At the Post Office

Practice sending letters and parcels, asking about delivery options, and tracking packages.

Dialogue Sample

A: Next, please! How can I help you?

B: Hi, I'd like to send this parcel to Canada, please.

A: Sure! Would you like standard or express delivery?

B: How long does standard usually take?

A: About 10 to 14 business days. Express gets it there in 3 to 5.

B: I'll go with express, please. And can I get tracking on it?

A: Absolutely — tracking is included. That comes to $18.50.

B: Great, I'll pay by card. Thank you!

Natural Phrases to Know

Sending something

I'd like to send this letter / parcel. I need to post this to [place]. Could you weigh this for me? Does this need a customs form? Can I get a receipt, please?

Asking about delivery options

What are the delivery options? How long does standard / express take? What's the price difference? Can I track it? Is there insurance on this?

Collecting a parcel

I'm here to collect a parcel. I got a missed delivery card. The reference number is... I have my ID here. Is it still here?

Other useful phrases

Do you sell envelopes / bubble wrap here? How much is a book of stamps? Could I have a tracking number? How do I fill in this form?

Your Turn — Fill in the Blanks

You are Speaker B (the customer). Read A's lines and type what you would say.

A: Good morning! Who's next? Go ahead!

A: No problem. Where is it going to?

A: We have standard for $8 or express for $15. Express arrives in two days.

A: Done! Here's your tracking slip. Anything else?