How To Get Mail While Traveling
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If you are thinking about traveling around the world, you may have wondered how to get mail while traveling. I promise, it’s not impossible. Not even close.
In fact, there are plenty of services out there that will help you do exactly that. I’ll share with you two reputable companies in a moment. But first, let’s start with what to do before you leave home for the great world abroad.
Please note that this article is focused on American requirements for American citizens. I can’t speak to what other countries require at the moment. Perhaps in the future!
Automate Your Mail
For five to six months before you leave, take careful note of the mail you receive. We aren’t worried about junk mail here, just the stuff that matters.
Once you have an inventory, you need to look at what companies send you physical mail (such as bank statements or cell phone bills – the mail you will still have while on the road), and figure out which ones are able to switch to ebills and estatements. The goal is get as much of your mail delivered online as you possibly can. Make that switch ahead of time so the process doesn’t become overwhelming, and also so you can get used to getting your mail online.
You’ll Still Need An Address
That said, even banks will require a US address, or at least that’s what my bank told me. So once everything is sent electronically, all that’s left is to make sure the bank has an address they can use.
Please note that some banks can be VERY picky about your address. Some will accept virtual mailboxes, and some will not. So it’s important to talk to them, let them know what’s happening, and if needed, switch banks to one that will allow this.
Pro Tip: Try to find a bank that refunds all ATM fees. This will come in handy when you have to use ATMs abroad.
Enter The Virtual Mailbox
A virtual mailbox is a service that gives you a physical address to send to. They collect your mail, and offer a variety of services for what they will do with it once received. This address is what you give to everyone before you leave.
Traveling Mailbox
Virtual mailboxes are the only option for getting mail as a digital nomad. (Unless you have a trusted friend or family member willing to hang onto your mail and forward it as needed).
There are several of them out there. I personally recommend two of them. One I use, and one I’ve heard nothing but good things about.
The one I personally use is Traveling Mailbox. They have an easy-to-use app, they can scan your mail to you so you can see what’s in the envelopes you receive, they shred what you don’t want, and will forward what you do want.
Pro Tip: Always opt for the FedEx shipping option. It’s more expensive, but you are far more likely to actually receive your mail when it matters most.
iPostal1
The second option that has great reviews is iPostal1. It offers similar services, and the people who have done reviews really seem to like it.
Other Virtual Mailbox Services
Are there other services out there? Absolutely! Many of them! These are just the two that I recommend. Do your research to see which service most meets your needs.
Why You Should Get A Virtual Mailbox
At the end of the day, you need an address. But matching up mailboxes with companies that will accept their addresses can be a small challenge. So it’s best to start this search as soon as possible before you make your move abroad. I recommend knowing what service you will use at least 4 months ahead of actually making your move. This will give you ample time to make the transition as smooth as possible.
When you actually make the switch to using that service is completely up to you. But I would say it’s worthwhile to start the process about 2 months in advance. The only reason I recommend this is because it allows a couple of months to see what mail will still arrive via regular postal mail. It’s crazy how many “stragglers” you end up with that you completely forgot about. So starting early is your best option.
