Sending and receiving packages in Canada

Hello,

As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages.

How easy is it to send and receive packages in Canada?

Is the public postal system efficient?

Do people tend to prefer using private shipping services? Which ones?

How do the costs of the private shipping services compare?

How long does it take generally to receive packages from abroad in Canada?

Do you have to pay taxes on items received by mail from abroad?

Are packages delivered right to your doorstep, or do you usually have to go collect them somewhere?

Thank you for sharing your experience,

Priscilla

Is the public postal system efficient?

Yes, it is pretty efficient and reliable based on my experience.

Do people tend to prefer using private shipping services? Which ones?

It depends on urgency. People use mostly FedEx, Purolator, UPS and DHL when they need their mail to be delivered very quickly.

How do the costs of the private shipping services compare?

I don't have exact number right now but public Canada Post services noticeable cheaper.

Do you have to pay taxes on items received by mail from abroad?

Yes, you have to pay custom duties on anything more that $20.00

Are packages delivered right to your doorstep, or do you usually have to go collect them somewhere?

Canada Post delivers small packages right to you door and bigger ones have to be picked up from the nearest Post Office.