The Post Office

Recently updated interior has led to a decline in service overall. Addition of self service kiosks has only worsened this post office since i often want advice on the most appropriate servce to use. Try to use one of the smaller ones at the other end of town if you can.

The largest post office in Oxford, it is therefore, unfortunately the busiest. I have never been without having to queue for at least 15 mins. Having said that, once you get to the front, the staff are quick and helpful in dealing with your queries. There is also an associated shop selling quite a random assortment of stuff.
There is a stamp machine outside as mentioned above, though I’ve never seen it working! Post boxes are also available outside.
If you need foreign exchange, post office rates are among the best, money can be ordered online or instore

Let me get my caveat in at the start: I have a real hatred of post offices, mainly due to years spent queuing in a small town one full of sceaming babies and old men falling asleep in the queue.
On this front, the Oxford post office is a relief. It’s a bit more peaceful and there’s more sense of urgency: the staff here seem to get it that people are there to get a chore done, not for a friendly chat. That said, they’re still wonderfully polite and patient. Definitely not a job I would want.
Things I like:
— The building — nineteenth century arches, coat of arms, typical Oxford grandeur.
— The post box outside — okay, so it’s not the traditional red pillar, but it takes you back a century or two.
— The Post Office currency exchange rate — one of the best you can get.
— The stamp machine outside
Things I don’t like:
— The queues — yes, most people go at lunchtime, so why not put more staff on the tills then?
— The generality — same queue whether you want to post one envelope or twenty parcels; pick up a pension or become a millionaire in some obscure currency.
Conclusion: A necessary evil that could be far worse.