After The Move
Mail And
Packages
Mail and package delivery in Spain is one of those practical everyday things worth getting right. It’s not complicated, and in most areas it’s very reliable — but there are a few differences from the US worth understanding. Getting things set up properly from the start makes a big difference. After that deliveries become just another easy part of everyday life.
Getting Your Spanish Address Format Right
The first and most important step is making sure you’re using your Spanish address in the correct format. Addresses in Spain tend to be more detailed than in the US. That’s especially true if you’re living in an apartment or in a residential development. In addition to the street name and number, it’s common to include the building or block, the floor (planta), and the specific door or unit (puerta). These details are often essential for delivery drivers to actually find you.
For an apartment, condo or residential complex home, a typical Spanish address might look like this:
John Smith
Calle Example 12, Bloque B, 2º, Puerta 4
03730 Jávea (Alicante)
Spain
For a standalone home or villa, it’s a bit simpler:
John Smith
Calle Example 12
03730 Jávea (Alicante)
Spain
It’s worth confirming your exact format with your real estate agent or landlord. Then use that same format consistently everywhere. That includes with Amazon, courier delivery services, banks and on all official documents. The smallest differences can lead to missed deliveries.
Setting Up Your Mailbox
Getting your mailbox sorted is a quick but important step once you’re in your home. In Spain, mailboxes are often along an exterior wall or, in an apartment or condo, grouped together inside the building entrance. Make sure your name is clearly visible and matches the name used on deliveries exactly. If your deliveries are addressed to “John Smith,” your mailbox label should reflect that, not a variation or nickname. Mismatched names can result in standard mail and official documents not being delivered at all.
How Regular Mail Works In Spain
Spain’s postal system, Correos, handles most standard mail and some package deliveries. You’ll notice the bright yellow Correos mailboxes placed along main streets or near post offices. Many expats have mixed opinions about Correos — it works well for regular mail and picking up packages at the post office, but is often slower than private companies.
For official documents, government letters and important deliveries, Spain uses registered mail called “carta certificada”. If you are not home when registered mail is delivered, you will receive a notice to pick it up at the post office and show identification. Unlike the US Postal Service, there are no repeated delivery attempts.
Many online stores and businesses in Spain use private delivery companies such as SEUR, MRW, GLS, DHL or Correos Express for package delivery. Many people actually prefer the private couriers because delivery times are usually faster and tracking is often more detailed.
Private Courier Services
UPS, FedEx and DHL are widely used in Spain and are generally very reliable. The experience, however, can feel a bit different from what you might be used to in the US. Delivery windows are often wider and drivers may call if they have trouble locating your address. Always include your Spanish phone number with deliveries. It can make a noticeable difference, especially in areas that are harder to navigate.
If a delivery can’t be completed, the package is usually redirected rather than repeatedly attempted. It’s usually sent to a nearby pickup location, which could be a small shop, locker or designated partner location. You’ll receive a notification with details, and from there you simply pick it up with identification.
Amazon And Everyday Deliveries
Amazon works very well in Spain particularly in more populated areas. Setting up your address correctly in Amazon is important, including apartment, floor and door details where applicable. Once that’s done, delivery is typically fast and consistent.
Just like in the US, there are also Amazon Lockers and alternate pickup points. They’re located in places like supermarkets, gas stations and shopping centers. Instead of worrying about whether you’ll be home, you can pick up your package whenever it’s convenient.
Packages From Outside The EU
If you receive packages as an expat in Spain from the US, you may have to pay VAT and sometimes customs duties before the package is delivered. Spain charges VAT (IVA) on most imported goods and the standard rate is 21% for most items.
What surprises many people is that the VAT is calculated not just on the value of the item but also on the shipping cost and insurance. The total taxable amount is often higher than expected. For lower-value packages, you will typically only pay VAT. For packages with higher declared values, customs duties may also apply in addition to VAT.
There is also a processing or handling fee charged for clearing the package through customs. If the package is delivered through Correos, the fee is usually relatively small. Private courier companies like DHL, UPS or FedEx often charge higher processing fees.
As a general rule, many expats find that the total additional cost to receive a package from the United States can be roughly 25–30% of the declared value of the item including shipping, although it varies depending on the contents and value of the shipment.
The same VAT and duty rules apply to packages forwarded to you in Spain by a US mail forwarding service. You can find out more on our US Domicile page.
Living In A Rural Area
If you’re living in a more rural area, there can be a bit more variability. Addresses don’t always map perfectly and drivers may rely more on phone contact or additional instructions. In those cases, adding a bit more context to your delivery information can make a big difference. Including a nearby landmark, the name of a development or even a brief description like “white villa with blue gate near Restaurant XYZ” can help drivers find you more easily.
Simple Once You Know the System
Mail and package delivery in Spain is reliable once you have the basics in place. Use the correct address format, add your phone number to every delivery and know where your nearest pickup point is. Those three things alone will eliminate most delivery headaches. If you’re still sorting out other practical steps for life in Spain, the After Your Move section covers everything from setting up utilities to getting your NIE.
FAQs
Do Spanish addresses use zip codes?
Yes, Spanish addresses use a five-digit postal code called a “código postal.” The postal code usually appears before the city name in the address. The first two digits identify the province and the remaining digits identify the specific area or delivery zone.
Using the correct postal code is very important in Spain because delivery companies often rely heavily on the postal code to route mail and packages correctly.
Can I receive packages before I have residency in Spain?
Yes, you can receive packages in Spain before you have residency. You do not need residency or a Spanish ID to receive normal mail or packages. However, if a package is held at a post office or pickup location, you will usually need to show identification to collect it. A passport is typically sufficient if you do not yet have a Spanish residency card or NIE.
Can delivery drivers call me before delivery in Spain?
Yes, it is very common for delivery drivers in Spain to call before or during delivery, especially if they are having trouble finding your address. Because of this, it’s helpful to include your Spanish phone number whenever you order something online or arrange a delivery.
Is it expensive to send packages from Spain internationally?
Sending packages internationally from Spain can be relatively expensive especially to the United States. Correos is usually the least expensive option for international shipping but delivery times are longer. Private courier companies like DHL, UPS, or FedEx are faster but significantly more expensive.
Does Amazon offer Prime same-day or two-day delivery in Spain?
Amazon Prime is available in Spain and works very well. In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, Amazon sometimes offers same-day or next-day delivery on certain items. In smaller cities and towns, Prime delivery is usually one to two days. In more rural areas, delivery may take a bit longer.
Before Moving
Everything you need to sort before you leave — visas, NIEs, finances and the hundred other things on your pre-move list.
After The Move
What you need to get sorted once you arrive — utilities, healthcare, paperwork and all the practicalities of your new life in Spain.
Property Guide
Here’s what to know about buying property in Spain as an American — from your first search to signing at the notary.
Resources
Checklists, glossaries and vetted websites to help you plan, prepare and hit the ground running in Spain.
Our Journey
Follow along as we document our move from Portland, Oregon to Jávea, Spain — the highs, the headaches and everything in between.
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