Italian Post Office: Tasks To Be Accomplished Here

Tasks to be accomplished at the Italian Post Office go far beyond sending mail or picking up packages. These offices are part of everyday life in Italy—whether you’re a visitor staying a few weeks or a resident navigating the country’s famously complex bureaucracy. The experience can be confusing at first, especially when you’re faced with a ticket machine in Italian and a room full of people who all seem to know what they’re doing. But once you understand how it works, the post office becomes a surprisingly valuable resource.

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How to Use the Ticket Machine at the Italian Post Office

Let’s be honest… the ticket machine at the front of the post office might be the most intimidating part of your visit. It’s usually a small touchscreen kiosk near the entrance. When ready, you’ll be asked to select the type of service you need. This could be mailing a letter, handling banking matters, applying for a residency permit, or getting official documents. Once you tap your choice, a ticket will print with your number. Then it’s a matter of waiting for it to be called. Bigger locations may show the current number on a screen; smaller offices might rely on the clerk calling it out loud. Let’s break this down further…

The options for “A” say “Servizi Finanziare” which means “Financial Services“

These are the items usually available under this A Section:

Versamenti e Prelievi	Deposits and Withdrawals
Vaglia Online	Money Online
Bonifici	Transfers
MoneyGram	MoneyGram
Cambiavalute	Moneychanger

The option for “E” say “Riservato Titulari condo Banco Posta” which means “Reserved for Private Owners of Banco Posta” 

The option for “P” say “Servizi Corrispondenza e pacchi” which means: “Mail and Parcel Services“

Servizi Corrispondenza e pacchi	Mail and Parcel Services
Raccomandata 1	Registered 1
Raccomandata e Assicurate	Registered and Insured
Posta Celere Corriere Espresso	Express Mail Express Courier
Pacco Celere Corriere Espresso	Express Mail Express Courier
Pacco Ordinario	Parcels
Posta Prioritaria	Priority Mail
PosteMobile	PosteMobile
Francobolli	Stamps
Telegrammi	Telegrams
Fax	Fax

Sending and Receiving Mail

Of course, the most familiar function of the post office is still very much in use. You can mail letters, postcards, and packages both domestically and internationally. If you miss a delivery, you’ll typically receive a slip letting you know your item is waiting for pickup at the nearest post office. Bring the slip and an ID, and they’ll hand it over. You can also schedule redelivery or check package status through the Poste Italiane app, which is surprisingly user-friendly.

Applying for a Residency Permit

For non-EU citizens staying in Italy longer than 90 days, the post office is where the application process for a permesso di soggiorno begins. You’ll need to visit a branch that has a sportello amico, a special desk that handles government services. There, you’ll receive an application kit to complete, which includes forms and a return envelope. Once filled out, you return the packet to the same desk along with copies of your documents. The rest of the process continues with an appointment at the local police headquarters, known as the Questura. We won’t be discussing this process in this post.

Passport Applications and Renewals

Thanks to a growing nationwide program called the Polis Project, many Italian post offices now offer passport services. This includes both new applications and renewals. Instead of heading to the Questura yourself, you submit your documents directly to the post office, and they forward everything for you. When your passport is ready, it gets delivered right to your home. This service has already rolled out in major cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice, and Naples, and continues to expand each year.

Banking Services Through BancoPosta

What many visitors don’t realize is that the Italian post office also functions as a bank. Known as BancoPosta, this section of the post office handles everything from basic savings accounts to mortgages and pension plans. You can apply for a prepaid Postepay card, manage your bills, or even explore investment options. This setup is especially useful for residents who want to avoid the paperwork-heavy process of opening an account at a traditional bank. Just keep in mind that not all branches offer full banking services—smaller offices may only handle basic tasks.

Italian Post Office: Tasks To Be Accomplished Here Include Paying Bills

Even though most Italians pay their utility bills online these days, paying them in person at the post office is still common—especially for those who prefer cash. Using a bollettino postale, a printed payment slip that usually comes attached to your bill, you can walk in, hand it over to the clerk, and make your payment right there. They’ll process it, give you a stamped receipt, and you’re all set.

Accessing Official Registry Records

If you need a copy of your certificato di residenza (residency certificate) or certificato di stato di famiglia (family status certificate), you no longer have to go to the town hall. Many post offices now issue these official documents directly as part of the Polis Project’s effort to streamline services. These are commonly required for visa renewals, certain contracts, or tax documents, and being able to get them at the post office can save time and effort.

Buying SIM Cards and Internet Plans

This one was news to me! I had no idea the Poste Italiane also operates a mobile and internet service called PosteMobile. This makes it easy to pick up a prepaid SIM card, sign up for a calling or data plan, or even arrange for broadband internet at home. If you’re visiting or moving to Italy, this is often a simple and affordable option. Just be sure to bring your passport and a codice fiscale (tax code), if you have one.

Setting Up Your Digital ID (SPID)

Another essential service handled by the post office is the setup of a SPID—Italy’s digital ID system. With SPID, you can access everything from health records to government bonus applications online. The setup is straightforward. You bring your identification to the post office, and once they verify your identity, you’ll be issued credentials to log in and start using online services immediately. You can also complete the process online through the PosteID app, but many people prefer to do it in person for peace of mind.

Collectors’ Stamps and Souvenirs

For anyone who loves stamps or is simply looking for a unique keepsake, larger Italian post offices sell commemorative and collector’s stamps. They’re beautifully designed, often mark historical moments or famous Italians, and can be bought as sets or singles. These also make for great, lightweight souvenirs if you’re traveling.

Send Mail Without Leaving Your House

Once again… something I wasn’t aware of – one of the lesser-known services offered by Poste Italiane is the ability to send physical mail digitally. Using their online portal, you can upload a document, choose the destination, and they’ll handle the printing, envelope, and mailing for you. It’s perfect for official letters or when you’re traveling and can’t make it to a branch.

Helpful Terminology for the Italian Posta

Address	l’indirizzo
Addressee	il destinatorio
Air Mail	la posta aerea
Area Code	il prefisso
C.A.P. (zip code)	il codice di avviamento postale
Coin Changer	il distributore-monete
Counter	lo sportello
Customs Declaration	la dichiarazione doganale
Destination	la destinazione
Information	l’informazione
Letter	la lettera
Mail Box	la cassetta della posta
Package	il pacco
Postcard	la cartolina postale
Post Office Box	la casella postale
Postage	l’affrancatura
Postal Clerk	l’imiegato postale
Postman	il postino
Receipt	la ricevuta
Register	fare una raccomandata
Register Letter	la raccomandata
Sender	il mittente
Small Parcel	il pacchetto
Special Delivery	l’espresso
Special Delivery Letter	la lettere per espresso
Stamp (noun)	il francobollo
Telegram	il telegramma
Unstamped	non affrancato
Value Declaration	la dichiarazione del valore

Italian Post Office: Tasks To Be Accomplished Here Are Worth Learning

Understanding how Italian post offices work may take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, they’re incredibly useful. From handling visas to paying bills, setting up internet, and everything in between, the ufficio postale is far more than a place to buy stamps. Add in the convenience of accessing so many services under one roof, and it’s clear why learning the system is time well spent.

And in case you weren’t sure how to properly address an envelope to someone here in Italy…