
British Forces Post Office postal orders are a convenient way to send money to loved ones serving overseas. They can be purchased from post offices in the UK.
To buy a postal order, you'll need to visit a post office in the UK and have a valid form of ID. You can pay with cash, credit or debit card, or cheque.
The maximum value of a postal order is £1,000.
British Forces Post Office (BFPO)
The British Forces Post Office (BFPO) is a unique postal system that serves the British Armed Forces. It's been around since 1942.
BFPO postal orders are a convenient way for service personnel to send money to family and friends back home. They can be purchased with cash or card at post offices on military bases.
The BFPO has its own postal code, BFPO, which is used to identify mail sent to and from the forces. This code is essential for ensuring that mail reaches its intended recipient.
BFPO postal orders are often used by service personnel to send money to loved ones, especially during times of crisis or celebration. They're a thoughtful way to show support and care.
The BFPO postal system is designed to be efficient and reliable, with mail being sorted and dispatched quickly to ensure timely delivery. This is especially important for service personnel who may be deployed in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Using BFPO Postal Orders
To use BFPO postal orders, you must address mail to the appropriate BFPO number, not the country where the recipient is based. This is especially important for mail to BFPO addresses, which is often charged at the inland UK rate.
Mail to BFPO addresses in the UK and around the world is delivered by the British Forces Post Office, separate from Royal Mail. BFPO addresses are used for the delivery of mail to HM Forces serving overseas.
To speed up delivery, the BFPO has developed 'e-Bluey', a hybrid form of mail that allows letters to be sent directly by email to the BFPO and then dispatched to the recipient via the traditional postal system.
Postal Orders
Postal orders are a unique service offered by some British Forces Post Offices. They can be issued and cashed, making them a sought-after item among collectors.
A British postal order issued at a forces post office is highly valued by collectors. It's not just a postal order, but a piece of history.
If you're in a Commonwealth country, such as the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus, a BFPO postal order is considered part of the local numismatic and notaphilic history. This makes it a rare and special item.
Adding BFPO Address at Checkout
Adding a BFPO address at checkout can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, it's easier than you think. To add a BFPO address into the delivery section at checkout, use the following format: Country/Region: United Kingdom.
You'll need to include your service number, rank or title, and first name in the First Name field, followed by your last name in the Last Name field. The Address field is where you'll put your unit or regiment, and if you're deployed, you can add the operation in the Second Line of Address field.
Make sure to enter the correct BFPO number in the City field, which is the same as the BFPO number for the location you're sending mail to. For example, if you're sending mail to Milan, Italy, you'll use BFPO 61 in the City field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the post office still sell postal orders?
Yes, post offices still sell postal orders, allowing you to purchase a guaranteed payment method for online transactions. You can buy postal orders in person at a post office or online through the Royal Mail website.
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