Australia Post pushing to meet Christmas deadline

The last minute Christmas rush is on. Not for those final items, but to get goods delivered in time for December 25th. 

Most online shopping sites we have spoken to say that to be sure, you should order most online goods either today or tomorrow.

In fact Monday and Tuesday this week are expected to be the busiest online sales days of the year, because of the delivery deadlines. 

Australia Post says in the last financial year, it delivered 95.6 percent of parcels on-time or early.

The problem is - being Christmas, and with 2 million parcels a day delivered - you don't want to be part of the 4.4 percent that can be delayed. 

So it's important to take note of Australia Post's delivery timetable, to make sure the pressies get to friends and family on time. 

With Australia Post, here are the basic rules:
Within metropolitan areas of capital cities, or within the same city or town or environs - allow 2 business days for delivery
Between a metropolitan area of capital city and a rural location - up to 4 business days
Between rural locations - up to 5 business day

Interstate:
Between Sydney/Brisbane, Sydney/Melbourne, Melbourne/Canberra or Melbourne/Adelaide - allow 2-3 business days 
Between Sydney/Adelaide, Melbourne/Brisbane, Melbourne/Tasmania or Adelaide/Canberra - allow 3-4 business days 

For cards and letters:
Regular - 2-6 business days, depending on destination
Priority - 1-4 business days, depending on destination
Registered - 2-6 business days, depending on destination

For overseas parcels, you really are cutting it fine.

The timing is generally six to seven working days for the UK and European capital cities.

But with barely that time left, it's tight. To work this out, head to Australia Post's international delivery time calculator here. 

Good luck. The clock is ticking.