What is the AFRICAN mail service like?....?

Question

I have a very close friend who is going to be leaving to serve a full time, two year mission in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic Of The Congo.
I have questions based around the mail service in this area of Africa. It is my understanding that it is not a reliable place to send packages to. Is it reliable to send letters? What is your experience with this?
My next question is referring to postage. How much money is postage to Africa from the United States Oregon area for a regular one ounce letter? Ninety eight cents?
Can I send envelopes that are different colors or designs? I have plans to use my attractive stationary, will it be received well in another country?
How long does it take to get letters to and from Africa?
Do letters often get stolen?
What can I do to make sure my letters are easier to receive? Write the address in French? It is my understanding that that is the main language in the Kinshasa area.
And last but not least, what are some tips you would give me? Is there anything I should know?
Thank you so much for any replies. I appreciate it greatly.

Answer 1

What is the European Mail service like?Duh.Africa is not a country but a continent

Answer 2

Since you posted in the Kenya forum I'll answer the questions for Kenya. Kenya is reliable for receiving packages but you will have to pay tax and duty on the contents. As far as sending, it's also reliable although I have had problems with theft if you send attractive goods.

As far as postage rates are concerned, visit www.usps.com for rates all over the world.

Colors and fancy envelopes are no problem. They will be received well in Africa but I don't know about other countries.

Time from Africa is about 2-3 weeks. Time to Africa can be 4-8 weeks depending on the time of year. If you're in the U.S. use flat rate or express boxes from the USPS. They are treated with urgency and care (for some reason).

Letters should be OK unless they contain money.

Write the address in English

Tips: Use USPS Flat rate envelopes if there is something flat to send. The more official it looks, the better. Maybe your fancy stuff should go into an official looking envelope. Packages can be marked for "donation to XYZ children's orphanage" not in the address but somewhere on the package. It'll minimize the taxes and duty and maybe eliminate them.

Answer 3

When I send letters to anywhere in Africa, I take each individual letter to the post office to get stamps - to make sure I have the right amount of postage on. Fancy envelopes are fine, but don't send anything valuable - everything, even calendars, gets stolen.

Answer 4

once I deliver letters to at anyplace in Africa, I take each and every guy or female letter to the submit place of work to get stamps - to ascertain I relatively have the appropriate volume of postage on. Fancy envelopes are first-fee, besides the shown fact that do no longer deliver some thing useful - the best deal, even calendars, gets stolen.

Answer 5

The African mail service has drive-by services for certain packages and usually uses there mother's vehicle for shipping.

Answer 6

problematic aspect try searching with yahoo and bing that could help