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International Addressing Tips

 

Avoid holdups or returned mail by following our international addressing guidelines.

 

Make sure it’s accurate…
Using a complete and correct address is the best way to get it there fast. Foreign postal codes, if used, should be placed on the line above the destination country. Use ZIP Code™ + 4 in your return address when you can.
Find your ZIP Code + 4 ›

… in the right place…
Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of your envelope or card, parallel to the longest edge.

… and easy to read.
The full address, including full country name, must be typed or written in English. We recommend you print your delivery addresses in all uppercase letters. You can use a foreign language address in the address section if the names of the city, province, and country are also indicated in English.

What’s the order of the delivery address?
Line 1: NAME OF ADDRESSEE
Line 2: STREET ADDRESS OR POST OFFICE BOX NUMBER
Line 3: CITY OR TOWN NAME, OTHER PRINCIPAL SUBDIVISION (such as PROVINCE, STATE, or COUNTY) AND POSTAL CODE (IF KNOWN)
Note: In some countries, the postal code may precede the city or town name.
Line 4: FULL COUNTRY NAME (UPPERCASE LETTERS IN ENGLISH)

How should I address envelopes?

A hand writing an address on an envelope.

MS JOYCE BROWNING
2045 ROYAL ROAD
LONDON WIP 6HQ
ENGLAND

How should I address packages?

A hand writing an address on a box.

MS JOYCE BROWNING
2045 ROYAL ROAD
06570 ST PAUL
FRANCE

How should I write my return address?
Print or type your address in the upper-left corner on the front of the envelope. Your name and address, including ZIP Code and country of origin, should be shown in the upper left corner of the address side on all mail.

What should I mail it in?
Send international mail in standard white, manila, or recycled paper envelopes or boxes. If you need more protection, use bubble-lined, padded, or waterproof envelopes. Be sure to use durable envelopes and packing materials to prevent damage.
Buy mailing supplies ›

Global Express Guaranteed® envelopes and boxes of various sizes are available at no additional charge at your Post Office and online. For Express Mail International Flat Rate™, and Priority Mail International Flat Rate™ shipments, you can only use the free Express Mail Flat Rate™ and Priority Mail® Flat Rate™ Envelopes and Boxes.
Order free supplies ›

How do I complete the customs declaration form?
Ensure that all required information, including the contents of parcels, are listed completely and accurately on the appropriate customs declaration form. Failure to do so could delay or cause the return of your outbound international packages. Remember to sign the customs declaration form when complete. Once complete, make sure all the required mailing information is placed in one area on the package to make it more efficient for Postal Service personnel to review the required information and minimize any delay in the delivery of your package. When using a PS Form 2976 (mainly used for packages up to 4 lbs and up to $400 in value), place the address label near the customs label, without covering up any information.
Find a customs form ›

How should I mail it?
Any mailpiece, including mail destined to APO/FPO/DPO addresses, with a customs declaration form that was completed and submitted online (e.g., using Click-N-Ship®) with electronic postage can be placed in a blue collection box, left on your doorstep for a carrier or scheduled for pickup. These mailpieces can also be dropped off at any business that accepts outbound mail on behalf of the USPS®.

Any mailpiece with a customs declaration form that was not completed and submitted online, or any mailpiece that requires a customs declaration form and bears postage stamps must be presented by the customer to an employee at a retail service counter at a Post Office location. In addition, any mail that bears postage stamps and weighs more than 13 oz. must also be presented by the customer to an employee at a retail service counter at a Post Office™ location.

Related Information

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Find the right service for your international mailing needs.

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Ship Online.  Print a label with postage and customs forms. Image of a printer with shipping label and customs forms.