France - Postal System

The French mail system is called La Poste. To buy stamps, to trace a parcel, to find a postal code etc. take a look at their website: www.laposte.fr

Mail boxes are yellow and you find them near the tobacconists. Days and hours of collection are indicated on the box. Post offices are open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00 pm.

When you move, La Poste offers you free cards to send to your friends, family etc. to inform them about your new address.

If you want to receive your letters at the post office, you can rent a delivery box and be free to pick up your letters/parcels whenever it suits you.

Don't forget to buy special stamps for a new baby, a birthday (girl or boy), for Christmas or other special occasions!

At the post office you can also buy  rechargable phone cards and open a deposit account. Recently they started offering services for teenager's rechargeable debit cards.

Unfortunately often the personnel do not speak foreign languages. Understanding the procedure and making an application can be difficult for a foreigner, bring along a French speaking friend.