Sending an Item Via Royal Mail: Comprehensive Guidelines on Universal Shipping
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, offers a variety of services for shipping parcels internationally. Whether you're sending a less urgent parcel or a time-sensitive, valuable item, there's a service to suit your needs.
International Shipping Services
International Standard
This economical option typically delivers parcels to Europe in 6–7 business days and worldwide in 10–14 business days. However, it does not include tracking. It's suitable for less urgent parcels without tracking needs.
International Tracked
With a delivery time of 3–5 business days to Europe and 5–7 business days worldwide, this service provides full tracking from dispatch to delivery, allowing senders and recipients to monitor the parcel’s progress.
International Tracked & Signed
This service offers the same delivery times as International Tracked (3–5 business days to Europe, 5–7 business days worldwide) but comes with the added benefit of a delivery signature on receipt, ensuring proof of delivery. It's ideal for important or time-sensitive packages.
Tracking Your Parcel
Royal Mail enables tracking through its website and mobile app, where users can enter a tracking number from their receipt or shipping confirmation to see real-time updates and estimated delivery dates. Delivery updates typically refresh every 24–48 hours, but may be slower during busy periods.
Recent Updates for Shipments to the USA
Starting August 28, 2025, Royal Mail has introduced a new PDDP (Postal Delivered Duties Paid) service for account customers to comply with new customs and duty regulations. During the transition, there is a short service disruption for shipments to the USA.
| Service | Europe Delivery Time | Worldwide Delivery Time | Tracking | Signature on Delivery | |--------------------------|---------------------|------------------------|----------|-----------------------| | International Standard | 6–7 business days | 10–14 business days | No | No | | International Tracked | 3–5 business days | 5–7 business days | Yes | No | | International Tracked & Signed | 3–5 business days | 5–7 business days | Yes | Yes |
You can track international parcels online using Royal Mail’s tracking tool or third-party platforms like Ship24 by entering your tracking number.
In addition, Royal Mail’s app offers convenient on-the-go tracking, postage purchase, customs completion, redelivery requests, and parcel collection booking.
Payment Options and Finding Drop-Off Spots
Royal Mail accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards for payment. Online booking requires a card, while post offices offer more options. The Royal Mail website has a tool to find drop-off spots by entering a postcode or address.
Remember to always package your parcel well, check the weight and size before shipping, and plan early for holidays to avoid delays. When dropping off a package, ensure it's well-packed and labeled, has a shipping receipt or booking confirmation, enough postage paid, and valid ID (if needed).
If you encounter tracking problems, wait for a 24-hour period before contacting Royal Mail customer support. If a package is lost or damaged, collect the necessary documents and file a claim within 14 days of the issue.
With Royal Mail's extensive services, reliable delivery times, and comprehensive tracking tools, shipping internationally has never been easier.
- For economical international shipping, consider Royal Mail's 'International Standard' service with delivery times of 6–7 business days to Europe and 10–14 business days worldwide.
- If you require full tracking, opt for the 'International Tracked' service, delivering to Europe in 3–5 business days and worldwide in 5–7 business days.
- For valuable or time-sensitive items, choose the 'International Tracked & Signed' service offering delivery times similar to 'International Tracked', but with a delivery signature on receipt.
- To track your parcel, use Royal Mail's website or mobile app and enter your tracking number from the receipt or shipping confirmation to see real-time updates.
- From August 28, 2025, Royal Mail will introduce a new PDDP service for US shipments to comply with new customs and duty regulations, causing a temporary disruption in the service during the transition.
- Use Royal Mail's online tracking tool or third-party platforms like Ship24 to track international parcels with ease.
- Remember to account for shipping costs when managing your lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, or technology-related shopping, as well as sports merchandise and weather-related items.
- Ensure your parcel is properly packaged, weighed and sized, and dropped off with a shipping receipt or booking confirmation, enough postage, and valid ID (if needed) at the specified drop-off locations.
- If issues arise with tracking or a lost or damaged package, contact Royal Mail customer support and file a claim within 14 days of the issue.
