Chinese Phrases for Post Offices and Package Pickup
Online shopping is huge in China, and parcels rarely come to your door. They go to lockers or collection points near your dorm. These phrases help you send and collect.
| When you want to say | 中文 | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the post office? | 邮局在哪里 | yóu jú zài nǎ lǐ | Where is the post office? |
| I want to send a parcel | 我要寄快递 | wǒ yào jì kuài dì | I want to send a parcel |
| Pick up a parcel | 取快递 | qǔ kuài dì | Collect a parcel |
| Parcel locker | 快递柜 | kuài dì guì | Parcel locker |
| Collection point | 代收点 | dài shōu diǎn | Collection point |
| Address | 地址 | dì zhǐ | Address |
| Postal code | 邮编 | yóu biān | Postal code |
| Weigh | 称重 | chēng zhòng | Weigh |
| SMS pickup code | 短信取件码 | duǎn xìn qǔ jiàn mǎ | SMS pickup code |
| Receipt | 收据 | shōu jù | Receipt |
Lockers, collection points, and the pickup code
Parcels almost never come to your dorm door. You get a text with a 取件码 (pickup code), then collect from a 快递柜 (parcel locker) by scanning the code, or from a 驿站 (Cainiao station) by showing it to the clerk. If the code does not work, the courier (快递员) may deliver the next day or leave it at the gate. Bring your phone, because the locker needs the app.
Sending things home: customs and prohibited items
To mail home, take items to a 邮局 (post office) or a courier counter and fill the customs form (报关单) honestly, listing each item and its value. Batteries, liquids, and large amounts of cash are restricted, and some countries tax packages above a value limit. Keep the tracking number (单号) until it arrives.
Try it yourself
Related guides
- University Dorms Guidedegreeinchina.com
- 100 Study-in-China Questionsdegreeinchina.com
Frequently asked questions
- Why didn’t my parcel come to my door?
- Couriers often drop parcels at lockers or collection points to save time. Check your SMS for the pickup code.
- Can I send things home from China?
- Yes, at a post office (邮局) or a courier counter. Bring the address in both Chinese and your home language.
- What is the pickup code for?
- It is the password shown on the locker screen or given at the collection point to release your parcel.