How Many Countries Currently Use P.O. Boxes—and What That Tells Us

In many parts of the world, P.O. Boxes (post office boxes) are more than just a convenient option—they’re a necessity. Here's a breakdown of countries and regions where P.O. Boxes are integral to receiving mail.

Middle East: Mandatory in Some Places

United Arab Emirates
There is no mail delivery to street addresses—all mail is delivered to P.O. Boxes at post offices. Most residents and businesses use a P.O. Box, and even apartment blocks rely on one arranged by the building owner.
Other Middle Eastern Countries
According to Sendle (a delivery service), certain countries only accept shipments labeled with a P.O. Box, such as Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. If a P.O. Box is not specified, parcels may be returned.

Africa: Necessary Where Door Delivery Is Absent

Namibia
P.O. Boxes are the only way for private individuals to receive mail—even tiny settlements maintain rental P.O. Boxes.
South Africa
While urban areas may offer home delivery, rural areas rely on compulsory P.O. Boxes, because street delivery isn’t available. In such areas, P.O. Boxes are often free of charge. Cameroon
P.O. Boxes are used in cities like Yaoundé and Douala.

Asia: Commonplace, but Mostly Optional

Hong Kong
P.O. Boxes are widely available in different sizes at many post offices.
Japan
P.O. Boxes are free and accessible at most post offices—but you must pick up mail daily and rent for at least six months. In busy areas, boxes might have waiting lists.
Philippines
Available in selected post offices with small, medium, and large sizes.
South Korea
Free P.O. Boxes exist, but rent needs a valid ID, a seal, and a small key fee. Boxes must be checked at least once every 30 days. Seoul even has automated systems for collection.

Europe & Others: Available, But Not Mandatory

Austria
Four versions of P.O. Boxes exist—some deliver all mail, some only items addressed directly to the box, and variations for businesses.
Serbia
For a nominal fee (two standard stamps), anyone can apply. Users can choose whether certain mail goes to their home or the P.O. Box.
United Kingdom
Royal Mail offers P.O. Boxes upon document verification. Mail can be collected at the post office or forwarded to your real address.
Australia & New Zealand
Both countries offer various-sized P.O. Boxes and “private bags” for high-volume receivers.

Summary Table: Global Snapshot

Region / Country	P.O. Boxes Status	Notes
United Arab Emirates	Essential for all mail delivery	No home delivery at all
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea	Required for parcel deliveries	Sendle reports parcels need P.O. Box addresses
Namibia	Only way for individuals to receive mail	P.O. Boxes are everywhere
South Africa (rural areas)	Compulsory	Home delivery absent
Cameroon	Common	Used in major cities
Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, S. Korea	Widely offered, optional	Accessible service but not mandatory
Austria, Serbia, UK	Optional	Available with variations
Australia, New Zealand	Optional with multiple options	Includes private bag services

Final Thoughts for Your Blog Readers

P.O. Boxes remain essential in regions where home delivery isn't feasible or hasn’t been established—like the UAE, Namibia, and rural South Africa. In such areas, P.O. Boxes are not just convenient—they’re vital for receiving mail.

Meanwhile, in countries with developed postal systems, P.O. Boxes serve more as a supplementary service—offering privacy, flexibility, or convenience, but not replacing door delivery.