Postal vs Zip Codes

Every time I have to tell my Toronto address to someone in the US, they ALWAYS question the postal code (unless they do extensive international shipping).  The format is quite different here in Canada.  In the US, the zip code is a 5 digit numerical number (no spaces).  In Canada however, the postal code is a 6 digit alpha-numerical code that identifies your location very specifically.  It is in the format of L#L  #L#.  I'm always surprised how much people here know about me just by stating the first three characters of our postal code (Go M5S!).

Did You Know?: Canada Post

Logo from Canada Post website

While I’m sure this will not make or break your decision to move to Toronto, you should know that the mail is only delivered Monday through Friday in Canada.  Since most things are electronic these days, it isn’t such a big deal for us.  And, FedEx is open if you need to ship something urgently.  A stamp for a regular letter mailed to an address within Canada costs $0.57, and Canada Post says it takes 2 to 4 business days to deliver.  To the US, a stamp costs $1.00, and it takes 4-6 business days.  I’m definitely learning to plan ahead better for birthdays and holidays.  Prices will go up even a few cents more next year - maybe I should have included this in my post on how expensive things are in Canada, but the take home message is really just that most things are more expensive here.  I guess if USPS charged these prices and closed on Saturdays, it might not have so many financial problems?