Bilbao

📮

Postal Services

Sections

1. Types of Services Offered by Correos in Bilbao

Correos provides a wide range of services for individuals and businesses. These include:

Mail Services

  • Standard Letters (Carta Ordinaria): For sending letters and documents domestically or internationally.
  • Certified Mail (Carta Certificada): A secure option with tracking and proof of delivery.
  • Urgent Mail (Correo Urgente): Faster delivery for time-sensitive letters or documents.

Parcel Services

  • Paquete Estándar: Standard parcel delivery for domestic and international shipments.
  • Paquete Premium: Faster delivery with tracking and insurance for valuable items.
  • Paq Today: Same-day delivery service within Spain.
  • Paq Internacional: International parcel delivery with tracking and optional insurance.

Specialized Services

  • P.O. Boxes (Apartados Postales): Rentable mailboxes for receiving mail securely.
  • Burofax: A service for sending urgent documents with legal proof of delivery (commonly used for legal or official communications).
  • Postal Money Orders (Giros Postales): Sending or receiving money domestically or internationally.
  • E-commerce Solutions: Services tailored for online businesses, such as returns management and logistics.

Additional Services

  • Stamps and Philately: Purchase stamps for collectors or regular use.
  • Packaging Materials: Boxes, envelopes, and other materials for secure shipping.
  • Customs Assistance: Help with customs forms and declarations for international shipments.

2. Costs for Sending Mail or Packages

The cost of postal services depends on the type of service, destination, weight, and size of the item. Below are approximate costs (as of 2023):

Domestic Mail

  • Standard Letter (up to 20g): €0.80
  • Certified Letter (up to 20g): €3.50 (includes tracking and proof of delivery)
  • Small Parcel (up to 1kg): €7.00–€10.00
  • Urgent Mail: Starts at €5.00 for letters and €10.00 for small parcels.

International Mail

  • Standard Letter (up to 20g): €1.75 (Europe), €2.10 (rest of the world)
  • Certified Letter (up to 20g): €5.50–€7.00
  • Small Parcel (up to 1kg): €15.00–€25.00 (depending on destination)
  • Paq Internacional (tracked): Starts at €30.00 for parcels up to 2kg.

Additional Fees

  • Insurance for Valuable Items: Optional, starting at €1.50 for coverage up to €100.
  • Customs Fees: Applicable for international shipments outside the EU. Correos can assist with customs declarations.

3. How to Access Postal Services

Correos post offices are the primary locations for accessing postal services in Bilbao. Here’s how to use them:

Sending a Letter

  1. Prepare Your Letter: Write the recipient's address clearly on the envelope. Include your return address on the back.
  2. Buy a Stamp: Purchase a stamp at the post office or from vending machines. For international mail, ensure you select the correct rate.
  3. Drop It Off: Place the letter in a yellow Correos mailbox or hand it to a clerk at the post office.

Sending a Package

  1. Package Your Item: Use sturdy packaging. Correos sells boxes and envelopes if needed.
  2. Fill Out Forms: For international shipments, complete a customs declaration form (available at the post office).
  3. Choose a Service: Decide between standard, certified, or urgent delivery.
  4. Pay the Fee: Pay at the counter using cash, debit/credit card, or mobile payment apps like Bizum.
  5. Track Your Package: If using a tracked service, keep the receipt with the tracking number.

Renting a P.O. Box

  1. Visit your nearest Correos office and request a P.O. box rental.
  2. Provide identification (passport or NIE for foreigners).
  3. Pay the rental fee (approximately €50–€100 per year, depending on the size and location).
  4. Collect your key and start using your P.O. box.

4. Locations and Operating Hours of Post Offices in Bilbao

Bilbao has several Correos offices conveniently located throughout the city. Here are some key locations:

Main Post Office (Correos Central)

  • Address: Alameda de Urquijo, 19, 48008 Bilbao
  • Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM; Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Other Branches

  1. Correos Deusto
    • Address: Calle Lehendakari Aguirre, 50, 48014 Bilbao
    • Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM; Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
  2. Correos Indautxu
    • Address: Calle Ercilla, 24, 48011 Bilbao
    • Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM; Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Yellow Mailboxes

  • Found throughout the city for dropping off letters. Look for the distinctive yellow cylindrical boxes.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language: Most Correos staff speak Spanish, and some may speak Basque. English proficiency is limited, so it’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases or bring a translation app.
  • Peak Hours: Post offices can be busy during lunch hours (1:00 PM–3:00 PM) and before closing. Visit early in the morning to avoid long lines.
  • Public Holidays: Post offices are closed on national and local holidays. Check the holiday calendar for Bilbao to plan accordingly.
  • Customs for International Shipments: If sending items outside the EU, ensure you declare the contents accurately to avoid delays or fines.
  • Tracking: Use the Correos website or mobile app to track your shipments. Enter the tracking number provided on your receipt.

6. Payment Methods

Correos accepts the following payment methods:

  • Cash
  • Debit/Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
  • Mobile Payment Apps (e.g., Bizum)

7. Useful Resources

  • Correos Website: www.correos.es (available in Spanish and English)
  • Customer Service: Call 900 400 004 for assistance (Spanish and limited English support).
  • Mobile App: Download the Correos app for tracking, locating post offices, and calculating shipping costs.

By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating the postal services in Bilbao. Whether you’re sending a simple letter or managing international shipments, Correos offers reliable and accessible solutions. Let me know if you need further assistance!