Living abroad and travelling doesn’t mean forfeiting a mailing address. Especially when there’s much better online shopping deals than what’s found in-store. This is a complete list on how to get mail delivered while travelling Australia—but may also be applicable to other countries.
Having mail delivered can seem like the most difficult task to conquer, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s plenty of mailing options for travellers, so things can be delivered one way or another.
Aside from online shopping there’s so many reasons to have a secure and reliable mailbox. Think vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, tax file number, or even traffic fines. And whether it’s for campsites or work applications, travellers in Australia may need an address at some point.
Some of these can be ignored, but not everything. Here’s a few options for mailing options for travellers in Australia.
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A Trustworthy Friend
This is a great way to get mail while travelling and not stress about it (if you have a good enough friend that it). If you have a friend in Australia with a permanent house address, just ask them if this is a possibility. When your friend has time, they can take photos and send documents to you.
If it’s something that has to be picked up, then drop by once in a while. This is important to receive a bank card, superannuation information, and car registration, to name a few.
Not everyone is that keen on dealing with mail, but if it does work out it can be stable and easy to manage.
Pros: free, reliable, good for all mail.
Cons: not good for online shopping/package delivery (unless in the area).
Accommodation
Some hostels, hotels or Airbnb’s may receive mail for a customer, if there’s a mutual arrangement. Some of these accommodations may offer to collect, scan or even forward mail to a person.
I found for hotels, it varies greatly on the quality of the accommodation. For lower end hotels it might not work out as they may already be working on limited resources.
When I used an Airbnb, my hosts accepted mail for me while I was there. It’s always best to just ask the hosts in the case of Airbnb. Whether they do or don’t, it’s understandable either way.
Pros: free (as an already paying customer), online shopping, other mail (possibly on time limit).
Cons: may not be reliable, time limited.
Australia Post Offices
That’s right, mail can actually be sent to Australia Post offices. And I’ve even tested this out myself. Mail can be sent to any Australia Post office around Australia. When the package or letter has arrived simply go in, show them your identification and they’ll hand over your package.
What I was advised was to use the post office’s address, and have “Care of Australian Post” ahead or above your name. However I also forgot to do this and I was still able to pick up my mail. This is a great option for someone that knows they’ll be in a particular location for a few days and can plan around it. Just make sure not to miss the package/letter, as it’s not easy to get Australia post to forward mail onwards.
Pros: free, online shopping, short term mail options.
Cons: possibly not suitable as a permanent option, must be on location, won’t forward mail/packages.
Click and Collect Services
The truth about life in Australia, is that prices online can be a lot better than in stores. And, knowing how to get mail delivered is essential to getting those good prices.
It makes sense, online the business or person may not have the same costs as a brick-and-mortar store, and won’t have the same rent costs. And, when it comes to mailing options for travellers in Australia, this is one of the best and free options for online shopping.
Thankfully though, businesses make shopping online easier than ever. Now through eBay and Amazon there’s option to click and collect. Meaning purchasing an item, waiting for the package to arrive and picking it up where suits you best. There’s lots of different pick-up locations across the country both in regional and metropolitan areas, so give those sites a look and start ordering!
Pros: Free with purchase
Cons: Limited to offered pick-up locations, still must wait for shipping time.
Renting a Mailbox
Whether it’s through a PO box or an actual street address, renting mailboxes has been made easy if the budget allows it. Although it has a price tag, this is one of the easiest ways to ensure mail is delivered.
Many mail hosting companies will even forward mail or scan it for the recipient. I haven’t used any myself a few companies that have these features are: PostNet and AUSFF.
Pros: safe, secure, reliable, receives everything.
Cons: cost, may not be suitable for packages, may have time limit.
Aside from how to get mail while travelling, check out how to get started in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. It has all the information you need on finding accommodation, work, getting a tax file number and more.
