Post Office
The Island's Post Office became independent of the British Post Office in 1973 and provides a comprehensive, efficient range of services which are similar to those in the UK and geared to the finance sector.
All letter mail posted locally is treated as first class. Outgoing letters are sent by charter aircraft daily throughout the week enabling next day delivery in the UK. Parcels and large packages of up to 30 kg are conveyed in and out of the Island daily by sea.
Postage rates are generally lower than in the UK and there are a considerable number of ancillary services. These include: Courier Services, International Business Reply, Freepost, Business Reply, Private Boxes (PO Box No.), Redirection, Callers Service and Keepsafe Service where the Post Office holds mail for up to 2 months whilst individuals are away, and then delivers on a requested date.
The Post Office also provides access to various Datapost and other Courier Parcel Services which guarantees delivery in the UK by 10.00am, 12 noon, close of business the following day or within 2 working days; there is also Courier Delivery Worldwide. A comprehensive Mailroom Service - Integrated Mailing Solutions (IMS) - which includes collecting data, printing, folding, enveloping and mailing, was introduced some years ago and provides valuable support to the business community.
Faxmail, the high speed facsimile service to the UK and major cities worldwide is also available over Post Office Counters. In addition to postal services the Post Office Counters network provides a wide range of facilities for receipt and payment of telephone, electricity, government and local authority rates and other bills and also encashment facilities for government cheques, pensions and other benefits, as well as the issue of television, motor vehicle, dog and fishing licences.
The Isle of Man Post Office has since its formation in 1973, issued distinctive Manx stamps by the Philatelic Bureau. Definitive stamps are issued every five years and eight commemorative issues are produced annually which attract collectors from around the world.