A P.O. Box, also known as a postal box, is a mail-receiving solution that has been around for decades. Despite its long history, it remains a practical and up-to-date option—especially in today’s era of e-commerce.

Its role has evolved to become a key tool for receiving packages from abroad while in Mexico. In this guide, we cover what a P.O. Box is, what it’s used for, how it works, and how to make the most of it for shipping from the U.S.

P.O. Box Mexico: Definition, How It Works, Benefits & Usage

What Is a P.O. Box?

It’s a number assigned to a mailbox located within a postal service facility, such as a USPS office in the U.S. or Mexico’s postal box service.

What Is It Used For?

It serves as an alternative address where you can receive letters, documents or packages, without having to use your personal address.

This makes it a useful method for those who live in areas with unreliable deliveries or are looking for more privacy. But it is also useful for those who need to receive purchases made at online stores in other countries. For example, Amazon USA or eBay USA.

P.O. Box USA: How does it work?

When you rent a P.O. Box in the U.S., you are assigned a unique number within a postal office or authorized center. It would look something like this: Your Name / P.O. Box 12345 / City, State, ZIP Code (USA).

This box works as a fixed address, so all correspondence will be sent and stored there. Later, you can access your P.O. Box with a key or code if you want to pick up your mail or packages in person, or request that they be forwarded.

It’s worth noting that a P.O. Box is usually rented for a specific period (monthly, semi-annually, or annually).

How much does a P.O. Box cost?

This depends on the size of the P.O. Box, the rental period, and the location of the office.

As an example, USPS prices can be estimated as follows:

• Small: from $39 USD for 3 months.

• Medium: from $80 USD for 3 months.

• Large: from $133 USD for 3 months.

However, these amounts may increase in urban or high-demand areas.

Benefits of Having a P.O. Box

You already know the basics of a P.O. Box—what it is and what it’s for. Now it’s time to discover the reasons why it’s worth getting this service.

• Guaranteed security. P.O. Boxes are located inside postal offices with 24/7 surveillance. Only you (or someone you authorize) can pick up the contents.

• Privacy. You don’t need to share your home address.

• Extended access. Many offices allow access to your P.O. Box 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

From an international perspective:

• Expand your reach as an online shopper. You can order from U.S. stores that don’t ship to Mexico but do deliver to U.S. addresses.

• Save money. Receiving packages through a P.O. Box is usually cheaper than paying for direct international shipping.

• Compatible with other couriers. Private services like Stackry offer physical addresses in the U.S. that accept deliveries from FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS—without the restrictions of a traditional post office box.

In short, having a P.O. Box opens up many possibilities, especially if you live in Mexico and frequently shop abroad.

How to use a P.O. Box from Mexico

If you live in Mexico and want to receive packages from the United States, it's best to use a P.O. Box located in the neighboring country.

The simplest and most effective alternative for Mexicans is to do so through private companies.

Why?

Because when trying to rent a P.O. Box with USPS, for example, they’ll ask you to provide an identification document. The problem is that it’s not always accepted when it comes to foreign citizens. In addition, you might have to go in person to pick up your mailbox keys.

You can avoid this kind of hassle by choosing a service that offers private P.O. Boxes.

In this case, you have options such as:

• Estafeta eBay, Estafeta’s service specialized in international shopping.

• MyUS, an international package forwarding platform.

• Ship and Box, a Mexican service that gives you access to a U.S.-based P.O. Box from Mexico City.

These companies already have their own P.O. Boxes in the United States, ready to use. So, you don’t have to look for or rent one on your own.

The process is very simple:

1. You hire the service and obtain the P.O. Box

• Register online. Create an account on the website of the provider you choose with your information and required documents. They usually ask for an official ID and a proof of address.

• Select the plan that fits your needs. Options vary depending on the company you choose. For example, at Ship and Box, you’ll find memberships ranging from $25 to $100 USD to keep the P.O. Box active for one year.

• Receive your U.S. address. Once registered, you’ll get a personalized physical address in the United States.

2. You use the P.O. Box

• Shop at online stores. When buying from U.S. stores, enter the mailbox address you were given in the shipping address field.

• Receive and manage your packages. The provider will notify you when your package arrives. Some even offer order consolidation to reduce the cost of international shipping.

3. You begin the forwarding process to Mexico

As mentioned earlier, your orders will arrive at the P.O. Box mailbox. In the case of private services, they handle the transportation of your correspondence to Mexico.

So, what you need to do is log in to the company’s website using your account and choose the shipping method. And of course, pay the shipping costs and, if applicable, the corresponding tariffs or taxes.

4. You pick up your mail or packages

Some private companies handle the delivery all the way to your home in Mexico. But there’s also the option of picking it up at a designated drop-off location.

Conclusion

Although the P.O. Box started as a traditional system for receiving physical mail, today you can take advantage of it for international shopping.

If you live in Mexico, having an address in the U.S. through a private P.O. Box may be the most viable option. Not just to access exclusive products, but also because it can help you save on shipping costs.

Do you shop online in the United States frequently?

Simplify your experience by paying with DolarCard, the globally accepted card from DolarApp. By using it, you’ll be able to shop directly with digital dollars, meaning you won’t face currency conversion charges.

Likewise, you’ll have the option to buy or sell your USDc (digital dollars) at a fair exchange rate.