FAQs
FAQs about addressing
Do you need postcodes on local mail?
Why isn't my postcode unique to me?
Why does the postcode have to appear at the end of the address?
Does the machinery read handwriting?
Is half a postcode any good to you?
I don't think my address database has postcodes in it, can you help?
What if I have a Private Box? Do you still need the Postcode?
What about sending mail overseas?
Do I have to put my address on the mail item?
When do I need a customs declaration?
What if I change my house or business name?
Do you need postcodes on local mail?
We require postcodes on ALL MAIL. Any mail without a postcode, or with a postcode that is incorrect or in the wrong place, has to be manually sorted at each process and this may cause a delay for that item. We will endeavour to deliver your post even without a postcode but we can do our job better you when you help us.
Why isn't my postcode unique to me?
Some organisations are allocated a unique postcode to ensure the segregation of large deliveries of mail to a single address. However, a postcode will usually cover more than one address in a specific area.
Why does the postcode have to appear at the end of the address?
The mechanised sorting equipment 'reads' the address from the bottom. It is important, therefore, that the postcode is at the end of the address on a single line by itself.
Does the machinery read handwriting?
Our equipment is able to read both typed and handwritten addressing as long as it is clearly formed and not cluttered by decoration on the envelope. Poor contrast between address print and envelope colour may also make it more difficult to be 'read' by the machine. Take particular care to ensure that GY is clearly written because G is the postcode for GLASGOW while a poorly written Y can lead to your item being mis-sorted by our machines to somewhere like Guildford - GU.
Is half a postcode any good to you?
No. The mechanised sorting equipment will reject incomplete postcodes as 'not registered'.
I don't think my address database has postcodes in it, can you help?
If you need assistance with coding your address database contact Customer Services on 711720.
What if I have a Private Box? Do you still need the Postcode?
Companies and individuals who hire Private Boxes from Guernsey Post will be aware that their Private Box has a unique postcode which is different from that of their geographic address. It is essential that the Private Box postcode is used on all communications and not the postcode associated with the box holder's physical geographic address.
If you do not know the postcode of the addressee, please use the postcode finder or telephone Customer Services on 711720 for local enquiries. For UK postcodes please telephone Royal Mail on 0906 302 1222 (from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday (calls cost 50p per minute, to a maximum of £5) or call 08457 111 222 6pm-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm on Saturday and 9am-2pm on Sunday (calls charged at the UK rate).
What about sending mail overseas?
When sending mail to international destinations, please check individual countries for their addressing standards and ensure that your details are on the outside of the reverse of the item. There are special requirements for some destinations and some articles. Details are available at all Guernsey Post branches and from Customer Services on 711720.
Do I have to put my address on the mail item?
It is recommended that all postal items display the complete name and address of both the sender and the recipient. For some countries, e.g. Canada, non compliance will result in access being denied. See our undeliverable mail policy for information on external return addresses.
When do I need a customs declaration?
Complete and legible customs declarations - along with required import documentation - must be provided to specifically identify the contents of any package leaving the Bailiwick of Guernsey and specifically when sending Special Delivery items for working next day guaranteed delivery. General descriptions such as 'gift' or 'present' are not acceptable.
What if I change my house or business name?
Please use one of the following procedures to inform us when you are changing your house or business name.
- Contact Customer Services on:
Telephone: 01481 711720
Fax: 01481 712082
E-mail: custserv@guernseypost.com
- Use the enquiry form
- Write to: Customer Services
Guernsey Post Limited
Envoy House
La Vrangue
St. Peter Port
GUERNSEY
GY1 1AA
Please ensure that you provide the following details:
- First name
- Last name
- Telephone number
- E-mail address (if applicable)
- Company (if applicable)
- Address in full (including the postcode)
- The date of change.