Question 1

How do I stamp my letter correctly?

Accepted Answer

You need stamps to send a letter. How many and which stamps depend on the size (standardised or non-standardised), weight and destination of your letter. Quickly find how many stamps your letter requires via our overview page. You can calculate the price of your letter at the same time.

Question 2

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 3

What is the difference between priority and non-priority delivery?

Accepted Answer

The difference between priority and non-priority is in the delivery period. Letters with a non-priority stamp are delivered within maximum 3 workdays. Letters with a priority stamp are delivered the next workday.

Question 4

How do I write the address correctly on the envelope?

Accepted Answer

Just like with electronic addresses, one letter can affect the proper delivery. Validate your address to be sure that it is known at bpost.The photo below shows how to write the address of the addressee correctly. Don't forget to mention the name of the addressee (required) and to put your own address on the back of your letter (recommended but not required).

Question 5

I have an urgent mail. Can my letter be delivered tomorrow?

Accepted Answer

To have your letter delivered tomorrow within Belgium, use a prior seal and deliver your prior letter before the last collection in:A Red Letter Box. You will find the time of the last collection on&nbsp;the letterbox.A Post Office or Post Point. You'll find the time of the last collection in each office.

Question 6

Are (really) old stamps still valid?

Accepted Answer

You can continue to use old stamps. All stamps from October 2, 1961, including those in Belgian francs, remain valid for:a non-priority letter within BelgiumInternational letters. In this case you should also stick a blue A Prior label on your letter.You can not use old stamps on priority letters within Belgium. (You need a prior stamp with barcode in this case). Also, the old stamps are not valid to send a parcel.

Question 7

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 8

Where can I buy stamps?

Accepted Answer

You purchase stamps in:Our eShopA Post Office or Post Point in your neighbourhoodIn a stamp shop: there are more than 5000 shops that sell stamps – supermarkets, petrol stations, bookshops, etc.

Question 9

What can/can't I send with an envelope?

Accepted Answer

Look in the General Terms and Conditions to see what you cannot send in a letter.When sending objects, it's best to use a reinforced envelope or send it as a parcel.

Question 10

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 11

Where can I find the nearest Post Office or Post Point and the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Click on the link beneath for a Post Office or Post Point in your neighbourhood, and to check the opening hours.

Question 12

How many stamps should I put on my letter?

Accepted Answer

The number of stamps you attach to your letter depends on:the destinationthe size and weight of your letterQuickly find how many stamps your letter requires via our overview page. You can calculate the price of your letter at the same time.

Question 13

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 14

My mail is being delivered, but not in my letterbox. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

We are sorry that our postman did not place your mail in your letterbox. The best way to report this is via the online form at the bottom of this page.&nbsp;We will ask for your contact details so that we can talk to the right postman about this.

Question 15

Which mail or shipments does bpost deliver on Saturday and Sunday?

Accepted Answer

bpost delivers during the weekend in certain cases. This depends on the type of shipment, the sender and the delivery address. Letters and registered mail are currently only delivered on weekdays.Some senders, such as certain web shops, have agreements with bpost to have their parcels delivered to home addresses on Saturdays and Sundays. It is therefore possible that your parcel will be delivered to your home during the weekend (on Saturday between 8:00 and 17:00, on Sunday between 9:00 and 19:00).For the time being, parcels will not be delivered directly to a Pick-up point or Parcel Locker on weekend days. These are delivered to the Pick-up point or Parcel Locker on Monday.&nbsp;You can follow the status of your parcel via the My bpost app or Track &amp; Trace.

Question 16

I forgot to attach stamps. What will happen to my letter?

Accepted Answer

You wrote the return address on the envelope: the letter will be returned to you.You did not write a return address: the postman will ask the recipient to pay the shipping. Not in cash, but in the form of the missing stamp(s) on a yellow postage card. The recipient must mail that card. When bpost receives the postage card, your letter or card will be delivered to the recipient.

Question 17

What are the permitted sizes and weights for a letter?

Accepted Answer

The maximum dimensions your letter can be are:length: 350 mmwidth: 230 mmthickness: 30 mmweight: 2 kgIf your letter weighs more or is longer, wider or thicker, you will need to send it as a parcel. In that case, you need a shipping label.Number of stamps on your letterOur overview page makes it easy to determine how many stamps your letter requires. You can calculate the price of your letter at the same time.

Question 18

I didn't put enough stamps on my letter. How do I rectify the error?

Accepted Answer

As soon as your letter is sent, you cannot change it. If you wrote a return address on the back, the letter will be returned to you.

Question 19

Where do I attach the stamp on my envelope?

Accepted Answer

You always attach stamps in the upper-right corner on the front of your envelope.

Question 20

I received a letter from two months ago. How is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Such a delay is exceptional. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please call customer service if you wish to make a complaint.

Question 21

How do I send priority mail?

Accepted Answer

To send a letter as priority mail, you need a priority stamp.To be sure that your priority delivery arrives the next workday, you must put it in a red mailbox before the last collection or drop it off at a Post Office or Post Point before 16:00.Only a priority stamp guarantees that your letter is delivered the next workday. Writing 'priority' on an envelope with a non-priority stamp does not count.

Question 22

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 23

Can I take my letter to a Post Office and purchase a stamp and envelope there?

Accepted Answer

You can buy stamps and envelopes in the Post Office and mail your letter right away. Note: we do not sell stamps and envelopes per piece; they come in packs of 10.You can find pre-stamped envelopes, even in packs of 10, in the Post Office.

Question 24

How do I stamp an urgent shipment?

Accepted Answer

If your mail is urgent, choose a Priority stamp. That way your letter will arrive the next workday.

Question 25

Do old priority stamps remain valid?

Accepted Answer

Priority stamps are valid if they were issued after 1 January 2019. All other stamps can be used if they were issued after 2 October 1961. Your letter will be treated like non-priority mail and delivered within 3 workdays.

Question 26

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 27

Where do I drop off my non-standardised letter?

Accepted Answer

You can place your non-standardised letter in one of the many bpost mailboxes. If your envelope doesn't fit in the opening, drop it off in a Post Office.

Question 28

Can I order stamps online and have them sent to my home address?

Accepted Answer

Buy your stamps quickly and easily via our eShop. Your order will be in your letterbox within 3 workdays.

Question 29

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 30

Is it better to send urgent mail as registered mail?

Accepted Answer

Registered mail is not faster than a regular delivery. To have your letter delivered tomorrow, use a Priority stamp and place it in a red mailbox (do that before the last collection) or drop off your letter in a Post Office before 16:00.

Question 31

Will my non-standardised mail be delivered later?

Accepted Answer

We deliver your non-standardised mail just as quickly as standardised letters.

Question 32

How do I make and order personalised stamps?

Accepted Answer

How does MyStamp work?Step 1: Choose your photoSelect a photo from your computer, tablet, smartphone, Picasa, Flickr or Facebook. It can be horizontal or vertical. You can edit your photo in the tool; for example you can zoom in or add some text.Good to know: the photos remain your property. bpost does not become the owner of your photo and does not have the right to use your photo unless you give explicit permission.Step 2: Make your choiceChoose your stamp: Priority stamp, Non-Priority stamp (1 for standardised mail in Belgium and 2 for non-standardised mail up to 100 g), a Europe or World stamp. Choose the number of stamp sheets.Step 3: Enter your detailsEnter your promotional code then choose whether you want to log in or continue without an account.Step 4: Pay for your orderPay for your personalised stamps with Maestro, Visa, MasterCard or home banking.

Question 33

I received a letter that was already opened. How is that possible?

Accepted Answer

In principle, bpost does not open letters. There are a number of reasons why we do open letters (read the General Terms and Conditions):We cannot deliver the letter to the addressee and there is no return address on the envelope. We open the letter to identify the sender. That enables us to return the letter.Our sorting machines damage the envelope. That happens occasionally to thick letters. In that case, the sender should choose a reinforced envelope or a parcel.If the sender wants to send an important letter, we advise him/her to use Registered Mail. The addressee must sign for receipt. The sender can also choose a proof of receipt via text message or email. The sender can also insure the contents of the letter. Note: sending money is forbidden.If you still think that your letter was wrongfully damaged, you can report this via the online form at the bottom of this page. Please note: only the sender can receive compensation for damaged mail. Read the General Terms and Conditions.

Question 34

I got my letter back because the address was incorrect. How do I know if I am using the correct address?

Accepted Answer

To be sure of the correct address, you can validate it online on the bpost website. You check if the address is known at bpost and if the person still lives there. If your addressee has moved, you will have to ask him/her for the new address. Note: if you got your letter back because the address was incorrect, use a new envelope and new stamps.

Question 35

My letter is damaged. What happened?

Accepted Answer

It's possible that our sorting machines damaged the envelope. That happens occasionally to thick letters or letters with a special size. In that case, the sender should choose a reinforced envelope or a parcel.If the sender wants to send an important letter, we advise him/her to use registered mail. The addressee must sign for receipt. The sender can also choose a proof of receipt via text message or email. The sender can also insure the contents of the letter. Note: sending money is forbidden.If you still think that your letter was wrongly damaged, you can report this via the online form at the bottom of this page. Please note: only the sender can receive compensation for damaged mail.&nbsp;Read the General Terms and Conditions.

Question 36

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 37

I didn't put enough stamps on my letter and got it back. Can I send it again with extra stamps?

Accepted Answer

You can no longer use the envelope and stamps if you got the letter back. You will have to send your letter in a new envelope with new stamps.

Question 38

I made a mistake in the recipient's address. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If we cannot deliver your letter and your address is on the back of the envelope, then the letter will be sent back to you.Tip: always validate the address with our online tool.

Question 39

What's the best way to weigh my letter?

Accepted Answer

You can weigh your letter at home. Or you can have your letter weighed in a Post Office in your neighbourhood.

Question 40

What is the price for sending a death notice?

Accepted Answer

Sending a death notice is the same price as sending a regular letter. Just like for a regular letter, you can choose to send your death notice as priority or non-priority mail.With priority delivery, your death notice is delivered the next workday in Belgium.With non-priority delivery, your death notice is delivered within 3 workdays in Belgium.You can easily calculate the price for your letter online via our price calculator.You'll find special mourning stamps in our Post Offices and Post Points and in the eShop. These provide extra recognition when handling your death announcements.

Question 41

How much do personalised stamps via MyStamp cost?

Accepted Answer

&nbsp;Check the prices of personalised stamps on the MyStamp website. The more stamps your order, the cheaper. Moreover, bpost delivers your order for free.

Question 42

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 43

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 44

Where can I find limited series and special stamps for my collection?

Accepted Answer

You can find all stamps – including limited series, special editions and theme stamps:In our eShopAt our Philately &amp; Stamps Printing department (philately@bpost.be or 02 278 50 70)In our 'Filaboetiek' in Mechelen (Egide Walschaertsstraat 1b, 2800 Mechelen) and Brussels (Anspachlaan 1, 1000 Brussels). You'll find the opening hours on page 2 of the latest edition of Philanews.

Question 45

Will I receive compensation if my priority mail is not delivered the next workday?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse you for this. This is because your letter does not have a bar code and therefore we cannot trace it. We cannot trace when your letter has arrived at our sorting centre. This is however possible if you send your letter by registered post.Would you like to make a complaint because your prior mail has not been delivered on time? Please contact our customer service via the online form at the bottom of this page.

Question 46

Where can I find stamps for special occasions?

Accepted Answer

bpost regularly issues special stamps for national mail, Priority stamps, and Non-Priority stamps with a value of 1.&nbsp;Special stamps can be purchased in:Our eShopA Post Office or Post PointA stamp shop (bookshops, supermarkets, petrol stations, etc.)Note: for non-standardised mail you must attach multiple special stamps until you attain the correct price.

Question 47

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.

Question 48

Can I send a non-standardised letter as registered mail?

Accepted Answer

You can send your non-standardised letter as registered mail.

Question 49

Can I buy stamps from my postman?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase stamps from your postman. Ask for a 'Please Postman' sticker.

Question 50

Can I buy pre-stamped envelopes?

Accepted Answer

You can buy pre-stamped envelopes in our eShop, a Post Office in your neighbourhood, and in some shops like AVA and Makro.

Question 51

Are stamps more expensive if I buy them online?

Accepted Answer

The price of stamps is always the same no matter which channel you use to purchase them. If you order stamps via our eShop, shipping costs will be added.&nbsp;

Question 52

I attached a non-priority stamp on my envelope. Can I still turn it into priority mail?

Accepted Answer

If you already attached a non-priority stamp on the envelope but want it to be delivered the next workday, you must go to the Post Office. With a small surcharge – the difference between a non-priority and a priority stamp – we will turn your letter into priority mail.

Question 53

What is the size of a MyStamp stamp?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between a horizontal or vertical stamp.Size of a horizontal Non-Priority stamp:Stamp: 72 mm x 31.4 mmPhoto: 52 mm x 28 mmSize of a vertical Non-Priority stamp:Stamp: 44.5 mm x 31.4 mmPhoto: 25 mm x 28 mmSize of a horizontal Priority stamp:Stamp: 72 mm x 31.4 mmPhoto: 48 mm x 27 mmSize of a vertical Priority stamp:Stamp: 44.5 mm x 31.4 mmPhoto: 20.5 mm x 27 mm

Question 54

Is registered mail automatically priority mail?

Accepted Answer

Registered mail is priority mail and is delivered the next workday.

Question 55

Can I make personalised stamps?

Accepted Answer

With the MyStamp web tool, you can make personalised stamps with your favourite photo.

Question 56

Is registered mail automatically priority mail?

Accepted Answer

Registered mail is priority mail and is delivered the next workday.

Question 57

Can I make personalised stamps for every kind of shipment with MyStamp?

Accepted Answer

There are personalised stamps for every kind of shipment:Priority in Belgium – for next workday deliveryNon-Priority in Belgium, values 1 and 2 – for delivery within 3 workdaysMail within Europe (Europe stamp)Mail for rest of the world (World stamp)

Question 58

Can I use personalised MyStamp stamps on square envelopes?

Accepted Answer

You can use personalised MyStamp stamps for all standardised and non-standardised mail. It is the ideal stamp for invitation cards. In that case, choose a stamp with a value of 2.

Question 59

Is it possible to make personalised stamps?

Accepted Answer

You can make personalised stamps with your own photos with MyStamp. You select a photo on your computer, on social network websites like Facebook, or on online web albums. You receive your personalised stamps in your letterbox within 5 workdays. For companies that is within 10 workdays.

Question 60

Can I use any image on my personalised stamp?

Accepted Answer

Choose a JPEG photo in colour or black and white of maximum 3.2 MB.Make sure that you own the copyright of the photo. Don't just use photos taken off the internet. Unethical, provocative or misleading photos are forbidden.

Question 61

Can I get an invoice for my personalised stamps?

Accepted Answer

You can get an invoice for your order of personalised stamps. You must make and order your stamps with MyStamp Pro, the tool for companies, and mention your VAT number when paying. We will send your invoice 3 workdays after your order was placed to the address that you mentioned.

Question 62

How do I attach MyStamp stamps?

Accepted Answer

The stamps of MyStamp are self-adhesive. You attach the stamps in the upper-right corner of your envelope.

Question 63

Do I have to order a minimum number of personalised stamps at MyStamp?

Accepted Answer

The minimum number is one sheet of 10 or 20 stamps. The more stamps you order, the lower the price per piece.

Question 64

Why was my priority letter not delivered on time?

Accepted Answer

We're sorry that your letter with a priority stamp was not delivered on time. Your priority letter will be delivered the next day in Belgium in 95% of the cases if:Your priority letter is placed in a red mailbox before the last collection of the day. The collection time is listed on the mailbox.Your priority letter is handed in at a Post Office or Post Point before the last collection. The collection time is listed in every Post Office and Post Point.Only in exceptional cases will your priority letter not be delivered on time (e.g. a technical malfunction). As a regulator of the postal market, BIPT sees to it that at least 95% of the letters with a priority stamp are delivered within Belgium the next workday.