South African Post Office Postal Rates for 2025/2026

Effective 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2026

The South African Post Office (SAPO) has published its updated postal tariffs covering domestic and international services, courier options, and value-added products. These rates apply from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 (for postal services) and 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 (for courier services).

Domestic Mail Services

Ordinary and Fastmail

Ordinary letter mail is the standard service, while Fastmail ensures quicker delivery (1 day within a city, 2 days nationwide).

Mail Type	Size	Ordinary Mail	Fastmail
Envelope (DL)	235 × 120 mm (≤50g)	R6.75	R10.90
Medium (B5)	250 × 176 mm (≤1kg)	R13.55	R25.90
Large (B4)	353 × 250 mm (≤1kg)	R16.55	R31.35
Postcard	DL/B5/B4	R6.75–R16.55	R10.90–R31.80
Rolled Items	Cylinders (520–620mm)	R16.55–R29.35	R26.80–R31.80
Newspapers	Rolled, 324 × 70 mm	R9.00	R25.90

Postage-Included Envelopes

These ready-made envelopes include postage.

Ordinary Mail:
- DL & C6: R7.15
- B5: R15.45
- C4: R20.80
Fastmail:
- DL: R11.50
- B5: R27.85
- B4: R34.70
- C4: R32.60

Domestic Parcels

Ordinary counter-to-counter parcel services are the most economical.

First kg: R84.10
Each additional kg: R11.35
Cash-on-delivery fee: R33.95
Insurance (suspended) – only postage refunded for lost parcels.

International Mail

Airmail Letter Rates

Destination Zone	Coverage	Rate per Parcel	Additional per 100g	Surface Mail Rate
Zone A	Botswana, Namibia, eSwatini, etc.	R251.40	R7.65	R238.65 (+R3.15)
Zone B	Angola, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe	R370.70	R9.60	R370.70 (+R5.95)
Zone C	North Africa, Middle East	R370.70	R34.75	R345.00 (+R9.60)
Zone D	Europe, Russia	R383.55	R31.65	R362.05 (+R6.75)
Zone E	Americas & Caribbean (excl. Canada)	R285.25	R49.45	R285.25 (+R10.70)
Zone F	Asia-Pacific & Canada	R272.55	R44.15	R266.55 (+R6.75)

Maximum parcel weight: 30kg Maximum dimensions: 2m girth, 1m length

Postboxes and Private Bags

Postbox rental: R670/year
Pensioners (60+): R425/year
Private bags: R2,670/year
Clearance of private boxes: R2,480/year
Accessories:
- Lock with keys: R400
- Bag (70cm × 40cm): R760
- Bag (122cm × 66cm): R885

Redirection service:

1 month: R90
3 months: R280
6 months: R560
12 months: R1,120

Speed Services Couriers (2025/2026)

Weight	Counter to Counter	Counter to Door
500g	R58.43	R64.93
1kg	R63.99	R71.44
2kg	R96.44	R103.89
5kg	R193.80	R201.25
10kg	R193.80	R201.25
20kg	R518.32	R558.22
30kg	R842.85	R850.29

Extras:

Same-day service: R403.84
Saturday service: R242.29
After-hours: R323.10
Early bird: R197.54

Note: Rates exclude a 25.6% fuel levy and liability surcharge.

Key Notes

Insurance: Suspended for parcels and registered letters (only postage refunded if lost).
Customs clearance fees:
- Parcels: R80.15
- Other items: R41.40
Prohibited items: explosives, gas, flammable materials, poisons, banknotes, coins, firearms, precious stones, ivory, etc.