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How to Address Canadian & International Mail (With Examples)

PostPal Team
2 min read
How to Address Canadian & International Mail (With Examples)

Where to Write Addresses on an Envelope

Every envelope needs two addresses:

  • Return address — Top-left corner (your address)
  • Recipient address — Center-right, slightly below middle (where it's going)

The stamp goes in the top-right corner.

Canadian Address Format

Canadian addresses follow a simple three-line format:

JANE SMITH

123 MAPLE STREET APT 4

TORONTO ON M5V 2T6

The Format:

  • Line 1: Full name
  • Line 2: Street address (include unit/apt number if applicable)
  • Line 3: City, province abbreviation, postal code

Quick Tips:

  • Use capital letters for everything
  • Use two-letter province codes (ON, BC, AB, QC, etc.)
  • Put two spaces between province and postal code
  • Postal codes are always formatted A1A 1A1

International Address Format

For international mail, add the country name as the last line. Format the rest of the address according to that country's standards.

To the United States:

JOHN DOE

456 BROADWAY AVE APT 12B

NEW YORK NY 10001

USA

To the United Kingdom:

MS SARAH JONES

45 HIGH STREET

LONDON

SW1A 1AA

UNITED KINGDOM

To Australia:

MICHAEL CHEN

78 GEORGE STREET

SYDNEY NSW 2000

AUSTRALIA

Key Rules for International Mail:

  • Always write the country name on its own line at the bottom
  • Use capital letters for the country name
  • Write country names in English or French

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