Buzz
When you're mailing a letter overseas, your first stop should be your local post office to select the appropriate mailing service. Next, weigh your letter to determine postage costs and complete any necessary customs forms. Ensure the mailing address is centered on the envelope, and write both the sending and return addresses in English using all capital letters. If necessary, consider purchasing insurance for added security, and retain all shipping receipts for your records.
Procedures
Heading to Your Local Post Office
Visit your nearby post office. Staff at the post office can assist you in determining the correct postage for the destination country. They can also advise on any customs regulations and how to comply with them to prevent delays.
Select a mailing service. Your choice of mailing service depends on how quickly you want your letter to reach its destination. Opt for the cheapest service if delivery time isn't a concern, typically priced around $2.00 in the U.S. (prices may vary).
- If you require expedited delivery, additional fees apply for options like delivery within 6 to 10 business days, 3 to 5 business days, or 1 to 3 business days.
Verify if tracking is available. Also, check if mailing insurance, return receipts, certificates of mailing, or registered mail services are included with your chosen service. If not, you may need to pay extra for these features.
- For letters containing crucial information, consider paying extra for tracking, return receipts, and certificates of mailing if offered.
Review size and weight limitations. This applies to the destination country. Inquire at the post office about specific restrictions for your destination, and ensure your letter complies before sending.
- Typical international letter size and weight limits include a minimum height of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and a maximum of 6.125 inches (15.558 cm), a minimum length of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and a maximum of 11.5 inches (29.21 cm), a minimum thickness of .0007 inch (.0018 cm) and a maximum of .25 inch (.635 cm), and a maximum weight of 3.5 oz.
Getting Your Letter Ready for Dispatch
Complete a customs declaration. Customs forms can be filled out online or at the post office. You won't need a customs form for letters sent via First-Class International Mail.
- For the Global Express Guaranteed service in the U.S., fill out the GXG International Air Waybill form and the PS Form 6182 for specific destinations. Refer to http://about.usps.com/publications/pub141/welcome.htm for individual country requirements.
- For Priority Mail Express International Service in the U.S., use PS Form 2976-B.
- For all other international mailing services, including mail to army, fleet, or diplomatic post offices, use PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A.
Obtain insurance coverage. If utilizing the First-Class International Mail service, consider insuring your letter with the registered mailing service, priced around $15.00 in the U.S (prices may vary). Additional insurance options are available if needed.
- For instance, with the Global Express Guaranteed service, you can purchase insurance coverage up to $2,499.
Weigh your letter accurately. Round up to the nearest pound or ounce when weighing your letter. For example, if your letter weighs 2 lbs. 5 oz., round up to 3 lbs.
- If you lack a scale, the post office can weigh your letter for you.
Dispatching the Letter
Purchase postage stamps. International stamps begin at $1.40. Acquire them from your local post office. The required number of stamps depends on the letter's destination (and weight if utilizing the First-Class International Mail).
- Use USPS' price calculator at https://ircalc.usps.com to determine postage costs.
- Global Forever stamps can be used for one-ounce letters to countries offering the First-Class International Mail service.
- Ensure the correct postage amount to prevent delays.
Address your mail accurately. Use a permanent marker or pen to write the mailing and return addresses. Write clearly in all capital letters and English. Omit periods or commas and limit to five lines. Center the address on the envelope, including recipient's name, street address or P.O box number, city (or town), state (or province/county), postal code, and country. Example:
- KAREN BROWN
- 5043 MOLINA STREET
- HOUSTON TEXAS 77008
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Retain your shipping receipts. Ensure you keep all relevant shipping documents such as return receipts and certificates of mailing. The return receipt serves as evidence of delivery, while the certificate of mailing validates the timing of your letter's dispatch.
