Mail & Shipping

Stamps can be bought from post offices (generally open weekdays 9-5:30, Saturday 9-noon), from stamp machines outside post offices, and from newsagents' stores and newsstands. Mailboxes are known as post or letter boxes and are painted bright red; large tubular ones are set on the edge of sidewalks, whereas smaller boxes are set into post-office walls. Allow seven days for a letter to reach the United States. To contact the post office by phone, call the main office at 08457/740-740. Check the Yellow Pages for a complete list of branches, though you cannot reach individual offices by phone.

Post Offices

17 Euston Rd., NW1. 125-131 Westminster Bridge Rd., Westminster, SW1. 110 Victoria St., Victoria, SW1. 15 Broadwick St., Soho, W1. 54 Great Portland St., Soho, W1. 43 Seymour St., Marble Arch, W1. The Science Museum, South Kensington, SW7. 24 William IV St., Trafalgar Sq., WC2.

Major Services

DHL (0845/710-0300). Federal Express (0800/123800). Parcelforce (0800/224466).

Postal Rates

Airmail letters up to 10 grams (0.35 ounce) to North America, Australia, and New Zealand cost 45p; postcards cost 40p. Letters within Britain are 28p for first class, 20p for second class (these rates are subject to change).

Receiving Mail

If you're uncertain where you'll be staying, you can have mail sent to you at the London Main Post Office, c/o poste restante. The post office will hold international mail for one month.

Contact

London Main Post Office (24-28 William IV St., Covent Garden, WC2N 4DL. 08457/740-740. www.royalmail.com).

Shipping Parcels

Most department stores and retail outlets can ship your goods home. You should check your insurance for coverage of possible damage.