10 Things Brits Would Find Surprisingly Different About Visiting an American Post Office

Save to Find It Later!

If you’re from Britain and you’re planning to check out a post office in America, you’re in for a few surprises. American post offices operate a bit differently from what you might be used to back home with the Royal Mail. From the way mail is collected to the services offered, here’s a rundown of 12 notable differences.

1. USPS has its own distinctive blue collection boxes

In the US, the post office has its own special blue mailboxes where you can drop off your letters. These boxes are pretty much everywhere—outside shopping centers, in busy street corners, and even in quiet neighborhoods. These aren’t just any boxes; they’re iconic to the USPS and are used exclusively for outgoing mail, making them easy to spot if you need to send something quickly.

2. Many homes have individual roadside or kerbside mailboxes

Instead of a shared postbox or waiting for the postie, many Americans have a personal mailbox right at the end of their driveway. Yep, that means the mail gets delivered right to their doorstep. These mailboxes can be simple or styled up, sometimes even looking like little houses. Mail carriers drive by and drop the mail without the homeowner needing to step outside.

3. Customers can rent post-office boxes

Renting a post-office box at a local branch is pretty common in the States. It’s a secure way to receive your mail, especially if you’re not home often or you’re worried about privacy. You get a key or a code, and you can pick up your mail whenever it suits you, safe and sound in a locked box inside the post office.

4. Flat-rate shipping boxes are widely used

One handy thing at American post offices is the flat-rate box. It means if it fits, it ships at a flat rate, no matter the weight. Great for sending books or heavy gifts. Just grab one of these boxes, fill it up, and send it anywhere in the U.S. for one price. This makes sending stuff super easy and predictable cost-wise.

5. Americans can buy money orders at post offices

Need to pay some bills or send money securely? American post offices sell money orders. It’s an old-school way but pretty reliable for making payments without a bank account. Just pay the amount upfront, and the post office issues a money order that you can mail or hand over directly.

6. Some branches process passport applications

Yep, you can sort out your travel documents while mailing a package. Many post offices in the US offer passport services, including applications and renewals. It’s super convenient for folks looking to travel but who don’t have time to visit a consulate or another government office.

7. Stamps regularly feature American historical and cultural themes

Collecting stamps? You’ll find some cool ones in the States. US stamps often showcase American history, famous people, landmarks, and cultural themes. They’re like little pieces of art that celebrate America’s heritage and achievements, adding a bit more flair to your postcards or letters.

8. Mail carriers may collect outgoing post directly from residential mailboxes

Here’s a neat service: in many places in the US, you can leave your outgoing mail in your own mailbox. Just raise the little red flag on the side, and the mail carrier will take it away when delivering your incoming mail. It saves a trip to the post office or finding one of those blue boxes!

9. Postal arrangements can look very different in rural areas

In the countryside, things might get even more local and personalized. Some rural areas use community mailboxes, while others might have mail delivered to specific central locations. Services are tailored to meet the community’s needs, which can mean less frequent but more personalized delivery.

10. Large parcel lockers are increasingly common

To handle the surge of online shopping, many American post offices now have big parcel lockers. If your package is too big for your mailbox, it goes into a secure locker. You get a notification and a code to open the locker—no waiting in line necessary!