Vietnam – Postal Service

Who runs the postal service in Vietnam, and who are the main providers?

Vietnam Post (VNPost — Vietnamese: Tổng công ty Bưu điện Việt Nam) is the government-owned corporation designated as Vietnam’s national postal operator. Established by the state and engaged in independent economic accounting, VNPost specialises in postal services across the country. Unlike privatised operators such as Royal Mail in the United Kingdom or New Zealand Post, VNPost has not been floated commercially — it remains firmly under government ownership and supervision.

As the nation’s designated postal enterprise, VNPost bears responsibility for maintaining and operating the public postal network throughout the entire Vietnamese territory, supporting goals that extend beyond commerce — including socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and disaster relief. It holds membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and maintains cooperative ties with postal services in the vast majority of countries worldwide.

VNPost delivers a broad portfolio of services spanning letter mail, parcel delivery, EMS (Express Mail Service), financial transactions, and more. Despite this, the market is far from a monopoly — Vietnam currently hosts 745 organisations and enterprises operating within the postal sector. The result is a busy, competitive environment more comparable to the deregulated courier markets of Western Europe than the single-operator systems still found elsewhere in Asia.

Viettel Post, a postal and courier company owned by Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, has risen as a serious competitor to VNPost. Drawing on a nationwide infrastructure and a technology-driven operational model, Viettel Post has achieved remarkable popularity. It is widely regarded as an excellent option for domestic and regional shipments, frequently offering lower prices and quicker delivery than standard postal mail.

In the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s postal and delivery sector recorded strong growth, with total industry revenue estimated at 38.3 trillion VND (approximately USD 1.46 billion), representing a 12.8% increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. This expansion has been fuelled principally by e-commerce, and the fierce competition it generates tends to work in consumers’ favour through improved choice and pricing.

How fast and reliable is postal delivery in Vietnam?

Average domestic transit times have been cut from 9 days to 6 days as of 2025, while the proportion of items arriving within the committed timeframe has climbed sharply — from 86.20% in 2023 to 97.32% in 2025. These are meaningful gains and reflect sustained investment in infrastructure and digital management systems across the network.

For international mail, VNPost provides two principal service tiers. Standard mail is the most economical choice, offered in both sea and airmail variants. Sea freight is very slow (2–3 months), while standard airmail is considerably faster (3–5 weeks) but comes with limited tracking capability. For anything time-sensitive or valuable, EMS (Express Mail Service) is the recommended option — it is significantly quicker, typically reaching major destinations within 7–10 business days, and includes a tracking number. These are approximate figures as of 2025; always confirm current estimates directly with VNPost before dispatching anything time-critical.

VNPost uses a standardised tracking number format: each number comprises 13 characters — two letters, followed by nine digits, and closing with the “VN” country code. EMS tracking numbers specifically begin with the letter “E”. Tracking is accessible via the VNPost website and through various third-party platforms.

Geographic variation in service quality is worth bearing in mind. Major urban centres such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang benefit from denser networks and more consistent last-mile delivery. Occasional tracking gaps or delayed scan updates can occur; if your parcel appears to be stalled, waiting and rechecking is often worthwhile, as some facilities batch-update their records. Weather disruptions, high shipment volumes, and transport challenges can also slow things down — particularly during the rainy season or the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday period, when parcel volumes surge considerably.

What additional services are available at post offices in Vietnam?

Vietnamese post offices are far more than mail counters — they function as multi-service community hubs, especially in towns and rural areas where banking and government infrastructure may be less dense. This role is broadly comparable to that of La Poste in France or An Post in Ireland, where post offices have traditionally served as financial and civic anchors within local communities.

Postal savings and basic banking services are available through a partnership between Vietnam Post and LienVietPostBank (Lien Viet Post Joint Stock Commercial Bank). Customers can also settle insurance premiums, instalment loan repayments, and utility bills — including electricity, water, and telephone charges — at post office counters. Nationwide money transfers are likewise available through the postal network.

Among the strongest-performing service categories at Vietnam Post as of 2025 are international postal services, non-life insurance, and the collection of social and health insurance contributions. This means a single visit to your local post office can cover health insurance payments, basic social security paperwork, and routine banking needs simultaneously.

The postal network is also expanding its role in digital government services — facilitating the submission and collection of processed administrative documents through public postal channels. This effectively turns post offices into an accessible front end for certain bureaucratic procedures, which can be genuinely useful for expats navigating Vietnamese administrative systems.

Larger post offices may also offer currency exchange, retail items (including mobile SIM cards from MobiFone and VinaPhone), and consumer goods. The range of available services varies by location: main city and provincial post offices typically offer the full suite, while smaller rural cultural post office counters (bưu điện văn hoá xã) may carry a more limited selection. It is always worth checking with your local branch to see what is on offer.

Does the postal service deliver to every address in Vietnam, and what happens if it doesn’t?

Vietnam Post carries a universal service obligation to maintain and operate the public postal network across the whole of Vietnam. This commitment means VNPost aims to reach every part of the country — including remote highland communities, coastal islands, and rural communes — setting it apart from purely commercial operators that tend to concentrate on profitable urban corridors.

Vietnam Post manages over 14,000 post offices and service points to distribute incoming international deliveries. This broad network ranges from full post offices in cities and district-level branches to smaller cultural post office counters (bưu điện văn hoá xã) serving villages and communes. However, network coverage does not automatically equate to door-to-door home delivery.

In rural areas, the absence of formal street addresses means that all mail defaults to post office boxes for collection by local residents. Expats relocating to rural or peri-urban areas should therefore anticipate collecting mail from a local post office counter rather than having it brought to their door. Making yourself known to the nearest post office early on is advisable, so that staff can recognise you and hold items securely.

PO boxes (Hộp thư) are widely available across the country and can be rented for a fee. In areas where formal street names do not exist, using the village name alongside the nearest larger town helps ensure correct mail routing. For expats in very remote locations — such as island settlements or highland villages — it is worth asking locally about the nearest collection point and how frequently deliveries arrive, as service frequency can differ markedly from the daily deliveries typical in cities.

How do you write a postal address in Vietnam?

From July 1, 2025, the standard Vietnamese address format is: [House Number + Street], [Ward/Commune], [City/Province], [Postal Code], Vietnam. Districts are no longer included in the official address structure, following Vietnam’s administrative reorganisation and the removal of district-level divisions in July 2025. This is a significant recent change — older address guides and pre-2025 formats may still include a district line that is no longer in use.

Vietnamese addresses are generally written from the smallest to the largest unit — the reverse of how addresses are structured in most Western countries. The house number appears first, followed by the street name, then the ward or commune, and finally the city or province. For international mail, it is best to follow this structure and write “VIETNAM” in capital letters on the last line.

A correctly formatted example for international mail looks like this:

One of the most frequent causes of misdirected mail is incorrectly written alley addresses. Vietnam’s hẻm (alley) system can be particularly confusing for newcomers. Many homes sit within narrow laneways that branch off main streets, and leaving out these details can easily send mail to the wrong place. For instance, “25/7 Hai Ba Trung” means house number 7 within alley number 25, which opens onto Hai Ba Trung Street. Writing this simply as “25 Hai Ba Trung Street” would point to an entirely different property.

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. For domestic mail, addresses should be in Vietnamese; for international mail, a widely understood language is acceptable, with “VIETNAM” clearly written in capitals. Including a contact phone number is strongly recommended for courier deliveries, particularly in rural or hard-to-access locations.

How do you find or look up a postcode in Vietnam?

Vietnamese postal codes consist of five digits. The system originally used a six-digit format before transitioning to five digits in 2018. Older sources and some international databases may still reference the earlier format, so always use the current five-digit code when addressing mail or completing forms.

The five-digit postcode plays an important role in identifying the destination. The opening two digits denote the province or municipality, while the remaining three digits narrow the location down to the specific ward or commune. For example, 10000 corresponds to Hanoi, and 70000 to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Post has also introduced Vpostcode — a 13-character system providing more granular location data via mobile applications. This is increasingly relevant for e-commerce deliveries and for navigation in areas where conventional street addressing is incomplete.

The precise postal code for a given local government area, post office, government building, embassy, or consulate can be searched through the National Postal Code Website. The official lookup tool is accessible via vnpost.vn, which features a search function for identifying the correct code for any given address.

Postal codes are essential for mail delivery, logistics operations, and e-commerce shipping. Always include them when entering addresses into online systems or printing shipping labels. While experienced local couriers may occasionally navigate without one, omitting the postcode raises the risk of delays or misdelivery — particularly for international parcels entering the Vietnamese system for the first time.

What should expats know about receiving parcels and international mail in Vietnam?

Receiving packages from overseas involves engaging with both the postal delivery network and Vietnam’s customs framework, and both have undergone notable changes in recent years. A clear understanding of the process in advance will spare significant frustration later.

Vietnam’s 2025 customs reforms brought a consequential change for parcel recipients: the low-value exemption has been abolished. Previously, low-value items — particularly those bought online — were frequently exempt from import duties and VAT. That exemption no longer exists, and every imported item, regardless of its value, is now potentially subject to these taxes. This represents a major departure from previous arrangements and affects anyone receiving gifts, online purchases, or personal belongings from outside Vietnam. Always verify the current rules with the General Department of Vietnam Customs before sending or expecting items.

In addition to import duties, VAT applies to the declared value of imported goods. Vietnam’s VAT rates on imports range from 0% to 10%, with certain exemptions available for goods that cannot be produced domestically. Import duty rates vary according to product type and country of origin, so the combined tax burden on any given parcel can differ widely.

When a parcel cannot be delivered to your address — whether because you are absent or the address details are unclear — VNPost will typically leave a delivery notice. You can then collect the item from your nearest post office. If a package goes missing or arrives damaged, retain all original packaging and report the matter to VNPost as soon as possible. Using registered or express services reduces this risk from the outset.

Whether you are using VNPost, Viettel Post, or DHL, Vietnamese law requires you to present your passport as proof of identity when completing mandatory customs and shipping documentation. This applies both when dispatching international mail from Vietnam and when collecting items held at customs. Postal and courier staff are also required to inspect parcel contents before sealing, for security and customs compliance purposes.

Commonly restricted items for international airmail include flammable liquids (such as perfume and nail polish), aerosols, lighters, and unpackaged lithium batteries. Absolutely prohibited items include weapons, narcotics, and counterfeit goods. Always consult the current prohibited items list at vnpost.vn or with customs authorities before sending or expecting particular goods.

Are there reliable alternatives to the national postal service in Vietnam?

While VNPost forms the historical backbone of the country’s mail system, Vietnam’s modern logistics market is intensely competitive. Several strong private couriers are available for parcel sending, each with its own advantages.

Viettel Post, operating under the Viettel Group, combines a nationwide footprint with a modern, technology-led approach to logistics. It is a well-regarded option for domestic and regional shipments, regularly offering more competitive pricing and quicker turnaround than standard postal services. Its user-friendly mobile app supports shipment booking and real-time tracking, and an extensive network of drop-off points makes it highly convenient for everyday use.

For those who place speed and security above cost, the major international carriers — DHL, FedEx, and UPS — maintain a strong and dependable presence in Vietnam’s principal cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These services represent the benchmark for sending urgent documents, high-value goods, or time-sensitive business shipments. Their rates are substantially higher than those of VNPost or Viettel Post, but the corresponding service levels — particularly in tracking precision, insurance options, and care of valuable items — justify the premium.

As a practical guide to choosing the right provider:

• Postcards and letters: VNPost is the natural choice for traditional mail.
• Budget international parcels (non-urgent): VNPost’s standard international service is generally the most cost-effective option.
• Balancing speed and cost: Compare quotes between VNPost’s EMS service and Viettel Post — their prices and delivery windows are often closely matched.
• Urgent or high-value items: Go directly with DHL, FedEx, or UPS. The additional expense is justified by the enhanced security and speed.

While convenient for routine tasks, smaller local post offices may not have staff well-versed in handling complex international shipments. For anything of high value or involving unusual requirements, it is advisable to visit a main branch in a major city. Service fees, transit times, and available options change regularly — always confirm current details directly with your chosen provider before dispatching anything.

Frequently asked questions

Does my rental property in Vietnam come with a mailbox?

This depends considerably on the type of property. Modern apartment buildings generally provide individual mailboxes in the lobby or a communal collection area managed by building staff. Detached houses and villas may feature a wall-mounted letterbox, though this is far from guaranteed. In many older properties or rural rentals, no dedicated letterbox exists at all, and delivery staff will either knock or leave a notification. When moving in, speak with your landlord about the current arrangement and check with your nearest post office about how they handle items addressed to your property.

How do I redirect mail when moving address within Vietnam?

VNPost provides a mail redirection service (chuyển tiếp bưu phẩm). You will need to attend your local post office in person, complete the relevant redirection form, and show identification. The service operates for a defined period and carries a fee; check current pricing and availability at vnpost.vn. Updating your address directly with senders — including banks, government bodies, and employers — is equally important, as mail redirection cannot always be counted on to work flawlessly.

How long do international letters take to arrive in Vietnam?

Delivery times depend on the country of origin and the service tier selected. Standard international airmail from Europe or North America to Vietnam generally takes 3–5 weeks. EMS express mail from countries with strong postal agreements typically arrives within 7–10 business days to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Items posted during busy periods — around Tết or Christmas, for instance — may take longer due to higher mail volumes. Confirm current estimated transit times with your sending postal operator and with VNPost directly, as these figures are subject to change.

Will I have to pay import duties on parcels sent to me from abroad?

As of 2025, yes — Vietnam has eliminated the low-value exemption for imported goods, which means all incoming parcels are now potentially liable for import duty and VAT, regardless of their declared value. The precise amount owed depends on the category of goods and their country of origin. Items may be held at customs pending inspection and payment before being released. Always consult the current rules with the General Department of Vietnam Customs and account for potential duties when expecting deliveries from overseas.

How do I send valuables safely from Vietnam?

When sending valuable items, always opt for a registered or insured service rather than standard untracked mail. VNPost’s EMS service offers both tracking and a degree of insurance cover. For high-value goods such as jewellery, electronics, or critical documents, using an international courier — DHL, FedEx, or UPS — is strongly advisable, as these companies provide declared-value insurance and superior handling standards. Declare the correct value accurately on all customs documentation, retain your proof of postage, and keep the tracking number safe. As a general rule, avoid sending cash or easily resold valuables through the postal system wherever alternatives exist.

Can I track my domestic mail and parcels with VNPost?

Yes — tracking is available for registered and express domestic shipments through the VNPost website at vnpost.vn. Standard unregistered letters are not individually trackable. VNPost tracking numbers use a 13-character format comprising two letters, nine digits, and ending with “VN”. EMS shipments are identifiable by a tracking number beginning with the letter “E”. You can also call VNPost’s customer service line and quote your tracking number for a live status update, or visit any post office branch for an in-person inquiry.

Are post offices in Vietnam open on weekends?

The majority of main city post offices open on Saturdays, and many also operate on Sunday mornings. Smaller district and commune-level branches typically open Monday through Saturday. Opening hours vary by location. Around major public holidays — especially Tết, which involves several consecutive days of national observance — post office hours are generally reduced and some branches may close entirely. Check with your local post office or the VNPost website for exact branch hours, particularly if you need to collect a parcel near a public holiday.

What should I do if a parcel I was expecting has not arrived?

Begin by checking the tracking status online at vnpost.vn using your tracking number. If the item shows as delivered but has not reached you, check with building staff, neighbours, or your local post office counter, as parcels are sometimes held there. If tracking shows no updates for an extended period, contact VNPost customer service directly. For items sent through international couriers, reach out to that company’s Vietnam customer service team. Retain all tracking information, receipts, and any packaging materials, as these will be required if you need to lodge a formal claim for loss or damage.