Best Virtual Mailboxes for Digital Nomads
"You've successfully frozen your account. What address should you send your new credit card to if you are always on the go as a digital nomad?"
This phrase strikes literal fear into my heart as a digital nomad and long-term traveler. Not only because I don’t want people to use my money without permission, but I am also moving to a new country every couple of weeks. And I need those credit card points so I can keep traveling!
But wait… what about the utility bill notices for my home base? My grandma also just asked if I got her Christmas card. And what do you mean you only send paper copies for city taxes?!?
I'm sure you've been there too. Physical paper mail is truly a struggle for digital nomads.
Fortunately, there are virtual mailbox services. These are innovative solutions specifically designed to deliver to you physical mails and packages faster than the Pony Express.
In this guide, we are going to help you compare them so that you can find and choose the best ones for receiving and managing your deliveries from anywhere in the world.
The 9 Best Virtual Mailbox Services Compared
Let’s take a look at the offerings out there so that we can analyze properly and have confidence in our decisions. Shall we?
1. Traveling Mailbox
Best Overall
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Traveling Mailbox is a no-frills service that does what you need the best virtual mailbox to do. It is simple with its pricing and plans, without additional hidden fees. It offers rollover scans so you don’t lose them every month. And they have basic integrations so you can control your digital documents. Finally, they are open to contact and have an excellent customer support team.
2. VirtualPostMail (VPM)
Best For Security
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VirtualPostMail (VPM) uses Amazon Web Services to store data. They boast their compliance with HIPAA which, to be fair, is incredibly impressive! They even offer API integrations and automatic scanning. If you want security and digital automation options… This is world-class stuff. That said, you will pay a premium for this service.
3. Anytime Mailbox
Best For Customization
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Anytime Mailbox is a broker for mail collection and forwarding addresses. Each address offers different features at different price points. For example, some addresses include a set number of scanned pages per month with an additional cost per page and others only offer a cost per scanned page as a flat rate. Package and letter pickup service is often an added fee. Storage is often an added fee. This feels like the “Spirit Airlines” of virtual mail where every convenience is an added charge to the base fee.
4. iPostal1
Best For Phone Calls
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Just like Anytime Mailbox, iPostal1 is a broker service for virtual mailboxes and virtual PO boxes. You can find an address with services that fit your needs, admittedly with fewer options than its competitor. However, it is the only service that offers to receive phone calls and faxes for you and then forward your way.
5. PO Box Zone
Best for Immediate Needs
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PO Box Zone has your back. PO Box Zone has the lowest price per month on the list and offers the basic needs. They only have a couple of addresses to choose from and there are no tradeoffs to consider by location. Since they are smaller than some other companies here, they can be more agile and get your scan request back to you on the same day!
6. LegalZoom Virtual Mail
Best For Moving Money
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LegalZoom Virtual Mail is probably at the bottom of the list for their Virtual Mailbox Service. In comparison, the prices they offer for the same services are higher and have more stipulations. That said, they are the only service that offers a check deposit plan - so if you are receiving a boatload of checks, it could be a good option. Earth Class Mail was recently acquired by LegalZoom, so it may also be a good option if you want your legal documents received at the same place they are processed!
7. BusinessAnywhere
Best Value
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BusinessAnywhere has a virtual mailbox but they are really a fully integrated business service offering. A one-stop-shop, if you will, for all of your business needs. They make things simple to understand, both with virtual mailboxes and with their additional business offerings. That said, their actual virtual mailbox service is excellent with simple, competitive, pricing and plans for every address they offer.
8. Post Scan Mail
Best for Businesses
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Post Scan Mail is designed for volume. They have the most addresses available out of any on this list, so you can have the fastest turnaround times possible - since there is probably an address right next to where you want your letter or package to go. They are the only company to offer shipment tracking and delivery updates. Overall, Post Scan Mail is better for established (or establishing) businesses that have many letters and packages flowing per month.
9. US Global Mail
Best For Discounts
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US Global Mail allows multiple companies to use the same address. They also offer great discounts on package consolidation and forwarding! With free check deposits and junk mail filtering, they are an attractive option for people expecting to receive lots of mail.
What Are The Key Features to Look for in a Virtual Mailbox?
Many features are common between these providers. Every one of the services on our list provides the following:
- Real street addresses for personal and commercial use
- USA domestic and international mail package forwarding with package consolidation
- Open and scan mail (PDFs)
- Check deposit
- Recycling services
- Shredding services
- A phone application
- An online portal
While all virtual mailbox services offer the basics, it's the extra features and capabilities that really set them apart. Let’s dive deep into the details.
Mail Scanning and Digitization
Virtual mailbox services offer different scanning options and pricing models. Some might throw in a few scans for free each month, while others let you scan to your heart's content but charge you per page. Figure out how much mail you usually get and pick a plan that won't break the bank.
Keep an eye out for cool features like junk mail filtering – nobody wants to see that spam!
Mail Forwarding Options
Not all services are created equal when it comes to forwarding. Some are letter-only, so if you're expecting packages, you'll need to look elsewhere. Watch out for sneaky extra handling fees on top of the regular shipping costs.
And make sure they can handle both domestic and international mail, depending on what you need. Bonus points if they offer package consolidation – who doesn't love saving a few bucks?
Package Acceptance and Handling
There are a few exceptions to virtual mailboxes that cannot accept packages. As a general rule, they charge storage fees by pound after a certain period of time, typically 30 days.
Most places will allow in-person pickup of packages, but they will charge you a few dollars to do so.
Physical Address and Street Address
Every one of the virtual PO and mailbox services listed here has physical and street addresses. This is a requirement in this day and age. It provides businesses credibility and can give some pretty nice tax benefits if you have your wits about you.
Some services even offer additional business services, like a Resident Agent, to make your LLC even more legit!
Check Depositing
Paper checks might feel old-school, but they're still around. Most virtual mailbox services will deposit them for you, but it usually comes with an extra fee. It's super easy, though – just a few clicks and they'll send it off to your bank for you.
App and Web Interface
Many of these companies have been around for years (some even over 20!) perfecting their user interface. They are all effectively standardized and work like an email inbox where you can preview the outside of the letter or package, select the item, and choose what to do with it.
They all have online portals and phone applications with search bars for tagging/filtering included. Quite honestly, it's rare that you will miss an important message because of the software.
Security and Privacy
If you're all about keeping your info safe, look for a service that takes security seriously. Shredding is a must-have (some include it for free, others charge extra), and make sure they offer secure digital storage, too.
Some even use fancy HIPAA-compliant systems or Amazon Web Services. No porch pirates here!
Integrations
Not every service integrates with third-party applications. Most of the virtual mailbox companies on this list have their own digital storage methodologies, but some integrate with storage tools like Dropbox and Google Drive via API.
It doesn’t seem to be a common practice at this point, but there are ways (depending on the service) to automate the “Receive” -> “Open and Scan” -> “Shred” -> “Notification” workflow for physical mail. Pretty sweet, right?
Who Should Consider Virtual Mailboxes?
From experience, a virtual PO box is a must-have in any traveler's toolbox.
In fact, digital nomads, remote workers, expats, online entrepreneurs, RVers and Vanlifers should all consider a virtual mailbox service.
What Are The Benefits of Getting Virtual Mailboxes?
All travelers know that even something as simple as receiving mail can be a hassle, especially if you're constantly on the move. This is why virtual mailboxes offer a secure and convenient solution to traditional mail management. But what exactly are the benefits of getting a virtual mailbox? I'm glad you asked. Here my top reasons.
Location Independence
You can be anywhere in the world, literally, and receive your mail. You can plan to have that new puffy jacket arrive at your hotel before your hike so you don’t have to carry it across the world. And even though you don’t reside in the United States, you still have a permanent address you can use on all of the required legal and government forms.
Security and Privacy
Sure, you could have your family open and send your mail. But, really, do you want them to see your financials? Virtual mailboxes keep your personal information where it should be… personal. Plus, most services use secure facilities and encryption to protect your mail and data. In some ways, having a virtual mailbox is even more secure than a physical one!
Convenience and Efficiency
As long as you have an internet connection, you can log in to the online portal or phone application and view your important documents immediately. With check forwarding services, you don’t have to lift a finger to make your money appear in your account. On top of that, you can have your mail opened, scanned, reviewed, and on its way to you in hours if need be!
Potential Tax Benefits
Depending on your situation and the service's location, you might even benefit from tax advantages. For example, you can avoid some taxes if your “permanent address” is outside of a city or state that requires special taxes.
The Bottom Line
So, is it worth getting a virtual mailbox service? From experience, you must have a handle on your physical mail. When you are traveling around the world, it is already hard enough managing the logistics - let alone dealing with the uncertainty that you are missing something important that was sent to you.
At the very least, nobody can hit your virtual mailbox with a bat.
Ready to Receive and Manage Your Deliveries From Anywhere in the World?
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