From October 1st, there will be changes in the charges for Japan Post services, specifically affecting their AVIA_SM service. But fear not, because we've got some timely advice to ensure you make the most of your budget when buying Japanese products from abroad.
What's Changing?
Starting next month, Japan Post's AVIA_SM service rates will be revised, affecting the cost of shipping your cherished purchases from Japan. While this change is inevitable, we're here to let you in on a little secret – you can lock in the existing shipping rates if you act now and create your parcels through ZenMarket before September 24th, so that you can pay before September 28, 23:59 JST.
Attention!
Parcels that are not paid by September 28, 23:59 JST, will be subject to the pricing changes. If due to system delays, you pay the old rates for a parcel between Thursday 28, 23:59 and the switch on Friday the 29th (~15:00-17:00 JST), we will need to refund the cost of your parcel so you can pay the new rates.
New Zones
Please note that some countries and regions were moved into different zones and a new, 5th zone was added.
| |
Old |
New |
| Zone 1 |
Asia |
China, Korea, Taiwan |
| Zone 2 |
Oceania, Canada, Central America, Middle East, Europe |
Asia (except areas in Zone 1) |
| Zone 3 |
South America, Africa |
Oceania, Canada, Mexico, Middle East, Europe |
| Zone 4 |
America (incl. Guam & other territories) |
USA (incl. Guam & other territories) |
| Zone 5 |
/ |
Central and South America (except Mexico), Africa |
New rates for Avia Small (sample, in Yen)
|
Zone 1: China, Korea, Taiwan
|
| WEIGHT |
OLD PRICE |
NEW PRICE |
| < 100g |
690 |
810 |
| 501-600g |
1,140 |
1310 |
| 1001-1100g |
1,590 |
1,810 |
| 1901-2000g |
2,400 |
2,710 |
|
Zone 2: Asia (except areas in Zone 1)
|
| WEIGHT |
OLD PRICE |
NEW PRICE |
| < 100g |
790 |
840 |
| 501-600g |
1,390 |
1,440 |
| 1001-1100g |
1,990 |
2,040 |
| 1901-2000g |
3,070 |
3,120 |
|
Zone 3: Oceania, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Middle East
|
| WEIGHT |
OLD PRICE |
NEW PRICE |
| < 100g |
820 |
970 |
| 501-600g |
1,720 |
1,870 |
| 1001-1100g |
2,620 |
2,770 |
| 1901-2000g |
4,240 |
4,390 |
|
Zone 4: USA (incl. Guam & other territories)
|
| WEIGHT |
OLD PRICE |
NEW PRICE |
| < 100g |
1,150 |
1290 |
| 501-600g |
1,800 |
2,340 |
| 1001-1100g |
2,450 |
3,390 |
| 1901-2000g |
3,620 |
5,280 |
|
Zone 5 (new): Central and South America (except Mexico), Africa
|
| WEIGHT |
OLD PRICE |
NEW PRICE |
| < 100g |
/ |
1010 |
| 501-600g |
/ |
2,310 |
| 1001-1100g |
/ |
3,610 |
| 1901-2000g |
/ |
5,950 |
Our recommendations
Of course, you can always use our shipping calculator to check out our other shipping methods - for small parcels, we recommend our own shipping method called ZenExpress.
Learn more about ZenExpress.
The weak Japanese Yen as an Advantage
But that's not all. Let's talk about the Japanese yen's recent performance - part of the reason shipping prices are going up. It's no secret that currency values can sway shopping decisions.
Good news for you – the yen has been on a bit of a downward trend lately. What does this mean for you? It means that shopping in Japan is now even more budget-friendly. Your money can go further, allowing you to indulge in more of those unique, high-quality Japanese products you love.
Seize the opportunity by sending your parcels in September. With favorable exchange rates and the chance to lock in current shipping charges, you can enjoy a cost-effective shopping experience. Act now, and make the most of both the yen's trend and the existing shipping rates through ZenMarket.
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