Postage to South Africa from the UK
How much it costs to send a letter, large letter or small parcel to South Africa, how long it takes and what you need to know about customs.
Letter£3.60
Large letterfrom £4.60
Small parcelfrom £15.25
Typical delivery7-14 days
Postal delivery to South Africa can be unpredictable, so for anything important a tracked service or courier is strongly recommended. Letters and cards are cheapest by International Standard.
| Size | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | Up to 100g | £3.60 |
| Large Letter | Up to 100g | £4.60 |
| Large Letter | 100g-250g | £8.15 |
| Large Letter | 250g-500g | £11.45 |
| Large Letter | 500g-750g | £19.60 |
| Small Parcel | Up to 250g | £15.25 |
| Small Parcel | 250g-500g | £22.20 |
| Small Parcel | 500g-750g | £26.10 |
| Small Parcel | 750g-1kg | £30.15 |
| Small Parcel | 1kg-1.25kg | £33.65 |
| Small Parcel | 1.25kg-1.5kg | £36.20 approx. |
| Small Parcel | 1.5kg-2kg | £40.75 approx. |
Prices from 5 October 2026, last checked 1 October 2026. Prices marked approx. are our best estimate – confirm with the carrier before paying.
How to address post to South Africa
South African addresses end with the city and a 4-digit postcode, e.g. CAPE TOWN 8001, then SOUTH AFRICA.
Things to know about posting to South Africa
- Delivery times can vary widely, so post well ahead of birthdays and holidays.
- Tracked services or couriers are recommended for anything of value.
- Recipients may need to collect parcels from a post office.
General tips
- Put SOUTH AFRICA in capitals as the last line of the address.
- For goods, fill in the customs declaration with an accurate description, value and quantity.
- International Standard is not tracked. If the item is valuable, choose a tracked service or a courier.
- Heavier parcels (over 2kg) need a courier or Royal Mail's International Tracked or Parcelforce services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to send a letter to South Africa?
A standard letter up to 100g costs £3.60 with Royal Mail International Standard.
How much is it to post a small parcel to South Africa?
A small parcel starts at £15.25 for up to 250g, rising to £30.15 for 1kg with Royal Mail International Standard.
How long does post to South Africa take?
Royal Mail aims to deliver International Standard post to South Africa in around 7-14 working days, but it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a customs form to send a parcel to South Africa?
Yes, if you are sending goods or gifts. You can complete the customs declaration online when you buy postage, or at the Post Office counter. Documents and letters do not need one.