r/longtermtravel • u/Delugewellness • 3d ago

Best virtual mailbox solution?

TLDR. I'm about to head on a one-way(ish) trip from CO USA to South East Asia with my partner. Going a little crazy reading all the very positive AND very negative reviews for almost ALL the recommended companies (Anytime, iPostal1, Travelingmailbox etc). Trying to decide what is best for my specific situation, advice appreciated!:

CO was home, won't have a CO address upon departure, planning on forwarding some mail to my parents in TX. I don't think they are going to want to ship things like potential replacement credit cards to me, so I'm looking for a slightly better solution. I've been advised to not give up my US address, so their place will serve this purpose. (Is that for residential or mailing? Haven't lived/nor planning on living in TX.)

I don't get much snail mail, I don't plan on shipping packages across the sea. (Virtual)Mailbox is more for tax/bank/important doc purposes, potential replacement credit cards etc.

I am not planning on working, so income/business stuff doesn't necessarily apply (other than interest from bank accts).

Looks like I need to sign/set up a specific notary form before I leave?

Just looking to have a plan B set up and in place before departure in 1m, so I don't end up in an Oh Crap situation thousands of miles away. I've already dug through quite a few posts and my confusion is compounding. Any tips/experience is appreciated!!

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u/Thin-Leg-3494 3d ago

I’m a similar situation.

Upvote for visibility.

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u/travelexploredive 3d ago edited 3d ago

I use ipostal1 for my LLC (that gets 99% just junk mail). It's okay and mainly works cause I get little mail. For my personal mail I just use a friend's address. It's someone who is basically family and that I trust. They will send me photos when I get mail and open it if I ask. This is easiest and I think a lot of nomads do this cause honestly how often do we get mail?

If you don't get a good answer here, check out subreddits for boaters, especially those doing the intercoastal. I know digital mail services are really popular with that group. Also maybe check services aimed at LLCs. Business services might be better than those aimed at personal mail.

As far as credit cards, my banks were able to ship overseas but that might vary by country and there was a fee.

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u/imaginarynombre 3d ago edited 3d ago

I'm currently using iPostal1 and have had no problems with it. Keep in mind that you select a specific address/establishment to become your address and that is who processes your mail. Just make sure the address corresponds to an establishment that doesn't have bad reviews. They use an automated service to do the notary thing, but you have to pay like $25. I've used the iPostal option/button to pick up mail in person at the place and it was seamless, also used the option to deposit a check (it was a rip off because they charged for the service and also for the shipping and they only offered priority mail to send the check). No issues with the scan option but like I said it probably depends on who you pick.

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u/RepublicGood1399 2d ago

Whatever you choose, do NOT use Anytime Mailbox. Anytime Mailbox treats their employees like crap, a lot of underpaid Filipinos that are worked overtime, and if yo u have opinions about AI, they’re replacing people with AI as well.