretty mcuh the worst option. In fact from what I've learned from my mail service is that of all parcels shipped surface, 30% never make it.
Um I dont see how that's possible, I think you're confusing them. the information is from the Japanese post office website
hm ok then