Mail boxes in New York are painted red, white or blue, although they aren’t
as widely available as letterboxes in the UK.
The easiest way of posting letters whilst visiting New York is at the post
office. The General Post Office in New York is open 24 hours a day and
stamps can be purchased here at the same time. The mail boxes that you may
come across have clear instructions on how to post your mail written on
them. Bear in mind that the mail from most mailboxes isn’t collected at
weekends.
Letters and postcards can also be mailed at most hotel reception desks, rail
and air terminals, bus terminals and in letterboxes in office building
lobbies.
There are 3 special delivery services for mail in New York;
Express Mail service is for next day delivery
Priority Mail service is for a two day delivery
International Express Mail service is for overseas mail
Priority Mail service will gladly pick up letters during the week for a
small extra charge.
All letters are sent first class.
Stamps can be purchased from the General Post Office, branch offices or from
coin operated machines, generally found in department stores, train and bus
stations and pharmacies.
There are a number of delivery services listed in the telephone book who
will arrange your private express mail pickups.
The General Post Office will hold mail for up to 30 days at their General
Delivery window and mail can be sent to any local post office by giving the
name or zip code.
If you are visiting New York for a long time and you need to have mail sent
to you while you are away, it can be sent to the post office.
Mail should be addressed with:
Name of person,
General Delivery,
US Post Office,
New York,
NY 10001
Useful Addresses:
General Post Office
421 8th Avenue
New York
Tel:967-8585
Priority and Express Mail
Tel: (800) 222-1811
