Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Portugal

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator17 September 2025 05:25:45

14940

Hello everyone,

Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Portugal as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats, we invite you to share your insights.

How do you receive mail in Portugal? Do you have a traditional mailbox, a PO Box, or another system?

How was it to set it up and what are the formalities?

Is the postal service reliable and secure?

How do you handle missed deliveries or forwarding your mail?

Do you have any tips you would like to share to newcomers and fellow expats?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

teodorofdezcorz New member

Member since 07 June 2024

teodorofdezcorzNew member29 September 2025 11:39:29

I live in a shared flat. I just have a regular mailbox at the building's ground floor, shared with my other flatmates.

Reliability is a mixed bag. When it comes to packages, it is quick and reliable: even large packages from (and to) Spain, arrive really fast and in a perfect state. I find them superior to private delivery services in every aspect - even if the price is higher. Official letters, however, can take months to be delivered and I often get them late.

Regarding the post offices, I want to share two warnings:

Their schedule is very difficult. If you work mornings, you may have to skip work or use your free days to go to the offices.
If you have to send a package, find your own box, especially if it's a large package. They don't sell large boxes, and the small ones are prohibitively expensive. You're better off using any store's castoffs.

On the other side, the personnel in said post offices is great, accomodating, and they always give very good service.