Question 1

Which stamps do I use for a letter to a foreign address?

Accepted Answer

bpost has stamps for shipments outside Belgium. There are stamps for Europe (Europe) and for the rest of the world (World).You can buy them at our Postal office and Postal Points and in our eShop.The number and type of stamps for your letter sent abroad depends on the size, weight and destination of your letter.Use our online tool, enter the destination and weight, and discover which stamp(s) you need for your letter sent abroad.

Question 2

How do I send a letter abroad?

Accepted Answer

To send a letter abroad, you need an international stamp:a Europe stamp for European destinationsa World stamp for the rest of the world.You can use whatever sort of paper or envelope for your international letter. You can mail your letter by dropping it in one of bpost's Red Mailboxes or drop it off&nbsp;in a Post Office.

Question 3

Do I have to write the address in a certain way? In which language?

Accepted Answer

To write an address correctly, follow the international ISO standards. Write the address in English or in an official language of the destination country.

Question 4

How quickly will my letter be delivered abroad?

Accepted Answer

The delivery time for letters to foreign countries depends on different factors:The destination: your letter is usually delivered faster within Europe than outside EuropePostal delivery in the destination country: foreign postal services might not distribute letters dailyLocal holidaysWithin Belgium, your international letter is treated as priority mail until it reaches the border. This is not necessarily the case in the destination country.Indicative delivery period of letters in foreign countriesTo our neighbouring countries: 2 to 3 working daysTo other European countries: 3 to 6 working daysTo the rest of the world: 5 to 20 working daysSince bpost has no influence on the postal process in other countries, the delivery period may differ from the indicative delivery period.

Question 5

Are there priority stamps for international destinations?

Accepted Answer

We automatically treat international mail as priority mail. But the final delivery period depends on the postal service in the destination country. bpost has no influence over this. To be sure that your letter or card is treated as priority mail abroad, attach an 'A PRIOR' stick-on label. You can get those labels for free in a Post Office.

Question 6

Why can my letter or card be returned?

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons for returning a letter are:The letter does not have a stamp.The letter does not have enough stamps.The letter contains an incorrect address.The reason why your card or letter was retuned is written on the red sticker.

Question 7

What happens to my letter if I write the address incorrectly or the addressee has moved?

Accepted Answer

If you wrote your address on the back of the envelope, the undelivered letter will be sent back to you.

Question 8

What is the tariff for sending a mourning letter?

Accepted Answer

The tariff for sending a mourning letter is the same as for a regular letter. And just like a regular letter, you can send a mourning letter prior or non prior.Mourning letters are delivered next day in Belgium when sent by the Prior service.When sent by the non prior service mourning letters are delivered within three working days in Belgium.Our online calculator works out the tariff for your letter.Special mourning stamps are available at Post Offices, Post Points and eShop. These make your death announcements more visible during handling.To ensure your death announcements are handled correctly, we recommend you drop them off at a post office or post point counter before 16:00.

Question 9

Are there things that I can't send abroad or to specific countries?

Accepted Answer

It is forbidden to send money by both national and international mail.More information about things that you cannot send as a letter can be found in the General Terms and Conditions. Sometimes it's better to send objects in a reinforced envelope or as a parcel.Do you want to send an important letter? We recommend that you send it as Registered Mail (if desired with a Declared Value).

Question 10

Does customs open my letter?

Accepted Answer

In principle, customs does not open any letters. But they do have the right to do that. For example, if your mail looks suspicious.

Question 11

Is it best to pay for insurance for my international mail?

Accepted Answer

You can only take insurance if you send your letter as International Registered Mail. We advise you to use Registered Mail if you send valuable mail.

Question 12

Can I get confirmation of receipt of my letter sent abroad?

Accepted Answer

You will receive confirmation of receipt if you send your international mail as International Registered Mail.