Delivery and logistics
International Parcel Addresses: Getting Them Right
Address formats differ by country. Learn how to write an address for an international parcel so customs and couriers can read it correctly.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
An international parcel passes through several systems: the origin carrier, customs, an airline or shipping line, and the destination carrier. Each must read the address correctly. A clear, standard layout reduces delays at every step.
The core rules
- Put the country last and write it clearly, in capital letters if the carrier requires.
- Follow the destination's order. Some places write the house number first, others the street name first.
- Include the postal code if the country uses one, in its official format.
- Add a phone number, including the country code, for the destination courier and customs.
- Use one script, preferably Latin characters, unless the carrier states otherwise.
Order of lines
A common pattern is:
- Recipient name
- Company or department (if any)
- Street, number, unit
- District or city
- Region or state and postal code
- Country
The order of the last lines varies; check the destination country's convention. Country-specific pages may exist under /countries/.
Things that go wrong
- Mixing the sender's format with the destination's.
- Missing the apartment or building number.
- A postal code taken from another city.
- Names of districts that sound the same.
- An address that is only a landmark, which customs systems cannot process.
See the hidden cost of address errors for what such mistakes cause.
Customs and the last mile
Customs may need the recipient's phone number and a full address to release the parcel, and the destination courier needs enough detail to find the door. For the final stage, see last-mile delivery explained.
Adding an exact location
When the destination address is hard to describe, an exact location can be included in the order. A UPCS code identifies a 3 m by 3 m cell and is available for 25 supported countries. It complements the written address and is not recognised as an official postcode by any postal operator. Whether the destination carrier uses it depends on the seller and carrier.
Practical tips
- Ask the recipient to send their address exactly as it appears on their own mail.
- Copy it without changing the order.
- Keep a record of the label you used.
Frequently asked questions
Should I write an international address in English?
Write it in the format of the destination country, and include the country name in a widely understood form. Some carriers recommend Latin characters for international labels.
Do I need a postcode for every country?
Not all countries use one in the same way. If the destination has a postal code system, include it; if not, give a clear alternative such as a district or landmark.