Postal System in Portugal (Correios)

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The postal system in Portugal was introduced just under five centuries ago by the then King, Manuel I in 1533.

Today (2011) the postal system in Portugal is operated by Correios de Portugal (Correios, Telégrafos e Telefones - CTT).

The Postal system in Portugal is, in general, very good and there are a good network of post offices throughout the country, often with more than one in small to medium sized towns.

Post offices in Portugal (Correios) are very similar to those you will find in your country of origin. Most larger post offices in Portugal offer a range of services including the purchase of foreign currency, post office boxes, ability to pay fees for use of electronic tolls roads and payment of some utility bills.

Post offices in medium to large sized towns and cities operate usually from 9am through until 1pm, closing for lunch for two hours before remaining open until 7pm. However in smaller towns and villages you will have to double check the opening times as they may open less frequently.

However some post offices in Portugal also have automatic machines where you can purchase stamps. These machines usually have a weighing scale to ensure you purchase the correctly priced stamp, though you will need to have plenty of change on your as most don't take notes.

There is usually only one delivery of mail per day and there is no real set time for this as it does depend upon how long it takes the postman (woman) to sort the post and do their rounds.

Last post for most post offices in Portugal is 6pm, though in more rural regions of the country this can be a lot earlier.

A big concern for many moving to Portugal is to receive letters and mail from

Post Boxes in Portugal (Caixa do Correios)

Post office in Portugal

Caixa de Correios

loved ones and while your new Portuguese address may seem completely different to those you are used to there is no need to fret. Although addresses (morada) in Portugal may be different to what you are used to, as long as your post is clearly marked with your name, the road on which the property is situated and the all important post code there is no reason why your mail won't reach you.

You will, however, need to ensure your post box (Caixa de Correios) is in place and clearly labelled with your name so the postman/woman can make deliveries. House or property numbers can be a big concern, or lack of them, when you first move to Portugal, though please note not all properties in Portugal have numbers.

In rural areas properties sometimes don't even have a road name, but post still manages to get to the addressee and it's more about local knowledge of the post man or woman than a number. But if you are interested in getting your property a number, then take a look at our house numbering system in Portugal page.

If you wish to give your new property in Portugal a name you don't have to submit a license to any governmental department or go through any complicated system. Simply give the property the name you desire and then to assist the post workers perhaps put up a plaque or tiled frieze.

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Postal Terminology in Portuguese