
Knowing how to address an envelope is a handy skill to have, especially when you want to send a letter or parcel to someone but don't know their exact address. In such cases, you can address the mail in care of someone else, using the abbreviation c/o or ℅, followed by the name of the person or business associated with the address. This article will specifically focus on how to write a care-of address in Australia, where the format is slightly different from other countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation for "care of" | c/o or c/- |
| When to use | When sending mail to someone at a location where they don't normally receive correspondence, e.g. a hotel |
| Format | Recipient's name, followed by "c/o" and the name of the person or business associated with the address, then the street address |
| Return address | Place in the top left corner of the envelope or on the reverse |
| Writing style | Print clearly using black or blue pen; no indentation or staggered lines; no underlining or punctuation |
| Font | Clear, readable font such as Helvetica, Arial, or Times Roman |
| Postcode | Included on the same line as the locality or suburb and state, with spaces in between |
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What You'll Learn

Use c/- or c/o to indicate 'care of'
When addressing an envelope or package, there are times when you may not know the recipient's address. In such cases, you can use "c/o" or "c/-" followed by the name of the person, business, or building that will receive the mail on the recipient's behalf. This indicates that the mail is in the "care of" the specified party and should be delivered to the recipient via that address.
For example, if you are sending a wedding invitation to a friend but are unsure of their current address, you can send the invitation to another mutual friend who is also invited to the wedding. You would address the envelope with your friend's name, followed by "c/o" or "c/-" and the name of the mutual friend who will receive the mail on their behalf. This way, the post office knows that the recipient is not the usual recipient at that address.
The use of "c/o" or "c/-" is especially useful when you know the recipient's building or business but not their exact address. It can also be used when sending mail to someone staying at a hotel if you don't know their room number. In this case, you would write "c/o" or "c/-" followed by the hotel name. The hotel staff will then deliver the mail to the appropriate room.
In Australia, it is common to use "c/-" instead of "c/o" when indicating "care of" in an address. However, either abbreviation is generally understood and accepted. It is important to note that Australian address formats are similar to American addresses, with the city name, state, and postal code all appearing on one line. When addressing mail to an Australian recipient, be sure to follow the standard format and use clear, legible handwriting or a readable font type.
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Write the recipient's full name in the centre of the envelope
When writing the address on an envelope, it is important to write the recipient's full name clearly and legibly in the centre of the envelope. This is the first step in ensuring your mail reaches the intended recipient.
The full name of the recipient should be written in neat handwriting, preferably in black or blue ink. Avoid using pencils or coloured pens, as this may cause confusion or make the address difficult to read. It is also important to ensure that the name is spelled correctly to avoid any potential delays or misdeliveries.
In addition to writing the full name, it is common to include a courtesy title, such as "Mr.", "Ms.", or "Dr.", followed by their last name. This is not mandatory but can be helpful, especially if the recipient has a common name or if you want to maintain a formal tone.
If you are sending mail to an individual within a business or organisation, it is essential to include their name and the business name. For example, if you are addressing a letter to "Ms. Jane Smith" at "ABC Corporation", you would write "Ms. Jane Smith" in the centre of the envelope, with "ABC Corporation" written on the following line.
Remember, providing clear and accurate information is crucial to ensuring the timely and successful delivery of your mail.
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Add the street address of the location or person delivering the letter
When addressing a letter in care of someone or a business in Australia, it is important to include the street address of the location or person delivering the letter. This ensures the letter reaches the correct recipient.
The "care of" address format is often used when sending mail to someone who may be travelling or when you know the recipient's building or business but not their exact address. In Australia, the "care of" abbreviation is typically written as “c/-" followed by the name of the person or business associated with the address. This is placed underneath the recipient's name.
The street address of the location or person delivering the letter should be written clearly on the next line. If the delivery destination is an apartment, the apartment number is included before the street number, separated by a dash (e.g. 91/17 Smith St).
After the street address, include the city, state abbreviation, and postal code on the same line, with spaces between each element. For example, your letter might be addressed "c/\- Jane Smith, 91/17 Smith St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000".
Finally, don't forget to include a return address in the top left corner of the envelope, following the same format as the recipient's address.
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Include your return address in the top left corner
When writing a 'care of' address in Australia, it is important to include your return address in the top left corner. This is the place your mail will be returned to if it cannot be delivered to the intended recipient. The return address follows a standard format, with your name on the top line, your street address on the second line, and your city, state, and zip code on the third line.
The return address is typically written in the same format as the recipient's address. It should be printed clearly using a black or blue pen. Avoid indenting or staggering address lines and do not underline any words or use punctuation. If you are using a machine-addressed envelope, select a clear, readable font such as Helvetica, Arial, or Times Roman.
Additionally, ensure that the locality or suburb matches the postcode. You can use Australia Post's 'find a postcode' tool to verify this. The postcode should be included on the same line as the locality or suburb and the state. Remember to leave spaces between the locality, state, and postcode.
By providing accurate and clearly written return address information in the top left corner of your envelope, you can ensure that your mail is properly directed and can be returned to you if necessary.
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Use ℅ [Hotel Name] to send mail to someone staying at a hotel
When sending mail to someone staying at a hotel, you can use "℅" or "care of" in the address to ensure it reaches the recipient. This phrase indicates that the letter or package is being delivered to someone who doesn't usually receive mail at that address.
To address the envelope correctly, start by writing the recipient's full name in the centre of the envelope in neat, legible handwriting. On the next line, write "℅", "c/o", or "care of", followed by the name of the hotel. Then, include the hotel's street address, city, state, and postcode. Finally, add your return address in the left-hand corner of the envelope and affix the correct postage.
Using "℅" or "care of" in the address is especially useful when you don't know the recipient's room number at the hotel. The hotel staff will be able to deliver the mail to the appropriate room. If the recipient is no longer at the hotel, the letter will be returned to your address.
Recipient Name
"℅" Hotel Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP Code
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your mail reaches the intended recipient at the hotel.
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