Sending Parcels to Europe & Worldwide from Gale Street Post Office Rochdale (July 2026 Update)
Need to send a parcel to Europe or further afield from Rochdale? You can post internationally at Gale Street Post Office in Syke with Royal Mail International services available in branch — and our counter team will help you fill in the customs form so it’s done right first time. We’re open 7 days a week, until 8PM Monday to Saturday, so you can post that parcel to family abroad or fulfil an overseas order whenever suits you — no appointment needed.
July 2026 update: changes for parcels to the EU
Royal Mail has made a couple of changes to international sending that are worth knowing if you post to the European Union:
- Lower EU customs admin fee — Royal Mail has reduced its EU customs admin fee from £2.00 to £1.50 per item, for parcels with a value of over €45.
- France has removed its Small Parcel Tax — good news if you regularly send parcels to France.
These changes are set by Royal Mail and can be updated at any time, so pop in or call us and we’ll confirm the exact cost for your parcel on the day.
What you need for sending to the EU and worldwide
For almost anything containing goods (not just documents) going outside the UK, you’ll need a customs declaration. It sounds fiddly, but we do it with you at the counter:
- Describe what’s inside — a clear description of each item, its value and weight.
- Bring the full address — including the destination country and postcode.
- We’ll complete the customs form with you — and attach it to your parcel correctly. See our customs form guide for what to have ready.
Many gifts, personal items and online-order parcels can be sent internationally, provided they meet Royal Mail’s international restrictions and customs rules. Just make sure the description and value are accurate, as that’s what customs in the destination country use.
Some items are restricted or prohibited for international post, and customs charges or import VAT may be payable in the destination country.
Choosing the right international service
Whether you want the cheapest option or full peace of mind, there’s a service to match:
- Standard international — an economical way to send letters and small parcels abroad.
- Tracked and/or Signed — follow your item’s journey and get proof it was delivered, ideal for anything valuable or important.
- Parcelforce — for larger, heavier or express international parcels.
Not sure which to pick? Tell us where it’s going and how quickly it needs to arrive, and we’ll talk you through the options and prices.
Why send internationally with us
- Open late and 7 days — until 8PM Monday to Saturday and Sunday 09:30–16:00, so you can post around work.
- Customs help at the counter — no guessing over forms.
- All the carriers in one place — Royal Mail International, Parcelforce, plus Evri and DPD for UK sending.
- Regular sender? Our Drop & Go service speeds things up for online shops posting in volume.
Where and when
Find us at 3-5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale, OL12 0SQ — open Monday to Saturday 09:30–20:00 and Sunday 09:30–16:00. For time-sensitive international post, aim to come in earlier in the day and check the latest last posting dates with our team.
Get directions · Call 01706 725399
Frequently asked questions
Can I send parcels to Europe from Gale Street Post Office?
Yes — we offer Royal Mail International services to the EU and worldwide, and we’ll help you complete the customs form at the counter.
What changed for EU parcels in July 2026?
Royal Mail reduced its EU customs admin fee from £2.00 to £1.50 per item for parcels valued over €45, and France removed its Small Parcel Tax. Prices are set by Royal Mail and can change, so we’ll confirm the exact cost for your parcel in branch.
Do I need a customs form to send to the EU?
For items containing goods, yes — a customs declaration is required for the EU and the rest of the world. Bring a clear description and value for what’s inside and we’ll complete it with you.
How much does it cost to send a parcel abroad?
It depends on the destination, weight, size and service. Pop in or call 01706 725399 and we’ll give you the exact price and the best option.
Can I track an international parcel?
Yes — Tracked and Signed options are available on many international services. Ask us and we’ll recommend the right one for your item.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Saturday 09:30–20:00 and Sunday 09:30–16:00. On bank holidays please call 01706 725399 to confirm.
Gale Street Post Office, 3-5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale OL12 0SQ. Open 7 days, until 8PM Mon–Sat. International services, prices, fees and customs requirements are set by Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd and may change — please confirm in branch. Gale Street Post Office is an independent branch operating under agreement with Post Office Ltd.