Q&A for How to Write an Address in Spanish

In Mexico, and Latin America in general, addresses are written in a specific way. Most Latin American countries use the lower-right portion of the envelope for the mailing address. The first line features the recipient's first and last name. Then, add the street address and the premises on the second line. Usually, it'll be the name of the street followed by the street number for the specific house or building. But for rural addresses, you may have a sub-locality of description of landmarks. For instance, you may include the name of the farm or rural school rather than the street name and number. Finally, list the postal code and the locality, including the city, territory, and country. Type the locality in all caps. That's it!

Yes! In Mexico, a zip code or postal code is actually called a código postal (C.P.). They function essentially the same as zip codes in the US. They're made up of 5 digits and appear on the last line of an address. However, there are a few minor differences in how they're written. The CP is written on the last line of the address, just like it is in the US and many countries. But for most Latin American addresses that have postal codes, the postal code is listed first, followed by the name of the locality. So for example, a Mexican address could look like "02860, MEXICO, CDMX."

On the outside of the envelope, place the address in the center-right portion of the front. That way, it won't be obscured by postal markings and stamps. Be sure to include the full name of the recipient so it gets delivered to the right person. Then, add the street and location info. Spanish addresses include the street address, floor, and door number. Write the street and house or building number first, followed by a comma. If the address has a stairwell number, include abbreviation "Esc" in front of the number. On the third line, put the 5-digit postal code and the locality in all caps. On the fourth line, add the name of the province in all caps, and then type "SPAIN" underneath it to complete your Spanish address!

Upper-left of the front is preferred.

You can, but it's not required.

If John Smith is temporarily living at the home of Pedro Fernandez, you can send a letter to John by addressing it to "John Smith, c/o Fernandez", followed by the mailing address.

You can send it to (for example) "Mary Smith" or "Mrs. Mary Smith" or "Mrs. John Smith."