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Addressing International Mail

International mail has special addressing requirements that are important to follow:

• Addresses must be in ink or typewritten
• Use Roman letters (A,B,C, etc.) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• Write or type the address lengthwise with the longest side horizontal
• Include an address label inside all parcels
• The name of the sender and the addressee must not be in initials unless it is an adopted trade name
• A complete return address including Zip Code is required
• The bottom line of the address must show only the country name written in full in English, without abbreviations, and in capital letters. For example:

  MR JACQUES MOLIERE RUE DE CHAMPAIGN 06570 ST PAUL FRANCE

  MS JOYCE BROWNING 2045 ROYAL ROAD LONDON WIP 6HQ ENGLAND

  The exception is for Canada, where the Postal Code may be the bottom line. Either of the following are acceptable:

  MS HELEN SAUNDERS 1010 CLEAR STREET OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1 CANADA

  MS HELEN SAUNDERS 1010 CLEAR STREET OTTAWA ON CANADA K1A 0B1

For complete details on addressing international mail, refer to the USPS guide on addressing international mail.

Need information on preparing international mail?

Did you know there are restrictions and prohibitions for international mailings? Certain items are always prohibited. In addition, each country has special prohibitions and/or restrictions.