New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Despite its relatively small size, the territory boasts one of the largest and most diverse coral reef systems in the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

People within the country write address formats differently when sending mail. New Caledonia officially uses the French address system, which includes a structured format that has street names, postal codes, and communes. This system is commonly used in urban areas where infrastructure is more developed, and a standardized street address is available. 

However, outside the cities, especially in rural areas and Kanak lands, formal street names and house numbers are often absent. In these regions, addresses are more likely to reference tribal affiliations, village names, or nearby landmarks.

Moreover, there are different types of addresses, each with its specific element requirements. If you need to mail a client or customer in New Caledonia but are unsure of the correct address format, we can assist you. We have listed all the different types of addresses, along with their formats and examples.

Recipient Name

In the first line, write the recipient’s full name. If you are sending the mail to a business, the company name will appear in the first line. Write the person’s name and department in the second and third lines. Add ATTN. in front of the person’s name to ensure the internal mail distribution system sends the mail to the correct office and desk.

Street Address

In the second line, write the building number followed by the street name of the residential or business address.

P.O. Box

If the recipient uses a P.O. box, write “B.P. (Boîte Postale, which is French for P.O. box)” followed by the box number.

Postal Code and Commune/Town

Write the five-digit postal code. In the same line, write the name of the commune where the person lives. Some of the major communes in New Caledonia are Nouméa, Mont-Dore, Dumbéa, Païta, and La Foa.

Country Name

Write the name of the country in the last line. When sending international mail to New Caledonia, write the name in capital letters.

Residential Address Format

Write the recipient’s name, street address, P.O. box number, postal code, commune/town, and country name.

Rural Address Format

Typically, the streets in rural areas of New Caledonia do not have a formal name. In this case, write the name of the village or the settlement, followed by the nearest larger town or city. Add the remaining address elements in the same manner as the residential address.

Business Address Format

Instead of the recipient’s name in the residential address, write the company’s name in the first line. Write the person’s name on the second line and add their department on the third line.

International Address Format for NGOs and Organizations

Write the organization’s name in the first line and the specific department in the second line. Place all the other address components, except the recipient’s name, in the same way as the residential address.

P.O. Box Address Format

The format will be the same as the residential address.

Military Address Format

The address format follows the same structure as the residential address format except for the first two lines. In the first line, write the rank and full name of the person. In the second line, write the military unit number.

Government Office Address Format

Instead of the recipient’s name, write the office and department names in the residential address on the first and second lines.

Address Format for Multiple Recipients

If you want to mail multiple people in the same household or business, write each name on a separate line for the residential and business addresses.

Address Format for Courier Services

If you send mail using courier services like DHL or FedEx, add the recipient’s contact details in the last line of the residential address. Delivery agents can call them if they are unable to locate the address.

The national postal service provider of New Caledonia is OPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie). It operates a network of post offices throughout Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands, even in remote villages, making it a crucial institution for both personal and business communications. 

The organization also offers a range of services similar to those of La Poste in mainland France, including registered mail, express services, and the sale of stamps and packaging.

Additionally, OPT-NC offers a basic financial service called “Compte OPT,” which enables customers to manage their savings and conduct basic financial transactions. While not a full bank, this service is especially useful in rural areas where traditional banking facilities are limited or nonexistent.

You have learned how to structure the address format for a recipient in New Caledonia. However, you need a verified address to ensure your address reaches the intended recipient. The PostGrid Address Verification solution verifies, standardizes, and offers real-time address autocomplete suggestions. Whether you need to verify a single or bulk address, we provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date addresses in sync with the official postal service providers for over 245 countries and territories. 

If you are curious about the format used in any other country, visit our global address format page to learn about the formats followed in countries worldwide.