poste restante

The Poste Restante service is run by the national postal company, Correo Argentino.{{Cite web |title=¿Qué es Poste Restante? |publisher=Correo Argentino |url=https://www.correoargentino.com.ar/que-es-poste-restante |access-date=2022-06-23 }}

Letter or parcels can be addressed with either the recipient's full name or their ID card number:

: [Recipient's full name or Recipient's ID number]

:Poste Restante

:[Post Office's Postal Code] {{lang|es|SUCURSAL}} [Office name] [(City)]

There is no specified time period for the recipient to pick up the letter. Upon retiring, the recipient must provide proof of identity and pay a charge equivalent to a simple mail service.

File:Australia Post Melbourne Poste Restante Notice.jpg

{{lang|fr|Poste restante}} (Counter Delivery) is a long-established service within Australia run by the national postal service, Australia Post, which allows one's post to be sent to a city-centre holding place. It will be held for up to 1 month and can be collected by providing proof of identity, such as a passport.

For example, for the Adelaide GPO (General Post Office, i.e. the main post office in the city of Adelaide) one would address a letter or parcel thus:

:Recipient's Full Name

:CARE OF POST OFFICE GPO Adelaide

:SA 5001

:Australia

The recipient would then need to go to the Adelaide GPO at 10 Franklin St to collect it when it was due to arrive or shortly afterwards.

The approved abbreviation is "CARE PO". For outward bound international mail, the form "POSTE RESTANTE" is recognised. Mail that is not addressed in the approved form may be delayed for hand sorting.{{Cite web| title=Letter products and services guide | url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/letters-product-and-services-guide.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020102129/https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/letters-product-and-services-guide.pdf | archive-date=2019-10-20}}{{Cite web| title=Common address component abbreviations | url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/Barcode_hints_tips.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906090903/https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/Barcode_hints_tips.pdf | archive-date=2017-09-06}}{{Cite web| title=Australia Post Data Guide | url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/australia-post-data-guide.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910125529/https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/Australia-Post-Data-Guide.pdf | archive-date=2017-09-10}}

In Austria, {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} can be used with a name or an agreed passphrase under which the envelope can be collected, followed by the indication {{lang|de|Postlagernd}} (in capitals). A tax of 1€ is collected from the addressee.{{Cite web |title=Postlagernd, Österreichische Post |url=https://www.post.at/p/a/postlagernd}}

Bpost uses the term {{lang|fr|poste restante}} (French), {{lang|nl|Postliggend}} (Dutch) or {{lang|de|Postlagernd}} (German) which needs to be indicated on the post together with the name, optionally the first name, full name of the post office, postal code and city. The recipient has one month to collect the post, after which it will be sent back to the sender. A special tax applies valued at the price of one stamp of value 2; {{as of|2018|3|1|lc=y|post=,}} this price is €1.74. This tax is usually paid by the recipient but can also be paid by the sender.

:Name of the recipient

:Poste Restante

:Full name of the post office

:B-1234 City

:Belgium

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, mail is addressed to {{lang|fr|Poste restante}}, which is written after the full name of the recipient as shown in their ID document or passport.

:Name of recipient

:POSTE RESTANTE

:12345 City

In Cambodia, mail is addressed to {{lang|fr|Poste restante}}, which is written after the full name of the recipient. Parcels and letters should contain a phone number, but recipients are more likely to get notified by phone for a parcel.

:Name of recipient

:POSTE RESTANTE

:City

:Postcode #####

:Province Name

:Cambodia

:Tel +855 ### ### ###

Canada Post uses the term general delivery in English, and {{lang|fr|poste restante}} in French. Travellers may use the service for up to four months, and it is also used in circumstances where other methods of delivery (such as post office boxes) are not available.

Canada Post guidelines for addressing of letter mail stipulate that general delivery mail should be addressed in the following fashion:

:MR JOHN JONES

:GD STN A

:FREDERICTON NB  E3B 1A1

where GD is the abbreviation for general delivery (alternatively "PR" for {{lang|fr|poste restante}} in French), and STN A is the station or post office (in this case, Station A). When the mail is to be delivered to a retail postal outlet, then the abbreviation RPO is used, and in French the station is indicated by SUCC for {{lang|fr|succursale}}, or retail postal outlet by "CSP" for {{lang|fr|comptoir postal}}. In the above example, the French version of the address would use "PR SUCC A" for the second line.

In Croatia, mail is addressed to {{lang|fr|Poste restante}}, which is written after the full name of the recipient (as appears on the identification to be presented ID document or a passport, if abroad).

:Name of recipient

:POSTE RESTANTE

:12345 City

In Croatia letters received to {{lang|fr|poste restante}} address are kept in post office for 30 calendar days.

In the Czech Republic, mail can be addressed to the post office if {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} and the full name of the recipient is included. To retrieve the mail, the recipient has to have a valid ID, passport, or a driving licence. The mail will be retained for only 15 days.

:Name of the recipient

:Details (such as – summer camp etc.), or leave blank

:POSTE RESTANTE

:12345 City

Mail is held for 14 days.[https://www.postnord.dk/en/receiving/poste-restante Poste Restante], from PostNord

{{lang|fr|Poste restante}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.posti.fi/en/customer-support/receiving/mail-delivery/poste-restante |title=Poste restante |publisher=Posti Group }} is offered widely throughout Finland in 425 post office addresses {{as of|2020|8|lc=y|post=.}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.verkkoposti.com/e3/postinumeroluettelo?streetname=poste+restante&postcodeorcommune|title = Posti Oy}} In Finland, letters received to {{lang|fr|poste restante}} address are kept in post office for 14 days after arrival.http://posti.fi/english/thepostsservices/faq/#qu10 . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016095119/http://www.posti.fi/english/thepostsservices/faq/#qu10 |date=16 October 2013 }} [Frequently asked questions]

Before 1 April 2013, it was possible to use a nickname instead of real name and without providing an ID.{{Cite web |url=https://itella.fi/group/english/current/2013/20130308_poste_restante.html |title=Itella Posti standardizes Poste Restante services to comply with international standards |access-date=20 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025052657/http://www.itella.fi/group/english/current/2013/20130308_poste_restante.html |archive-date=25 October 2013 }} In 2019, picking up mail from {{lang|fr|poste restante}} was to become paid service, but the planned fee was cancelled.{{Cite web |url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/poste_restante_services_to_stay_free_of_charge_in_finland/10781899 |title=Poste restante services to stay free of charge in Finland |publisher=Yle |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=28 August 2020 }}

In France, {{lang|fr|La Poste|italic=no}} offers the service for letters at an additional cost to be paid by the receiver{{Cite web |title=Les tarifs lettre et colis en bureau de Poste à compter du 1er janvier 2023 |url=https://www.laposte.fr/medias/sys_master/apache_synchronised/ha2/h03/32600130846750/COCL-Particuliers-M-tropole-20-01-2023.pdf}} Letters are kept for 15 days. The service is offered at any post office. The only requirement is to add {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} after the recipient's name and before the full address of the post office.{{Cite web |url=http://www.laposte.fr/produits/article/recevoir-ses-courriers-et-colis-dans-le-bureau-de-poste-de-son-choix|title=Recevoir un envoi en Poste restante |publisher=La Poste }}

For the post office of Paris Louvre the address would be :

: Recipient's Name

: Poste Restante

: 50 rue du Louvre

: 75001 PARIS

{{lang|de|Deutsche Post}} offer the service for all mail items under the {{lang|de|Postlagernd}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.deutschepost.de/content/dpag/de/p/postlagernd.html |title=Postlagernd |publisher=Deutsche Post }} (General Delivery) service. Domestic items may make use of a passphrase instead of the recipients name if preferred. As of 2022, the item should be addressed to the {{lang|de|Hauptpost}} (main post office) of the location or certain other post offices designated{{Cite web |title=Deutsche Post Standortfinder |url=https://www.deutschepost.de/de/s/standorte.html}} as offering this service; smaller post offices and post agencies (contractor outlets) do not accept poste restante and may return the item.

Address Format:

: Recipient Name

: Kennwort: [passphrase] (optional)

: Postlagernd

: Post Office address

: Post Office postcode/town

The phrase {{lang|de|Kennwort:}} (Password) in front of the passphrase requires the consignee to specify the passphrase at time of collection.

Items may be collected from the designated post office upon production of valid identification (e.g. Passport) and the passphrase.

It is important to use the term {{lang|de|Postlagernd}} in preference to, or in conjunction with, {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} to prevent returned mail.{{cite book |last1=McLachlan |first1=Gordon |title=The Rough Guide to Germany |date=2004 |publisher=Rough Guides |location=New York City |isbn=1-84353-293-X |page=[https://archive.org/details/roughguidetogerm0000mcla/page/47 47] |edition=6th |url=https://archive.org/details/roughguidetogerm0000mcla |url-access=registration }}

Royal Gibraltar Post Office allows letters and parcels to be received.

ID is required for collection.

The address format is:

:Name of recipient

:Poste Restante

:General Post Office

:Gibraltar

In Greece you can send small parcels under 2 kg to the [https://www.elta.gr/en/ Greece post office].

Address Format:

:POSTE RESTANTE

: Recipient's Name

: Post office address

: Post office zip code

: Town

: Greece

To collect your mail if it is addressed and stamped to you by bring your passport and ID with you.

In Hong Kong, Hongkong Post is responsible for handling the mail and mail can be sent to General Post Office only.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hongkongpost.hk/en/about_us/whats_new/notices/index_id_689.html|title=Hongkong Post - Notices (689)|website=www.hongkongpost.hk}}

At the address side, mark the mail with {{lang|fr|Poste Restante}} or {{lang|zh-HK|存局待領}} in bold.

The address format is like this:

:Name of recipient

:Name of post office (optional)

:Hong Kong

The name of recipient must be real and in full. No initial or figure is allowed.

Hungarian post requires {{lang|fr|poste restante}} ({{lang|hu|postán maradó}}) delivery to be addressed to specific post offices.{{Cite web| title=A Magyar posta zrt. Tájékoztatója a levélpostai küldemények helyes címzéséröl és feladásra történö elökészítéséröl | language=hu | trans-title=Information from the Hungarian Post Ltd. on the correct addressing of letter mail items and their preparation for posting | url=http://www.posta.hu/static/internet/download/Helyes_cimzes_es_kuldemenyelokeszites_20070920.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021055717/http://www.posta.hu:80/static/internet/download/Helyes_cimzes_es_kuldemenyelokeszites_20070920.pdf | archive-date=2012-10-21}} Additionally, the postal service provides a "pick-up" service for web-based businesses where a business can ship to a pick-up point.{{Cite web|url=http://www.postapont.hu/vasarloknak/elonyok/|title = Magyar Posta ZRT. - PostaPontok}}

India Post offers a Poste Restante service of up to two months at various post offices throughout the country. Mail is addressed thus:

: Mr./Mrs. SURNAME First name

:Poste Restante

:C/O POSTMASTER

:GPO [for General Post Office]

:City name

:State name

:India

Carry a passport or some other form of national identification to pick it up.

In India, letters are said to be held for around a month, up to two in larger GPOs, before being returned; so senders should add their return address, or use the recipient's home address as a return destination.

In Ireland, {{lang|ga|An Post}}'s "Address Point" service is ″a fixed address for those without a fixed home.″{{Cite web |url=https://www.anpost.com/AddressPoint|title=Address Point service on An Post website}}

{{lang|ga|An Post}} also offer {{lang|fr|poste restante}}, as a free service which allows visitors to a town to have their mail addressed to the local Post Office, where it will be held for collection.

In Italy, writing {{lang|it|fermoposta}} together with the full name of the addressee and postal code will activate general delivery at the relevant post office. Letter post is retained for 30 days;{{Cite web |url=https://letter.upu.org/Published%20Documents/Letter_Compendium_IT_ITA_EN.pdf |title=Letter Post Compendium – Italy |date=13 June 2018 |publisher=Universal Postal Union |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905153330/https://letter.upu.org/Published%20Documents/Letter_Compendium_IT_ITA_EN.pdf |archive-date=5 September 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=5 September 2018 }} parcel post is normally retained for 15 days, with an exceptional period of 1 month.{{Cite web |url=https://parcel.upu.org/Published%20Documents/Parcel_Compendium_IT_ITA_EN.pdf |title=Parcel Post Compendium Online – Italy |date=27 July 2018 |publisher=Universal Postal Union |page=3 |access-date=5 September 2018 }}

In Japan, the term {{nihongo||郵便局留め|Yuubinkyoku-dome}} indicates a {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} mail.

The Japan Post Service guidelines for addressing stipulate that general delivery domestic mail should be addressed in the following fashion:

: 163-8799

: {{lang|ja|東京都新宿区西新宿}}

: {{lang|ja|新宿郵便局留め}}

: {{lang|ja|山田太郎 様}}

: (TEL 090-xxxx-xxxx)

For international mail,

:Mr. Taro Yamada

:Shinjuku-Yuubinkyoku-dome

:Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to 163–8799 JAPAN

:(TEL 090-xxxx-xxxx)

where "163-8799" is the postcode of the post office, "Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to" is the address of the post office, "Shinjuku-Yuubinkyoku" is the name of the post office, and "-dome" means "keep it there".

A {{lang|ja|poste restante}} mail will be kept in the post office for 10 days, identification is required for pickup.

In Lithuania, the words {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} or {{lang|lt|Iki pareikalavimo}} (used locally in Lithuania) should be made bold.{{Cite web|url=https://old.post.lt/lt/pagalba/dazniausiai-uzduodami-klausimai/taisyklingas-adresavimas |title=Taisyklingas adresavimas |publisher=Lietuvos paštas |language=lt |access-date=15 December 2019 }}

For local mail:

:Name of recipient (in dative case)

:{{lang|lt|Iki pareikalavimo}}

:Name of post office

:12345 City

:Mob. tel.: 86xxxxxxx and/or (optional mobile number for notifying with SMS message about received registered mail)

:email@address.com (optional e-mail address for notifying about received registered mail)

:

The Luxembourg Post has discontinued the service and {{lang|fr|poste restante}} is not possible anymore.

CTT (Macau) offers Poste Restante service (Posta Restante) to Macau's visitors or those who do not have a fixed residence in Macau. Upon collection, the addressee needs to pay MOP 6.50 as the administration fee (additional charges may apply). The recipient's address must include the words {{lang|zh-MO|存局候領}} (in Chinese) or {{lang|pt|Posta Restante}} (in Portuguese). The addressee's name must be real name, in conformity to his/her name shown on an identity card or passport. The address format is as follows:

:Name of addressee

:POSTA RESTANTE

:Name of post office or branch office

:Locality (e.g. Macau, Taipa, etc.)

:Macau Special Administrative Region

MaltaPost offers {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} service from a post office in the capital Valletta for up to three months, after which mail is returned to sender. Prior to using the service, the person must inform MaltaPost via email, and a means of identification needs to be provided when picking up the mail. Mail should be addressed as follows:{{cite web |title=Poste Restante |url=https://www.maltapost.com/posterestante |publisher=MaltaPost |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114045503/http://www.maltapost.com/posterestante |archive-date=14 November 2017 |access-date=9 June 2018 |url-status=live }}

:Name of recipient

:Poste Restante

:Valletta Boxes

:75, Old Bakery Str

:IL-BELT VALLETTA

:VLT 1000

:MALTA

PostNL offers {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} service for up to one month, after which the mail will be returned to the original sender (if provided). This service is provided by all Dutch post offices. Mail should be addressed thus:[https://www.postnl.nl/klantenservice/advies-opties-bij-versturen/geen-vaste-woon-verblijfplaats/ Post NL.]

:Last name of recipient

:First name of recipient

:Poste Restante

:Name and address of post office

:The Netherlands

New Zealand Post offers a {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} service of up to two months at various post offices throughout the country. Mail is addressed thus:{{Cite web |title=Poste Restante |url=https://www.nzpost.co.nz/personal/receiving/manage-my-mail-parcels/poste-restante |access-date=2023-04-14 |publisher=New Zealand Post }}

:Name of Recipient

:Poste Restante

:Name of post office

:Post office's address

:Town and postcode

In Norway, Norway Post provides the {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} service in all post offices. Ordinary mail is returned to sender three weeks after arrival. Parcels and registered letters are returned to sender after two weeks. Valid foreign identification for obtaining mail is limited to passports and European Identity cards. Mail is addressed according to the following format:{{cite web |url=https://adressesok.posten.no/nb/pages/help |title=Poste restante |publisher=Posten Norge |access-date=11 October 2017 }}

:Name of recipient

:POSTE RESTANTE

:Name of post office

:Post office's address

:Post office's postcode and place

Mail should be addressed according to the following format:{{Cite web|url=https://www.poczta-polska.pl/paczki-i-listy/odbior/poste-restante/|title=Poczta Polska|website=Poczta Polska|date=3 November 2022 }}

: Name of recipient

: Poste Restante

: 12-345 City 6

where 12-345 represents the postal code of the post office and 6 represents post office number within given city. (In Poland every post office is uniquely identified by city and number, e.g. "Warszawa 1" or "Kraków 35". These numbers are used only when the post office itself is the point of delivery, e.g. mailboxes or {{lang|fr|poste restante}}). There is no address of a recipient on the envelope, and if no sender address is provided, mail is considered undeliverable after 14 days. Every {{lang|pl|Poczta Polska}} office is valid target for {{lang|fr|poste restante}} delivery and the service is provided with no additional cost. All types of mail, e.g. letters, parcels and money orders, can be sent to {{lang|fr|poste restante}}.

In Portugal, CTT provides the {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} service ({{langx|pt|Posta Restante}}) in all post offices. The mail will be kept in the post office until the last day of the following month after it was received. Mail is addressed according to the following format:{{Cite web |url=https://www.ctt.pt/correio-e-encomendas/receber-correio/servicos-de-conveniencia/posta-restante.html |title=Posta Restante |publisher=CTT Correios de Portugal |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220112602/https://www.ctt.pt/correio-e-encomendas/receber-correio/servicos-de-conveniencia/posta-restante.html |archive-date=20 December 2016 }}

:Name of recipient

:Posta Restante Loja XXXXXXX (name of the post office)

:Address of Post Office

:Postcode and place

The recipient has to pay from €0.98 up to €3.01 tax in the act of receiving the mail, depending on the weight.

The most widely available Russian mail delivery (state-run) company, Russian Post, provides {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} services.

In order to collect a parcel, the individual is required to provide an ID document (usually a passport) that matches the indicated receiver's information. Alternatively, an electronic signature (SMS code) may be used if the package's tracking number is known. The parcel is stored for up to 30 days, depending on the type of mail. As of 2019, the packages delivered by courier may be stored up to 15 days and letters – up to 30.{{cite web |script-title=ru:Почтовые услуги и правила: Пересылка до востребования |title=Pochtovye uslugi i pravila: Peresylka do vostrebovaniya |url=https://www.pochta.ru/support/post-rules/sending-by-demand |publisher=Russian Post |access-date=13 December 2019 }}

The information on parcels should be as following (as per Russian Post) in order for the parcel to be stored:{{r|russian_post_rules}}

: Name of recipient

: Address of destination (optional, may be omitted): city, street, building, entry (if any), apartment number

: Postal code

: DO VOSTREBOVANIYA / Poste restante

The Russian phrase {{lang|ru|До востребования}} may be used instead of {{lang|ru-Latn|Do Vostrebovaniya}}. The phrase is a phonetic transliteration and indicates that the parcel has to be stored in a postal office ({{langx|ru|почтовое отделение||postal division}}) until the receiver collects it. The storage time is calculated from the moment when the parcel was received by the office. Parcels with such marks are not delivered to the mail boxes.

Russian Post advises outgoing international packages be marked with {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} in the same way{{r|russian_post_rules}}.

For incoming parcels, a certain fee must be paid if the package's cost or weight exceeds the duty-free limits. Until early 2022, the limits were €200 and 31 kg (approx. 68 lbs) per package (regardless of the number of packages received over a time period). After Russian imports had been sanctioned following the invasion of Ukraine, the cost limit was temporarily increased to €1,000.{{Cite web |script-title=ru:До 1000 евро повышен лимит беспошлинного ввоза товаров для физических лиц |title=Do 1000 evro povyshen limit besposhlinnogo vvoza tovarov dlya fizicheskikh lits |date=22 March 2022 |url=https://www.alta.ru/laws_news/88209/ |access-date=2022-05-09 }}

In Serbia, mail is addressed to {{lang|sr|Post-Restant}} or {{lang|fr|Poste restante}}, which is written after the full name of the recipient (as appears on the identification to be presented ID document or a passport, if abroad).

The example of address is as follows :

:John Richmond

:POST-RESTANT or POSTE RESTANTE

:Sremčica

:11253

:Srbija

Upon arrival in the post-residual parcel section of the destination post office, the parcel is stored for 30 days, from the day of arrival.

This service is only for the convenience of travelers to Singapore. The words {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} or To Be Called For must appear next to the recipient's full name on a postal article.{{cite web |title=Section 2 Postal Services |publisher=Singapore Post |url=https://www.singpost.com/about-us/publications/section-2-postal-services |access-date=14 April 2020 }}

In Slovakia, the post office will hold mail sent to an address containing words {{lang|fr|Poste restante}}, even when the full address is specified.{{cite web |url=https://www.posta.sk/potrebujem/prevziat-zasielku#a5 |title=Prevziať zásielku: Zásielky adresované Poste restante |publisher=Slovenská pošta |access-date=9 March 2020 |language=Slovak}} The post office will not notify the recipient about the delivery, and will hold the mail for 18 days, unless told otherwise by the sender. After that, the mail is returned to the sender.

To pick up the mail, the recipient needs to show their ID card or passport.{{cite web |url=https://www.posta.sk/subory/36961/postove-podmienky-vseobecna-cast-vnutrostatny-styk.pdf |title=Poštové podmienky – všeobecná časť (vnútroštátny styk): Preukazovanie totožnosti |publisher=Slovenská pošta |access-date=9 March 2020 |language=Slovak |at=see p. 27}} They also may have to provide a tracking number.

:Full legal name of the recipient

:Poste restante

:PSČ City

In Slovenia mail is addressed to {{lang|sl|Pošto Ležeče}}, which is written after the full name of the recipient (as appears on the identification to be presented ID document or a passport, if abroad).

:Name of recipient

:POŠTNO LEŽEČE

:1234 City

In Slovenia letters received for a {{lang|fr|poste restante}} address are kept in post office for 15 calendar days.

Mail can also be received at Spanish post offices.{{cite web | title=Receiving letters and parcels in Spain | website=Travelling, living and working in Spain | url=https://www.xol.co.uk/spain/receiving-letters-parcels-in-spain.html | access-date=12 August 2019}} There is normally no charge for the service. {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} letters should be addressed {{lang|es|Lista de Correos}}, followed by the address of the post office (including the postcode, town and province). Put the recipient's surname in capitals. An example {{lang|es|Lista de Correos}} address is:

:John SMITH

:Lista de Correos

:Pl. Rosa dels Vents 9

:46730 Gandia

:Valencia

:Spain

To find the address of the {{lang|es|Correos}} nearest to you, check at [http://www.correos.es www.correos.es]. Click on the {{lang|es|Oficinas}} link for the {{lang|es|Localizador de Oficinas}}.

When collecting mail from the post office recipients will need to show some form of identification such as a passport or photo driving license. They will need to specify that they are collecting a {{lang|es|Lista de Correos}} item as these are stored separately from the other stored mail. The {{lang|es|Lista de Correos}} mail is filed alphabetically and it may be worth asking them to check if an expected package was filed under your first name if they cannot find it under your surname. Post offices vary in how long they will hold your mail.

When addressing mail for Spain, always ensure that there is a return address on the parcel or packet.

Not all post offices offer {{lang|fr|poste restante}}. The address is entered using the following format:

:Name of recipient

:Poste Restante

:123 45 City

Here, 123 45 represents the postal number of the post office. Post offices providing {{lang|fr|poste restante}} services can be located by searching for {{lang|fr|poste restante}} as "street address" in a given city (giving a postal number) and then searching for post offices with that postal number.{{Cite web |url=https://www.postnord.se/ta-emot/hantera-post/poste-restante |title=Få post till en tillfällig adress med Poste Restante |publisher=PostNord Sverige }}

In Switzerland, all post offices offer {{lang|fr|poste restante}} for free for up to one month for letters only, no parcels. Addressing takes the following format:

:Name of recipient

:Poste restante

:[street/n° of the preferred post office]

:1234 City

Here, 1234 represents the postal number of the post office. The correct street address can be found online.{{Cite web |url=https://www.post.ch/en/receiving-mail/receipt-locations/poste-restante-consignments?shortcut=opp-en-private-receiving-mail-private-specify-receipt-location-poste-restante-consignments |title=Poste restante consignment |website=Swiss Post }}

In Thailand, only a destination post office with a storage facility for {{lang|fr|poste restante}} will offer this service. Senders should write Poste restante at ______ Post Office ({{Langx|th|รอจ่าย ไปรษณีย์______}} or {{lang|th|รอจ่าย ปณ.______}}) or Poste restante at a destination Post Office (the second instance will place the mail at the distributional post office nearest to the recipient's address) after the name of the recipient. For example.

:Mr. Meedee Khonthai (Name of recipient must match Official ID or Passport)

:Poste restante at Phasi Charoen Post Office, 10160

:+66xx-xxx-xxxx

or

:Mr. Meedee Khonthai (Name of recipient must match Official ID or Passport)

:Poste restante at a destination Post Office,

:Bang Khae Nuea, Bang Khae

:Bangkok, Thailand 10160

:+66xx-xxx-xxxx

or in the Thai language:

: {{lang|th|นายมีดี คนไทย}} (Name of recipient must match Official ID or Passport)

: {{lang|th|รอจ่าย ไปรษณีย์ภาษีเจริญ}}

: {{lang|th|แขวงบางแคเหนือ เขตบางแค}}

: {{lang|th|กรุงเทพฯ 10160}}

: +66xx-xxx-xxxx

There is a small amount of storage fee (1–2 Thai baht) when picking up the mail or parcel. The recipient must track the delivery status themselves via the tracking number provided. Accordingly, it is recommended to deliver using registered mail or EMS as the regular mail delivery service does not provide a tracking number.{{Cite web |url=https://thaiitabags.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%b0%e0%b8%9a%e0%b8%9a%e0%b8%a3%e0%b8%ad%e0%b8%88%e0%b9%88%e0%b8%b2%e0%b8%a2-%e0%b8%93-%e0%b8%97%e0%b8%b5%e0%b9%88%e0%b8%97%e0%b8%b3%e0%b8%81%e0%b8%b2%e0%b8%a3/ |script-title=th:ระบบรอจ่าย ณ ที่ทำการ |date=6 February 2018 |website=Thai Itabags |language=th |access-date=4 January 2019 }}{{Better source needed |reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS). |date=December 2022 }}

For Istanbul, the main parcel and {{lang|fr|poste restante}} office is in Sirkeci, a few minutes walk from the Sirkeci tram stop.{{Cite web |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/europe-eastern-europe-the-caucasus/turkey/correct-poste-restante-address-istanbul |title=Thorn Tree - Correct POSTE RESTANTE address Istanbul |work=Lonely Planet }}

: Name of recipient as appears on Passport or Official ID

: Post Restante (in large and clear letters)

: PTT Baş Müdürlüğü,

: Hobyar Mahallesi,

: Yeni Postane Caddesi No.25,

: Sirkeci, Istanbul

In the United Kingdom, mail is addressed to {{lang|fr|Poste restante}} (or To be called for), which is written after the full name of the recipient (as appears on the identification to be presented e.g. a passport, if abroad), then the name and full address of the destination post office, thus:

: Mr. John Smith

: POSTE RESTANTE

: Islington Post Office

: 160-161 Upper Street

: London N1 1US

If only addressed to a town name, for example "POSTE RESTANTE, LONDON", mail will go to the closest main post office branch (there being more than a hundred "crown offices" – directly managed post office branches – in London).{{cite web|url=https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070518/debtext/70518-0013.htm|title=House of Commons Written Answers|author=|date=18 May 2007|website=www.publications.parliament.uk|publisher=HC Deb. (vol.460) c.956|access-date=15 June 2017}} Some small branches do not offer the poste restante service.

The sender should also include their return address. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Mail will hold mail posted from within the UK for two weeks,{{cite web |url=http://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/poste-restante|title=Poste Restante – Pick up your post whilst in the UK |author= |publisher=Post Office Limited |access-date=15 June 2017 }} whereas mail posted from abroad is normally held for one month. If the recipient is at sea, however, it will be held for two months.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content3?mediaId=80600750&catId=600012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331201617/http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content3?mediaId=80600750&catId=600012|archive-date=31 March 2015 |title=Royal Mail: poste restante |author= |date=8 January 2010 |publisher=Royal Mail |access-date=15 June 2017 }} Where mail is not collected within that time, it will be returned to the sender, or if there is no sender indicated, will be treated as undeliverable. If the sender would like uncollected mail returned sooner, they can indicate this on the envelope. Timescales vary from country to country according to local practice.

In the United States, the U.S. Postal Service uses the term General Delivery. Mail for general delivery to recipients in the United States is addressed in the following fashion:{{cite web |url=http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/28c2_033.htm |title=Publication 28 – Postal Addressing Standards |at=Section 261 |publisher=United States Postal Service |date=January 2013 |access-date=20 February 2015}}

: JOHN DOE

: GENERAL DELIVERY

: WASHINGTON DC 20090-9999

General delivery is normally available at only one facility under the administration of a post office with multiple facilities. Post offices that hold mail for general delivery may hold such mail for up to 30 days.{{cite web |url=http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm#wp1052038 |title=Domestic Mail Manual 508 |at=Section 6 |publisher=United States Postal Service |access-date=18 January 2017}} When sending to general delivery, the optional ZIP+4 add-on code is -9999.

• Post office box
• Will call

{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Poste Restante}}

Category:Postal systems

Category:Philatelic terminology