How to send mail in switzerland

Sending mail in Switzerland is a relatively straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you send mail efficiently:

Mailboxes and Post Offices

You can find mailboxes and post offices (called "Postämter" in German, "Bureaux de poste" in French, and "Ufficio postale" in Italian) throughout Switzerland. Most post offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and some are open on Saturdays.

Sending Mail

To send mail in Switzerland, follow these steps:

  1. Address the envelope correctly: Write the recipient's address in the format: "Name", "Street name and number", "Postal code", "City" (e.g., "John Doe", "Bahnhofstrasse 12", "8001", "Zürich").
  2. Choose the right postage: You can use a postage stamp or a franking machine. The cost of postage depends on the weight and size of the item, as well as the destination.
  3. Affix the postage: Attach the postage stamp or use the franking machine to print the postage.
  4. Hand over the mail: Take the mail to a post office or deposit it in a mailbox.

Mail Services

Switzerland offers various mail services, including:

  1. Standard Mail: This is the most common service, which takes 2-5 working days to deliver within Switzerland and 5-10 working days to deliver internationally.
  2. Express Mail: This service takes 1-2 working days to deliver within Switzerland and 2-5 working days to deliver internationally.
  3. Priority Mail: This service takes 1 working day to deliver within Switzerland and 2 working days to deliver internationally.
  4. International Mail: This service is used for sending mail to countries outside of Switzerland.

Additional Tips

  1. Use a trackable service: If you want to track your mail, use a trackable service like Express Mail or Priority Mail.
  2. Check the postal regulations: Switzerland has specific regulations regarding the content and packaging of mail. Make sure to check the regulations before sending mail.
  3. Use a Swiss address: If you're sending mail to a Swiss address, use the correct postal code and city to ensure efficient delivery.

Online Services

Swiss Post (Post CH) offers various online services, including:

  1. Track and Trace: Track your mail and packages online.
  2. Print Postage: Print postage online and attach it to your mail.
  3. Send Mail Online: Send mail online and choose from various services and options.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to send mail efficiently and effectively in Switzerland.