Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4 spoken tones. We have attempted to re-create those below where after each syllable we tell you (1), (2), (3), or (4) as they correspond to each of the 4 tones. We encourage you to complement your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese newsletter with a good offline study program.

Posting a Letter or Package:
you(2) ji(4) xin(4) jian(4) huo(4) bao(1) guo(3)

NEW WORDS
(1) Post Office: you(2) ju(2)
(2) Letter: xin(4)
(3) Package: bao(1) guo(3)
(4) Stamp: you(2) piao(4)
(5) Customs: hai(3) guan(1)
(6) Express: kuai(4) di(4)

LESSON

• Where is the Post Office?
  you(2) ju(2) zai(3) na(3) er?
  
• How much is it to send this letter?
  ji(4) zhe(4) feng(1) xin(4) yao(4) duo(1) shao(3) qian(2)?
  
• Do I need stamps for this package?
  zhe(4) ge(4) bao(1) guo(3) yao(4) tie(1) you(2) piao(4) ma?
  
• Do you have an express mail service?
  ni(3) men(2) you(3) kuai(4) di(4) fu(2) wu(4) ma?

* Tip: While traveling or staying in China, you are bound to accumulate a range of things like arts, crafts and other China-memorabilia. A good way to avoid having to lug them for the rest of your journey is to send them back home.

Mailing a letter or package in China is not difficult but there are a few rules to follow. Firstly, not all Post Offices can accept packages to be sent overseas.

If it is a package to be sent, take the things you want in the package to the Post Office. They will inspect them (to make sure you are not sending contraband or counterfeit products of any sort) and then sell you a box to pack them in. Once you have finished packing, the Post Office staff will inspect the package again and then sell you the right number of stamps depending on the weight and destination.

With a little patience, sending packages home can be a great way of reducing the amount you have to carry around without having to miss all of the great bargains available in China.