Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Hungary

Cheryl · 2025-09-17T07:25:45+02:00

Explore how expats manage mail in Hungary, including mailbox types, postal reliability, and tips for newcomers navigating this everyday experience.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator17 September 2025 05:25:45

14317

Hello everyone,

Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Hungary as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats, we invite you to share your insights.

How do you receive mail in Hungary? Do you have a traditional mailbox, a PO Box, or another system?

How was it to set it up and what are the formalities?

Is the postal service reliable and secure?

How do you handle missed deliveries or forwarding your mail?

Do you have any tips you would like to share to newcomers and fellow expats?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
玩偶姐姐 Team

Oniros Active member

Member since 22 February 2014

OnirosActive member25 September 2025 21:29:42

No hassle with regular mails/postcards from my embassy or from homecountry.

I receive my regular mail in the regular box of the building, even if my name is missing from the box

I get registered letter at Post Office, as I spend weekdays at the office.

I have sent a registerd letter only once, to my homecountry, and it was overly expensive. Most probably a fast currier like UPS, DHL, etc.. would have had been slightly cheaper but surely more reliable than national post systems.

markons Active member

Member since 26 March 2021

markonsActive memberYesterday 17:39:56

Magyarposta is not the most reliable or fastest postal service.

E.g. we once received a letter from the Immigration office after the deadline stated in that letter - it traveled for days even though both addresses are within Budapest.

When I'm not in HU, I'm constantly concerned if an important letter with some deadline will arrive, whether it will be registered mail and returned to sender...

Lately, I gave authorization to 2 friends so they can pick up my mail, but it's all very inconvenient.

I'd love it if Magyarposta would send me an email each time there's a registered mail which might be returned to sender if no one picks it up within a number of days

fluffy2560 Hungary Expert

Member since 21 July 2009

fluffy2560Hungary ExpertYesterday 17:53:03

13465

Magyarposta is not the most reliable or fastest postal service.
E.g. we once received a letter from the Immigration office after the deadline stated in that letter - it traveled for days even though both addresses are within Budapest.
When I'm not in HU, I'm constantly concerned if an important letter with some deadline will arrive, whether it will be registered mail and returned to sender...

Lately, I gave authorization to 2 friends so they can pick up my mail, but it's all very inconvenient.

I'd love it if Magyarposta would send me an email each time there's a registered mail which might be returned to sender if no one picks it up within a number of days - @markons

Maybe you can get it redirected to somewhere else, even internationally.

Magyar Posta is dreadful.聽 I do agree.聽 I think it's almost a kind of scam.聽 They try and hit people up for fees all the time.聽 I've had unsolicited post where they say tax is due. I always say, send it back.聽 That's really not what they want.聽 They want the fees. I just ignored them.