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Travel Mailbox Services To Keep Your Home Address While Abroad

Moving abroad but need to handle important mail while you’re gone? An online travel mailbox service allows expats to keep a local permanent address while overseas. This virtual address will receive, scan, and electronically send your mail anywhere you are in the world. See if a travel mailbox is right for you. minutes

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About the author

Hi, I'm Marco Sison . I worked in finance for Fortune 50 companies before retiring early at 41 years old. I have been an expat for over 10 years, living in over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries outside the USA. I am a trusted resource on personal finance and overseas retirement for US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller- Abroad: Expats That Thrive .

QUICK SUMMARY- EXPAT DIGITAL MAILBOX SERVICE

• Have one actual address where all documents and packages are sent
• Receive real-time notifications and check your online-based mailbox from anywhere in the world.
• Maintain a permanent address in your home country for residency.
• Convenient platform for expats, long-term travelers, and digital nomads to simplify mail handling while abroad.
• International package forwarding can get expensive and might charge scanning and forwarding fees.
• Packages shipped overseas can incur expensive customs, duties, and import fees.

What is an Online Travel Mailbox Service?

Living abroad is an exciting adventure, but keeping a permanent home address while you’re an expat can be challenging. (No, you can’t just write “Overseas” on your mail.)

While I’m enjoying a nomadic life abroad, my student loan servicer, some banks, and government agencies (I’m looking at you, Nevada DMV) still insist on sending me important documents via paper mail.

Every expat living abroad can tell you a horror story about losing a big check, not receiving a replacement credit card, or missing an urgent letter because a foreign postal service delayed, lost, or couldn’t deliver a letter from the U.S.

Heck, the beach town I lived in Cambodia didn’t even have street addresses.

Having a reliable mailbox service that handles your mail and packages while you’re overseas can give you peace of mind and keep your driver’s license, credit cards, tax statements, and other important documents secure.

If only there were a convenient solution that allows you to maintain a permanent address in your home country while exploring the world.

An online travel mailbox service is your virtual buddy that takes care of your physical mail and receives your packages for you while you are overseas. 

But better than using a friend or family member’s address, a travel mailbox provides email notifications, secure data handling, and digitizes your mail, giving you the flexibility to view it from anywhere, anytime, from a cafe in Prague to a beach in the Philippines.

Try getting that kind of service from grandma’s house as your mailing address.

INSIDER TIP: Make your permanent address permanent- choose your virtual mailbox provider wisely because you will be locked in. 

While some online travel mailboxes are month to month without long-term contracts, it is a HUGE PITA to contact each of your banks, credit cards, driver’s licenses, IRS, insurance companies, and all the other countless institutions to update your address. 

Trust me; you don’t want that hassle every few months because you were too lazy to read a review.

Travel Mailbox Services To Keep Your Home Address While Abroad [Table of Contents – Click To Expand]

Why do you need a travel mailbox service.

When living abroad as an expat, keeping a permanent address in your home country can be tricky. If you get a P.O. Box, many banks and government agencies will not deliver to any address that isn’t a physical street address. 

Thankfully, virtual mailboxes offer physical addresses with additional services that provide expats convenient access to their mail anywhere in the world.

• Permanent address in your home country – Maintain a local address in your home country for official purposes. Have a single address that doesn’t change. Eliminate the hassle of constantly contacting all your banks to update your new current location.
• Real-time Online Mail Notifications- Get instant email or mobile notifications when new mail is received or when packages are delivered. Find out who is sending you what and when.
• Mail and package forwarding- You can request their mail and packages be forwarded to their current location. No more missing important mail, losing credit cards, or abandoned parcels.
• Hassle-free Online Mail Management- Get your incoming mail and package scanned or photographed. Now you can check, access, view, and manage your mail remotely from anywhere. Never miss an important document.
• Secure Physical Storage- Many travel mailbox services offer secure, climate-controlled storage for received mail and packages until they are accessed or forwarded. Rest assured easy knowing your mail is stored safely and protected from potential damage or theft.
• Consolidation, Sorting, Then Sending- For expats receiving multiple pieces of mail or packages, consolidate and sort your items before delivery. Mail and parcels can be combined into a single package for more cost-effective forwarding, providing savings on shipping and handling fees.
• Locate Important Documents Easily- Connect with Dropbox, Google Drive, Onedrive, Notion, and other software for paperless organization. Manage mail more efficiently with filters and rules to automatically sort incoming mail into folders or categories. Digitally organize paperwork and make it easier to find necessary paperwork.
• Privacy protection- Keep your current location confidential, enhancing security and peace of mind.
• Shred For Data Security- Prevent identity theft and protect your personal information by shredding and securely disposing of unwanted or sensitive mail.
• Check Deposit Services – Stop worrying about the physical delivery of checks while living abroad. Get your checks securely deposited remotely, streamlining financial transactions and ensuring you never miss essential payments or funds, no matter where they are in the world.

From March 2020 through February 2021, the Postal Inspection Service received 40,727 mail fraud complaints and 299,020 mail theft complaints. Source: United States Postal Service

What are the Pros and Cons of using a virtual travel mailbox while abroad?

Advantages of virtual travel mailboxes as an expat.

• Mail access from anywhere – Access your physical mail digitally via an app or website, allowing you to stay in communication and organized regardless of your location.
• Secure data handling – Get secure storage of your physical mail and digital encryption of your scanned documents, protect your personal information, and help prevent identity theft.
• Local address continuity – Maintain a local address in your home country for official purposes, banking, and legal matters.
• Mail forwarding flexibility – Enjoy options to forward, scan, or store your mail, accommodating your specific needs while traveling or relocating.
• Time and cost savings – Avoid the hassle of constantly updating your address with various institutions during international moves, saving time and effort.

Disadvantages Of Virtual Addresses

Navigating your mail as a globe-trotting expat presents unique challenges. A virtual mailbox sounds like a smart fix, but there are potential downfalls to keep in mind.

• Limited package handling – Some virtual mailbox providers may have restrictions on package sizes or limited capabilities for handling oversized parcels.
• Reliance on third-party services – Expats need to trust the virtual mailbox provider with their mail, making it essential to choose a reputable and reliable service.
• Internet dependency – Accessing your virtual mailbox requires a stable internet connection, which may not always be available in every country.
• Potential scanning costs – Depending on the provider and the volume of mail, scanning fees could add to the overall expense.
• Forwarding can get expensive – Getting your physical mail or packages sent you overseas can be pricey.

INSIDER TIP:   Overseas Deliveries of Packages- Only use the forwarding feature for urgent deliveries, not as a way to get your weekly Amazon fix. Customs can duties, taxes, and import fees. 

Depending on the country and package contents, foreign customs can stop packages, cause delays, and charge you exorbitant customs fees. I paid almost $250 for $400 worth of shirts I mistakenly had delivered to Mexico.

Who benefits from using an online travel mailbox?

An online travel mailbox is an idea if you want an easy, efficient way to manage your mail while living the good life abroad.

• Long-term travelers and expats can hold onto your U.S. mailing address for voting, tax, and billing purposes while hopping from one gorgeous Italian vista to the next.
• Digital Nomads and online entrepreneurs can set up a posh business address and present a more professional brand.
• RVers and Vanlifers , forward your mail effortlessly across states to your next scenic campsite stop.

How to Choose the Right Online Virtual Mailbox Service for You?

Picking the right virtual mailbox service is key for managing your mail effectively. The perfect fit can make life simpler, so let’s work out how to find it.

Service Features:

Travel mailbox providers can offer different services and package those services differently. Some cheap basic service plans, but upcharge for optional services. Ask yourself if these additional services provide value.

• Postal Mail Scanning and Software Integration: Does scanning cost extra? Is only the outside envelope scan included? What is the cost of additional scans?  In what ways can you remotely access your documents (app, website, email)? Does your provider offer integration with Google Drive, Onedrive, or other cloud storage?
• Mail Forwarding Services: If you need your physical mail forwarded to your overseas address, what are your options? Will they send something to rush your credit card overnight, and if yes, then for how much?  Do they have the opportunity to consolidate your mail into one package that is sent to you on a fixed schedule?
• Package Handling Policy: Does the digital mailbox service receive packages, or do they only handle letters?  If they can receive your packages and forward them to your overseas address, what are the package forwarding policies on package size, consolidation, storage duration, and forwarding fees?
• Deposit Checks: Do you have a rental property or business back home that sends you physical checks? If you deal with checks regularly, select a service that offers check depositing, making remote business transactions more efficient.

Physical Mailing Address Locations

Not all addresses are the same. Selecting the proper physical address and location for your virtual mailbox is crucial for efficient mail management and official correspondence. Consider the following:

• Physical Locations: Does the service offer a postal address in your preferred state? Do you need a specific address for the business? While a virtual mail address alone cannot establish state residency, a physical address can be used to maintain your residency.

INSIDER TIP:   Using A Travel Mailbox Address To Establish State Residency- Many expats have reported success using a travel mailbox address to become permanent residents of Texas, Florida, and South Dakota.

Each state has its own rules. For example, some states require an official “Declaration of Domicile.” Check the Secretary of State’s website for your local regulations.

• Post Office Box vs. Real Street Address: Decide between a P.O. box or a physical street address based on your specific needs and usage preferences. Many financial companies require a “real address” and do not accept P.O. Boxes. Additionally, UPS and FedEx will not deliver to a Post Office box. Two services I reviewed that offer virtual Post Office Box addresses are Earth Class Mail and PostScan Mail. The other travel mailbox services provide you with an actual street address.
• Business Mail: If you’re a freelancer or business owner, opt for a service that allows using the virtual mailing address for official business registration. Some virtual mailbox services even have a registered agent or virtual office services as an option.

INSIDER TIP:   State Taxes- Depending on the state and the service, you might be able to use a virtual address to help establish residency in a state with low or no income tax. 

I know some people who have pulled it off using a Florida, South Dakota, or Texas virtual address service for tax purposes, but your mileage may vary with this one.

Pricing and Service Plans

Apart from the mailbox service starting price, you’ll need to consider the additional costs for high volumes of mail or any other services. Compare pricing tiers and packages to find a cost-effective combination that aligns with your budget and needs.

Key Costs To Consider

• Scanning Fee: Most services have a monthly cap for free scanned mail, after which scanning mail content may range from $0.10 to $1 per page.
• Mail Forwarding Fee: Determine the fees for forwarding letters ($1-2 plus postage) and packages ($5-10 plus postage).
• Mail Storage Fee: Assess storage charges, usually low (around $1-5 per pound per month) after a grace period.
• Shredding Costs: Some popular plans offer free secure shredding.
• Monthly Fee: Compare monthly fees, ranging from no monthly fee (pay-as-you-go) to $10 to $50+ for comprehensive packages for a virtual business address.
• Junk Mail Filtering: Depending on your mailbox plan type, receiving and scanning junk mail may get increase your monthly cost. See if the basic Plan includes filtering and trashing any mail addressed to “Current Resident or Occupant.”

Security Measures

Protecting your sensitive information is a critical feature. Check you to ensure you feel secure with the company’s security features, including:

• Data Encryption and Two-Factor Authentication: For security purposes, ensure the provider employs robust SSL data encryption and 2FA protocols to protect your data.
• Independent Partners vs. Local Company Branches: Assess whether the service relies on local partners or has its own company branches at each location. Since local partners are independent operations, it is harder to guarantee the physical security of your mail.
• Package Management: Verify that the service efficiently manages packages, ensuring secure storage and forwarding options for travelers and infrequent recipients.
• Secure Facility With Restricted Access: Choose a provider with security systems, 24/7 monitoring, and restricted access technology at the facilities that receive and store mail items.
• Shredding of Discarded Mail: Opt for a service that shreds physical mail after digitization to prevent data breaches and enhance security.

Reviews and Testimonials

• Client Reviews: Read feedback from current users to assess overall satisfaction and client service.
• Business Ratings: Consider Better Business Bureau ratings to gauge service quality and trustworthiness.

Top Travel Mailbox Companies For Expats

• Traveling Mailbox : High-quality virtual mailbox with mail scanning and forwarding for travelers and businesses.
• PostScan Mail : Access mail anytime with 600+ addresses; view, scan, forward, or recycle online from any device.
• iPostal1 : World’s leading digital mailbox with 2,750+ addresses; manage mail via app or website for privacy, business, and more.
• U.S. Global Mail : Manage mail virtually with instant access, choose from 30+ U.S. addresses, and save up to 80% on international shipping.
• Anytime Mailbox : 24/7 mail access from anywhere on any device.
• Earth Class Mail : Convert postal mail to digital; access and deposit checks online with trusted handling of over 21 million mail items.

Additional Tips For Using A Travel Mailbox Service

Pick the right plan for you.

Determine your specific needs, such as expected mail volume, frequency of package handling, and any additional features you desire. Compare the advantages and costs of each Plan to identify the one that aligns best with your budget and needs.

For instance, if you expect to receive a considerable volume of mail, a plan offering unlimited mail scanning and forwarding may be the right choice. 

On the other hand, if your main requirements are minimal, a pay-as-you-go plan with limited services might be more economical. By choosing an annual plan, you could save up to 30% compared to a month-to-month subscription.

Authorize your travel mailbox service (USPS Form 1583)

USPS Form 1583 is the official form authorizing a travel mailbox provider the legal right to receive and manage your mail on your behalf while you’re living abroad.

• Obtain Form 1583: Request USPS Form 1583 from your chosen virtual mailbox service or directly from the United States Postal Service (USPS) website.
• Fill Out the Form: Complete all required fields accurately, including your name, virtual mailbox address, and the provider’s name and address. Provide your U.S. residential address, if applicable.
• Notarize the Form: Get a notary public to verify your identity and witness your signature. You will need your valid photo I.D. such as a driver’s license or passport, and the completed Form 1583. You can do this online through these online notary services: (Table for online notary services)
• Submit the Documents: Send the notarized Form 1583 and proof of identity to your virtual mailbox provider’s designated address, following their instructions.
• Await Confirmation: Your provider will review and process your documents. Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation that they are now authorized to manage your mail.

Reduce Your Physical Junk Mail

Every piece of incoming mail could contribute to your monthly costs. To save money, reduce unwanted promotional mail. Sign-up for paperless billing and online statements wherever possible. 

Limit the number of catalogs and sales flyers you receive by using DMAchoice . It has a fee of $5, but its effects last for ten years.

Additionally, you can opt out of unsolicited credit card, and insurance offers through OptOutPrescreen . This service is free and offers two options: a five-year opt-out or a permanent opt-out. To verify your identity, you may need to provide the following personal information:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Home telephone number

Key Takeaway- Virtual Mail Service For Expats

Even in the 21st century, essential documents still arrive via paper mail. As an expat or digital nomad, you need a reliable online mail solution to manage your physical mail while you are overseas. Missing a crucial letter, losing a check, or facing delayed deliveries due to a foreign country’s postal services can be frustrating.

A travel mailbox service provides a virtual mailing address in your home country, allowing you to access your mail from anywhere in the world.

The ideal travel mailbox service can offer a consistent, permanent address, help maintain state residency, scan mail contents, allow you to access your mail remotely, and even deposit checks and forward necessary packages abroad.

FAQs- Virtual Expat Mail Services

Is an online travel mailbox safe.

Yes, most online travel mailbox services are safe. Digital mailbox technology protects against mail theft, and identity theft and ensures the confidential handling of sensitive information. But you need to choose a reputable provider that provides proper security.

The location mail is received and scanned should have 24/7 surveillance and undergoes secure shredding.

When you access your digital mail remotely, your provider should employ advanced data security measures like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and two-factor (2FA) user authorization.

These measures encrypt your information and help insure that it cannot be intercepted by third parties.

Is a travel mailbox the same as a P.O. Box?

No, a travel mailbox isn’t the same as a P.O. Box. Unlike a traditional Post Office Box, most travel mailbox providers provide physical street addresses just like a real mailbox allowing you to mail from all carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL that won’t deliver to a P.O. Box.

Can I establish residency using a virtual travel mailbox?

No, you cannot establish state residency using a virtual travel mailbox. State residency requires documentation (public utility bills, employer pay stubs, apartment lease, etc.) proving you have a residential address in the state.

However, your can designate your definitive mailing address for your state and federal tax forms, department of motor vehicle registration, and your bank and brokerage accounts.

How do I set up my travel mailbox to receive my physical mail?

To set up your travel mailbox as your new address, you will first need to get a notarized USPS Form 1583 authorizing your provider to receive, open, process, and scan your physical mail. 

Reroute current mail by submitting a temporary (from 15 days to 18 months) or permanent change of address with USPS. You can submit an address change with USPS online or at your local post office using P.S. Form 3575.

How much does an online travel mailbox cost?

Expats can get a travel mailbox with plans starting at $6 per month. Most expats will pay between $15 – $20. Prices depend on the volume received, pages scanned, and the number of recipients on the Plan. I think every expat should use a travel mailbox. The service is convenient, safe, and cheap. 

Premium plans with features to support online business like volume scanning, phone and fax service, and business registration at a prestigious address can reach $70 per month.

We moved the comments to the  New Expat Forums

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison . I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last eight years to over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest , and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the  Amazon Best-Seller , Abroad: Expats That Thrive.  [view press...]

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Helping therapists find adventure and freedom through travel jobs

Virtual Mailbox Review: Mail Solution for Travelers

Do you travel a lot and miss mail? Maybe you’ve had bills go to collections or miss important paperwork. Let me introduce you to a virtual mailbox. A virtual mailbox is a physical location where you can send you mail, and it gets scanned and uploaded for you to read online. You never have to miss another piece of mail again.

In the beginning of my career as a traveling speech-pathologist , I was frustrated with missing mail. Using the mail forwarding system from USPS was a nightmare. The forward would come into effect late and I’d miss my mail. I can’t even count the number of times my mail went missing. I even had a bill sent to a collections agency, since I never received it and was unaware that I had to pay it. Discovering virtual mailboxes was a game changed for me and made my travel career so much easier. I still use one today.

What is a virtual mailbox?

A virtual mailbox is a physical address where your mail can be sent and stored like a real mailbox. Although, you never physically go there and collect it. It gets sent to a commercial mail receiving agency, which values your privacy and collects and stores your mail.

When the virtual mailbox receives your mail, they will send an email to alert you. The virtual mailbox scans the front of the envelope or package that you received and uploads the scan into your account.

A virtual mailbox center can:

• Scan the envelope your mail comes in and scan the inside contents
• Have them forward the mail physically to you (plus the cost of shipping)
• Shred the mail altogether
• Or scan a letter and then decide to shred or mail it

Where Can I Get A Virtual Mailbox?

There are many companies that offer virtual mailboxes at different prices. Many companies have more business-based plans. I have found that Traveling Mailbox,  Earth Class Mail , and Mailbox Forwarding all offer competitive prices and excellent service for individual plans. They cater to the nomadic, traveling souls out there!

Virtual Mailboxes Providers:

• Traveling Mailbox
• Earth Class Mail
• Mailbox Forwarding

Virtual Mailbox Prices

• Traveling Mailbox plans range from $15-$55/month.
• Earth Class Mail delivers plan from $19/month to $79/month.
• Mailbox Forwarding basic plans start at around $14.955/month and go to $49.95/month for premium plans.

Plans each include a certain number of letters that you can receive per month (at that price) and a specific number of page scans. Premium addresses (an address from a prestigious street or city) and forwarding mail is always an additional cost.

Isn’t It Illegal To Open Somebody Else’s Mail? How Does This Work?

It is TOTALLY LEGAL for these services to open your mail, as long as you fill out and notarize a USPS form 1583. This form gives consent for a commercial mail receiving agency to open and scan your mail. You can download and complete the form once you sign up for an account.

My Pro Tip: Reduce Your Paper Mail

I have been using a virtual mailbox since 2015 and it has been a LIFESAVER! However, I still recommend travelers to reduce your paper mail.

To reduce the amount of paper you receive, you can sign up for as many e-payments and e-statements as possible. Go to your banks, loans, utilities websites, and choose email communication and paperless statements. If you are still getting mail (catalogs, etc) call the companies and request to be taken off their mailing list.

Reducing your paper mail will reduce the amount of mail sent to your virtual mailbox, thus lowering your plan fee. And bonus: it’s also a healthy move for the environment.

Does all of my mail HAVE to go to the Virtual Mailbox?

No! A virtual mailbox is just like a real mailbox, you can decide what gets send there and what does not. If you want to put a forward on your home address or a temporary address and have everything sent to your virtual address, you could. If you are signing up for a utility in a new place and don’t want to miss any final bills when you move out (like I did), then you can put the utility mailing address as your virtual mailbox. You can pick and choose the pieces of mail that get sent there.

If you are considering traveling full time in the future, definitely consider getting a virtual mailbox. I wish I had known about virtual mailboxes sooner in my career – having one could have saved me a lot of headaches!

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Family Move Abroad

Inspiration and Information to Move Your Family to Spain

• Collect Mail While Living Abroad: Traveling Mailbox

February 27, 2024 by familymoveabroad

If your family is moving abroad, you need to have a plan for how to handle your American mail. You need to be able to view your mail and respond to it when needed, which may sound impossible if you’re in Spain and your letter is in America. There are a number of services that can help collect mail while living abroad, however, my personal favorite option is Traveling Mailbox . This service is affordable and easy to use, and I recommend it to anyone moving abroad.

How a Traveling Mailbox Works

A traveling mailbox is a wonderful service for frequent travelers or expats who need to be able to view their U.S. mail easily and securely. The traveling mailbox makes it simple to view your mail online and even respond to it, no matter where you are in the world. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Simply follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to review your mail anywhere and everywhere:

• Subscribe to Traveling Mailbox. When you subscribe, you receive a new postal address to which you can have all your mail sent, regardless of your physical location.
• Send your mail to your new address by either providing your address to those who send you mail or filling out a change of address form through USPS.
• When your mail arrives, Traveling Mailbox will scan the envelope’s outside and send you the image. From there, you decide what they do with it. They can open and scan the mail, forward the item to your physical location, or securely shred the mail. You decide, and Traveling Mailbox will execute your decision quickly and securely.

Why I Love Traveling Mailbox

Using a Traveling Mailbox is an affordable way to avoid complications with receiving mail as an expat or someone living abroad for an extended amount of time. I love that you have complete control over what happens to the mail you receive and that you can look at your mail online from anywhere.

Traveling Mailbox gives you a physical address, not a P.O. Box, making sending all mail to your new address much more manageable. Plus, Traveling Mailbox is surprisingly affordable and offers customer support seven days a week. If you have questions or concerns about your mail, there will be someone available to help you out.

Features Included

Not only does Traveling Mailbox make it easy to view and respond to your mail from anywhere in the world, but it also offers you a bunch of other features with your new mailing address. Let’s look at the numerous features that come along with your Traveling Mailbox:

• Your mail can be opened and scanned into a PDF for easy viewing.
• Get the physical copies of your mail delivered to you, no matter where you are.
• Send the scanned PDFs to places like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Evernote with seamless integration options.
• Receive email or push notifications when you get new mail.
• Unlimited cloud storage for scanned mail.
• Discounts on shipping services.
• An easy-to-use mobile app that lets you view your mail on the go.
• Check depositing services for checks received in the mail.
• Forward packages from companies like Amazon to where you are.
• A virtual office that allows you to mail letters and send or receive faxes.
• Quick document scanning.
• The ability to create folders to organize your scanned mail in a way that makes sense.
• Junk mail can be marked easily, so it gets shredded quickly and securely.
• Live customer support is available through chat, phone, and email seven days a week.

Other Benefits of Traveling Mailbox

You get all these amazing services while knowing your mail is being handled in a secure location instead of being left in a mailbox susceptible to being tampered with or stolen. There’s no better peace of mind than knowing your mail is under surveillance 24 hours a day. I love that I don’t have to worry about my mail at all when using a Traveling Mailbox.

Plus, you don’t have to change your mailing address every time you move because you have one established with Traveling Mailbox. You receive a U.S.-based mailing address, making it simple to have mail and packages sent to you through their services. Their standard service offers you to choose an address based in Sanford, North Carolina. However, if you prefer, you can also pay an additional fee to have an address based closer to where you’re originally from.

A Traveling Mailbox can cost you as little as 15 dollars a month. This is a super affordable way to get peace of mind about your mail. Depending on the services you want to use, three tiers of subscription are available. Additional services can also be paid on an as-needed basis as well. The flexibility of services makes this one of my favorite services to use as someone passionate about moving abroad.

One of the more difficult parts of moving abroad is ensuring you continue getting your American mail while living outside the country. Using a service like Traveling Mailbox takes all the uncertainty out of the process entirely. For a monthly fee, you can have an actual American physical address to send your mail to. Plus, you get the ability to have your mail forwarded to you wherever you are, along with many other great postal services.

I can’t speak highly enough about the peace of mind a Traveling Mailbox gives my family while living abroad. I consider it a must-have for anyone moving out of the country.

Personalized Support for Your Move Abroad

As you’ve seen, managing your US mail collection is just one of many logistics you must consider when you move abroad. Are you overwhelmed planning your move overseas? Family Move Abroad provides personalized guidance helping Americans and other nationals move to Spain. Contact Family Move Abroad to schedule a consultation.

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Master Your Mail: 8 Best Virtual Mailboxes for Effortless Management

Disclaimer: This post may contain partner links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. full disclosure  for more info .

With the digital and AI economy taking hold, more people are jumping into the online business world thanks to the perks it offers: flexibility, a global audience, and location-independence.

But if you’re spending weeks at a time traveling or living the digital nomad life (there are now 35 million digital nomads worldwide!), how do you access your physical mail?

Finally, a new mail solution has arrived: find yourself the best virtual mailbox service and access your mail anytime, anywhere.

Picture your mail going to a secure location where an employee takes a picture of the mail. You can ask them to scan it, forward it, trash it, or even deposit checks that come in. And do this all with a few clicks from an app on your phone or logging in from your computer.

That’s what a virtual mailbox is all about.

Full Review

• The most locations of any mailbox service.
• All the services you need for personal or business use.

PostScan Mail

• Includes scanning mail with your monthly plan.
• Tons of locations in major metropolitan areas.

Traveling Mailbox

• Centralized sorting for high-security.
• Don’t nickel and dime you for every service or action.

You may be thinking, okay. This sounds great and exactly what I need. Now who’s the best company for the job? In this roundup, I’ve got you a head-to-head comparison of the most popular options.

Let’s get into them.

What Is The Best Virtual Mailbox?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the options with virtual mailboxes.

• IPostal1 – Most Locations
• PostScan Mail – Affordable With Third-Party Locations
• Anytime Mailbox – Flexible Pricing Model
• Earth Class Mail – Highest Security
• Traveling Mailbox – Most Affordable (Centralized)
• US Global Mail – Free Check Deposits
• Business Anywhere – Unlimited Receiving & Scanning
• Physical Address – Professional Addresses

You’ll also notice that each company has very different pricing options. They all have a monthly fee to receive your mail, with limits on how much you can receive per month (more will be charged additionally).

However, to open and scan your mail can be an additional cost that really adds up. To help you choose, here’s some head-to-head price comparisons.

1. IPostal1

Most Locations

IPostal1 is by far the most popular virtual mailbox provider in the market. They were founded back in 2015 and have created one of the largest networks that recently hit the milestone of renting over 1 million mailboxes.

How it works is that you will pick a real, physical address. Usually, this is some type of physical business they have partnered with, such as a coworking space or independent mailbox stores .

This is where your mail will be received, stored, and scanned. No worries, the location they send your mail to has to be certified as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

They will take a picture of your mail or package, and you decide what happens from there. Either ask them to open and take pictures/scan. They can shred, forward, or deposit checks as well. Some other features include:

Comparing IPostal1 Vs. The Competition

After doing a super deep dive into their product for hours, these are the best benefits and hangups I found when exploring their options.

IPostal1 Pros

• They offer the most locations among all their competitors.
• When you’re choosing a virtual address, it will show you a picture of the building it’s being sent to.
• You can add up to five names to your mailbox at no additional fee (such as your family and business associates).
• They offer any service you could possibly need.

Ipostal1 Cons

• Not a ton of locations per state or country. For instance, in Arizona, I only found two locations in Surprise and Gilbert, with none in Phoenix (the capital and most populated city).
• If you choose one in your hometown, some locations may charge a pickup fee to pick up your mail when you’re home. Not a fan of that.
• It costs to store. You get 30 days of free storage for basic mail, less for larger packages. However, further storage will cost money.

IPostal1 Pricing

You’ll pay a monthly fee for a virtual mailbox address starting at $9.99/month for personal use, $14.99 per month for business. Think of this as a “sorting” fee for accessing what mail you have received. See individual and business pricing below.

PostScan Mail makes the popular list of virtual mailboxes thanks to their option of choosing a primary hub.

Similar to iPostal1, you will select a location and mailbox number that will give you a unique physical address. They will then receive your mail, take a picture of the outside, and send a push notification or use their mobile app to see what mail you’ve received. You tell them what to do with it including:

The difference is that you can choose a third-party location (which inherently has less security), or you can choose a primary hub that is owned and staffed by PostScan Mail for increased, controlled security.

Comparing PostScan Mail Vs. The Competition

Here’s some of the key differences PostScan offers.

PostScan Mail Pros

• They have cheaper rates for shredding ($1 each), for the online notary, and for general storage.
• They also utilize a physical address, so you can receive mail and packages from all carriers.
• I found a ton more locations in metropolitan areas (namely Phoenix, which had 22 locations vs. iPostal1’s TWO).
• Great security that offers two-factor authentication online, reCAPTCHA, and encryption protocols.

PostScan Mail Cons

• It costs more to add additional users.
• No check-depositing options.

PostScan Mail Pricing

Falling in line with iPostal1, you’ll see their monthly subscription fee is the same.

• Online Notary is $20
• Cost for Exceeding Plan: 50 cents per mail
• Scanning/Shredding: $2/each Scanning, $1/each Shredding (up to 10 pages)
• Additional Users: $5 per person

PostScanTake Home

PostScan Mail is another great virtual mailbox service that will help you sort through your mail. With smaller fees, they seem more affordable and may offer better locations near you. You also have the option of utilizing a primary hub. However, they don’t offer features like check deposits.

2. Anytime MailBox

While they may not have the most locations, they still have an impressive >2100 locations to choose from , which hits most major markets.

How they differ is that the plan they offer is very specific to the location they’re contracted out with. It’s not a one-plan-fits-all blanket like iPostal1.

Essentially, what you do is look up the location and virtual mailing address that is best for you.

Here’s an example of the locations offered in Phoenix.

Once you’ve found a location near you, you can click on the location to see what options are available.

Comparing Anytime Mailbox Vs. The Competition

So, how does Anytime Compare to iPostal1 or PostScan?

Anytime Mailbox Pros

• Offers an impressive amount of locations, and from what I can tell they are also mostly mail and shipping locations.
• They accept both mail and packages.
• It looks like you can pick up your mail with no fee.
• There are tons of international locations, although typically one major city per country.

Anytime Mailbox Cons

• All the virtual mailbox services have different pricing with their own set of rules, which is odd. What they offer is completely dependent on the location you choose.
• I hate that you can’t filter. I have to go through every location to find one that does mail forwarding and check-deposit.
• I don’t like that they don’t show you the location name or picture. I had to Google Map the addresses to find out where my mail was going.
• For security, they offer SSL-security, but I don’t see them going the extra mile with reCATCHA or some of the other features their competitors offer. Someone else is also opening up your mail.

Anytime Mailbox Pricing

Anytime Mailbox pricing is different than their competitors, in that it really depends on the address that you choose. They can start at $5.99 per month, but then move up to $20 a month.

As you can see, the costs are highly location-depending.

Anytime Mailbox Take Home

If you’re looking to go between Anytime Mailbox, IPostal, and Post Scan which offer much of the same services, you’re probably going to need to compare the location you’re at. Check and see which address is closest to your home and choose the pricing that’s best for the actual services you are going to use.

4. Earth Class Mail

Earth Class Mail takes on a completely different approach than the first three that we’ve discussed. Instead of contracting out with shipping stores and other third-party businesses, they have a centralized location that does all of the sorting.

Recently acquired by LegalZoom , there are pros and cons to this approach. The biggest benefit is a very high level of security. Their virtual mailbox service is going to a facility with trained employees and centralized operations to handle all incoming mail.

Where I see this being the most used is with large businesses or even enterprises that want a digital mailbox being sent to one business address and being managed remotely. They showcase big names utilizing their virtual mailbox services, including Shopify, Lyft, and Zapier.

However, you’ll find for the solopreneur; it will take a lot more time for your mail to get to that location . There are also no pickup options.

Comparing Earth Class Mail Vs. The Competition

Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of the new way to send your virtual mail.

Earth Class Mail Pros

• They offer “MailRooms” for larger businesses where you can receive all your business mail in one location, with unlimited recipients.
• They’re the first I’ve seen with impressive business integrations such as Google, Quickbooks, Dropbox, and Bill.com.

Earth Class Mail Cons

• You can’t pick up your mail in person.
• Mail may take longer to receive and may be more of a delay getting your mail as it gets sent to a processing facility to sort.
• Can become quite expensive for individuals.

Earth Class Mail Pricing

Their pricing is more geared towards businesses, so for the individual user, I think there are more affordable options out there.

Earth Class Mail Take Home

This mail service is not likely going to be for the single-user or those looking for in-person pickup near them. I think it’s best for individuals or businesses that need a super high level of security and larger enterprise companies looking to automate their postal mail.

5. Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox was created with travelers in mind. Whether you’re retired or trading in your house for a life on the road, so many more people today don’t have physical addresses thanks to the digital economy and the options of generating a full income online.

Like many of their competitors, they offer the features you would expect:

However, their platform is much more like Earth Class Mail, where all of the mail is processed at strategic locations around the United States vs. third-party places. Here’s an example of the addresses you would receive in the Southwest:

Traveling Mailbox Pricing

By centralizing their locations, they have very generous plans that offer more scanning within your monthly plan.

Traveling Mailbox Take Home

If you’re someone who doesn’t need local pickup because you’re always traveling, then Traveling Mailbox was designed just for you. They have great security features while also allowing some of the highest page scans/month, which will help cut down on all the fees.

6. US Global Mail

Free Check Deposits

US Global Mail has a similar setup to PostScan mail. You can either choose from two main centralized hubs, or there are a few locations like shipping stores you can select to be near you.

US Global Mail Take Home

I’m interested to know how much it actually costs to scan your mail in, which I know can add up. However, if you do a lot of check deposits and shredding, this is a great service to choose.

7. Business Anywhere

Unlimited Receiving & Scanning

Business Anywhere is much more than a virtual mailbox service- their goal is to service your online business from beginning to operation . They will help you with the formation of your LLC, establish a registered agent service, and then finally equip you with virtual mail options.

Comparing Business Anywhere Vs. The Competition

What sets them apart from the rest is that they offer unlimited receiving and scanning. This is a HUGE bargain compared to their competitors.

Business Anywhere Pros

• Unlimited receiving and scanning.
• Very straightforward pricing strategy.

Business Anywhere Cons

• Only state addresses offered are AZ, WY, FL, TX, SD, and NM.
• No check deposit or local pick-up options.

Business Anywhere Pricing

They are truly the most unlimited regarding receiving and scanning mail.

Business Anywhere Take Home

There are not as many features as some other competitors, but they offer a very clear receiving and scanning platform. If you’re just looking to receive and scan your mail in a dashboard, they’re going to be the best price.

8. Physical Address

Professional Address Appearance

Rounding up this list is Physical Address, which also acts as a centralized mailbox service to receive your mail. No third-party platforms here.

Something to consider when you’re choosing a virtual mailbox for your business is the professionalism of the address. Physical Address gives you an address with a suite number, no crazy addresses here.

Comparing Physical Address Vs. The Competition

They offer a nice address for your business, along with some good pricing.

Physical Address Pros

• Suite Addresses for a professional look.
• Does allow local pickup despite being centralized.

Physical Address Cons

• No check deposit is offered.

Physical Address Pricing

They don’t share how much mail receiving is included in the plan, so I’m guessing it’s unlimited?

Physical Address Take Home

Physical Address offers the basics with a nice physical address (hence their name). It doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of its competitors.

What You Should Take Into Consideration When Choosing A Virtual Mailbox Service

If you’re looking for the best virtual mailbox to meet your needs, then there’s going to be several factors that will go into making your decision. If I was choosing a new company to go with right now, here are the factors or questions that I would ask myself when selecting a virtual mailbox provider.

1. Is My Virtual Mailbox Account for Personal Or Business Use?

Each company will treat individual and business use differently, so it’s important to recognize the different things you may be looking for.

Those looking for a personal account may be doing so because they travel often, are digital nomads, or even RVers on the road. Some things they may care more about include:

Small business owners may have other important factors to consider, such as:

Not all virtual mailbox companies are created equal when it comes to business options.

2. What Features Do I Need When Selecting Between Virtual Mailbox Providers?

Next, you need to ask yourself what features you absolutely need. Here are the top features that most service providers offer:

3. What Are the Individual Fees For the Features That I Would Need?

I falsely assumed that the monthly fee included receiving and scanning all mail into a portal, but that’s not the case.

Pictures will be taken of the outside of your mail and/or packages. You must then pay for them either scan, shred, or any other feature you want done. While the package you choose will include a starting amount, these fees can add up quickly.

So guesstimate how much mail you receive and compare individual fees between companies of the features you will likely use.

4. What Mail Carriers Does The Virtual Mailbox Accept?

I’m not sure in what case you could ever choose a virtual mailbox solution that doesn’t accept any major carrier. I never know who is sending me what mail and what carrier they use.

So just be sure they accept FedEx, USPS, USP, and DHL.

5. Do I Need A Location Near Me?

If someone is working 100% remotely and traveling around often, they may not care what their virtual address is. However, some people spend half the year home, and half the year abroad and may love the option of their mail being close to home.

Check if there is an option for in-person pickup, and if there is a fee for that.

6. What Level of Security Am I Looking For?

This is an important feature, as many virtual mailboxes are contracted out with third-party services. There may not be cameras, the employees may not be properly trained to handle sensitive documents, and a lot is left up to chance.

You need to decide for yourself how secure you need both your physical mail to be, as well as how secure you need your online portal to be.

7. How Time-Sensitive Are My Documents?

Lastly, some documents are much more time-sensitive than others.

Some locations are “primary hubs” and can receive and process mail very quickly. Others can be sent to the “virtual address,” which are then forwarded to a nearby processing center. You can imagine, this will take a lot longer for you to receive your mail, which may be a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a virtual mailbox and a po box.

A PO box is simply a box at a local mail company where you can receive your mail. There are no options for getting them opened, scanned, and are very limited in size. Someone needs to go in person to collect your mail. A virtual mailbox offers many more options including providing a virtual address, mail and package forwarding, shredding, and scanning of documents. You can essentially remotely manage your mail without inconveniencing anyone.

Do banks accept virtual mailboxes?

Virtual mailboxes are registered as CRMAs. Unfortunately, many banks and credit card companies are not allowing this to be used as a primary address. There are sometimes exceptions, but you’ll need to discuss this with the banking system.

Online Entrepreneur

I'm on a mission to help small businesses implement the best AI and digital solutions on the market. Digital transformation can be complex and overwhelming, let me help you streamline your approach with my in-depth reviews and experiences.

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Virtual Mailbox 101: What is a Virtual Mailbox & How I Get Mail While Traveling Full-Time

What is a virtual mailbox you ask?  Well, it’s a huge stress reliever for me, for starters!  Over about 6 months time, I sold all of my belongings—including my house—and went full-on location independent nomadic. But before I could do that, I had to figure out how to get mail while traveling full-time. You guessed it. Enter my virtual mailbox. Now I have all of my mail scanned, uploaded to my virtual mailbox dashboard, and accessible from anywhere I travel…worldwide.

This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs and may earn from qualifying purchases. You’re never charged more, but it helps out little by little! Check out “Privacy” in the top menu if you need to know more!

But don’t mistake, you don’t have to be a digital nomad or a full-time traveler to benefit from using a virtual mailbox . At such a low cost, utilizing a virtual mailbox is a smart time-saver or organizational ninja hack in general!

A virtual mailbox can be an amazing tool if you’re simply trying to streamline life a bit. And a lot of small businesses and individuals use them for exactly this reason. One more thing that you can deal with through your computer or device during those extra 5 minutes here and there.

Read on and I’ll answer all of the frequently asked questions I get about my virtual mailbox and how I get mail while traveling for months on end.  And I’ll cover some pros vs. cons so that, when you’re ready, you can make the right decision for yourself.

It’s different strokes for different folks, so your criteria for choosing a virtual mailbox will be a little different than mine. But I will also tell you why I chose the specific Virtual Mailbox Service that I did.

Oh. And if you just want to do Mother Nature a solid  and save yourself some time,  read this article.  It tells of quick and easy ways to get off of all those junk mail lists and “gift” magazine subscriptions you never asked for. And you’ll likely lean up your daily mail by more than 75%.

READ NEXT: EXPLORE PORTUGAL! Porto Travel Guide Sintra Travel Guide Guimaraes Travel Guide Aveiro Travel Guide

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What is a virtual mailbox here are the basics..

The quick of it is that a virtual mailbox service is kind of like a virtual office assistant for your physical mail. Instead of mail coming to  your  physical residence,  assuming you have one,  it goes directly to your virtual mailbox service box address. First, all junk mail is removed. All of the remaining have the fronts scanned and uploaded to your virtual mailbox dashboard.

From there you can choose what is shredded, opened and scanned completely, or even forwarded to wherever you are in the world. But there’s plenty more. That’s just the quick of it. But there are additional things like check cashing, faxing, etc., that most services offer these days. They’re actually much more than just a way to get mail while traveling. 

Answers To All Of The Frequently Asked Questions I Get About My Virtual Mailbox

Wait. wait. wait. what’s your address where does your mail go.

With a  virtual mailbox service,  you choose a physical commercial address that acts a lot like an old-school PO Box, but with superpowers. Virtual mailbox companies typically have physical locations in different states for you to choose from.

The reason you would choose one state from another? From time to time you’ll likely have items that you want to be forwarded to you. For that reason, you might choose a physical location closer to a region that you frequently hunker down in.

What happens when mail arrives at my virtual mailbox?

The first thing that happens is that typical junk mail is removed and recycled. Yep. Gone. No more need to wade through it, even in your virtual mailbox dashboard.  (More on that later.)  Then the front of each piece of mail is scanned and uploaded to your dashboard and you’re notified about new mail. You can set up notifications to your devices, email, etc., just as you would, depending on what options your particular virtual mailbox service offers.

Low-cost plans usually come with a modest amount of “front scans,” and you can get more with higher-cost plans.

About Jason Robinson

Jason is the author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide To Going Nomad,” as well as the voice behind the words and the eye behind the lens for The Nomad Experiment. “Planning to travel at some point” wasn’t actually getting the job done, so nearing 40 he decided to make it a priority, nomatter how scary that was. A few years later— through the pandemic and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 42 —now living a life of nomadic travel, he’s speaking out to encourage others of any age, or with any serious medical diagnosis, to live an unconventional life.

Travel Planning Tips

Figure out where you are going & how are you getting there… I suggest using at least 2 to 3 different travel search sites. Start with Skyscanner or Orbitz or Booking  … or whatever aggregator site you prefer. Then when you see what airlines to use, check their respective sites for better deals or rewards flights.

Figure out where you’re going to stay… If you’re interested in hostels, search Hostelworld or Hostelling International. For longer-term or more private digs, look at Airbnb , VRBO, or you can look for hotel rooms in the links from the search engines listed above. 

Get comprehensive travel insurance, or in the least, travel medical insurance if internationally… Especially with Covid not going anywhere, get covered. Start with an insurance aggregator like Insure My Trip, or with SafetyWing,   World Nomads , or another. Then decide what is important to you; trip cancellation, baggage coverage, medical, or all of the above. And get a yearly evacuation plan, since you’ll have to get home after your emergency! 

Need more resources? Click here!

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Is this it, how about this, search results.

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Anytime Mailbox vs Traveling Mailbox

Saturday, April 20th

2024 Virtual Mailbox Service Reviews

• Anytime Mailbox
• Pricing starts at $5.99/month
• Addresses available throughout the US and worldwide
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2013

Anytime Mailbox has more than 1700 addresses within the US and abroad that you can choose from for your virtual mailbox. The company has thousands of positive reviews, but you should understand that it's just a software company that works with mail center locations: you won't get any customer support from Anytime Mailbox once you've started your plan.

• Traveling Mailbox
• Over 50 addresses to choose from
• Pricing starts at $15/month
• 30 days of free storage
• Easy integration with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Evernote and Box
• In business since 2011

Traveling Mailbox was once a top-rated option for virtual mailbox services. However, despite maintaining an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company has gotten many customer complaints that describe delays of several weeks in getting mail processed - and without much help from Traveling Mailbox support reps. This is our last-place option among virtual mailbox providers.

More Virtual Mailbox Service Reviews

• US Global Mail

• Physical Address

• Post Scan Mail

• Virtual Post Mail

• Sasquatch Mail

• Earth Class Mail

The 10 Best Virtual Mailbox Services

Which virtual mailbox service is the best.

When you hear the term "virtual mailbox" , you might think it's referring to your email inbox. The concept is similar, but it relates to your real-world, physical mail and making it 100% digital. Still, many people aren't sure how exactly it all works.

First, you authorize a company to act as your agent (by submitting a notarized copy of USPS Form 1583) and select one of their available addresses. Once you've forwarded your mail or changed your address on file with your credit card company, the DMV, and anywhere else that sends it to you, the virtual mailbox company will scan the outside of everything that comes in your name. You then sign in to your dashboard, indicate what you'd like done with each piece - scan the contents, forward to your location, or shred and discard - and you're done.

Virtual Mailbox Service FAQ

What is a virtual mailbox, why would i need a virtual mailbox, what other services might be available, can i get an address anywhere i want, how do i view my mail, can i get a package in my virtual mailbox, what if i need to have mail forwarded, are virtual mailboxes expensive.

Continued from above...

There are several other services that can be included with your virtual mailbox plan. These include check depositing (by forwarding them to the bank of your choice), package inspection, mail and package forwarding, and even remote notarization of your USPS form. Be aware that some providers include such features with your monthly or annual plan, while others will charge a la carte for any extra services you use. Those can really add up, so it's smart to have an idea of what your average needs will be and choose a virtual mailbox service that won't wind up costing an arm and a leg.

Wondering why virtual mailboxes are so popular? Think about how many people are traveling without a fixed permanent address, working as digital nomads around the globe, or operating a small business out of their home and don't want prospective customers to know the address of their residence? Virtual mailboxes can be a fantastic solution in those cases. Even large corporations are taking advantage of outsourcing their brick-and-mortar mailrooms and having all inbound mail received and sorted digitally, saving their employees time by having everything routed automatically to the right person.

With more than a dozen well-known options for virtual mailboxes, you might feel overwhelmed deciding which one is right for you. It's worth taking some time to compare them carefully, because it can be costly and time-consuming to set up the service - and to cancel and reroute your mail if you don't wind up liking it. Keep in mind these factors as you evaluate several different virtual mailbox options:

• Available Services. Will the virtual mailbox company have each service you anticipate needing? Consider how many recipients you'll want to include (the number of people in your family or traveling party), how many pieces of mail you expect to get each month, and how often you'll need the contents scanned.
• Preferred Address Type. Do you need an address in a particular state (for business purposes)? Does it need to be a physical street address or is a box number sufficient? Some virtual mailboxes are only available in a handful of states.
• Pricing. How much will the monthly service cost? Can you get a discount by paying annually, once you know you like it? Which services are included with your virtual mailbox plan, and what do the a la carte extras cost?
• Reputation. What do clients say about their experience with the virtual mailbox service? Does mail get processed quickly and accurately? Is it easy to reach a support rep if there's a problem? Does the company have lots of positive reviews and/or a good rating from the Better Business Bureau?

Virtual mailboxes can take care of getting your mail to you no matter where you roam, and TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular options. We're sure this information will help you choose the right service for your needs, business or personal!

Compare Virtual Mailbox Services

Select any 2 Virtual Mailbox Services to compare them head to head

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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