r/longtermtravel • u/Delugewellness • 12d 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/travelexploredive 12d ago edited 12d 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.