How To Mail Internationally
Businesses can ship internationally by selecting one of USPS’s global mailing services, like Global Express Guaranteed, First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, Priority Mail Express International, etc. They can use a Global Forever stamp that currently costs $1.55 to send mailers up to 1 oz.
Many companies with international customers/partners feel that postal mail is not an ideal channel for their business communications. Companies think this way because sending heavy packages internationally via postal mail can be expensive at times.
TL;DR
- Businesses can send international mail using USPS's various global mailing services, including the affordable Global Forever stamp for letters and postcards.
- Proper addressing and eligibility checks are essential for successful international mailing to avoid delays or returns.
- Automated solutions like PostGrid’s Print & Mail API can streamline the mailing process, ensuring compliance with international postal regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Your letters, postcards, or packages must be eligible for international mailing in terms of the product type, size, shape, and weight.
- You can use any of USPS’s global shipping solutions to send international mailers based on your budget and preferred features.
- Address your letter or package correctly to ensure the items land at their correct destinations.
- PostGrid’s direct mail API can help you send mail to any local, national, or international location at reasonable costs.
However, sending a letter internationally (or a postcard) can be much more affordable than you think if you ship it through USPS. And you don't have to worry about going through the trouble of personalizing, printing, and delivering your mail if you invest in automated solutions.
But, if you are looking to find out how to send a letter out of the country by yourself, then this article will help you out. Here, we provide all the details you need to know on how to send international mail. We have even included a separate step-by-step guide for sending letters/postcards and packages for your convenience.
How To Mail A Letter Internationally Through USPS
USPS offers the most affordable and convenient way of sending a letter internationally. Using a USPS Global Forever stamp, you can send a 1 oz letter or send a postcard internationally at just $1.30. Today, businesses are strongly relying on direct mail marketing campaigns to reach out to their customers and prospects effectively.
Sending a letter from the US to another country is unlike the mailers you send domestically. And if you think the postage is the only difference when sending a letter internationally and sending a letter domestically.
Hence, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on mailing a letter internationally below. Pay close attention to the steps because any mistake can delay your direct mail delivery or get returned.
Apart from this, you will also lose the money you spent on postage and printing the direct mail letter.
Step 1: Check If Your Letter Is Eligible For International Mailing
When mailing a letter internationally, you must ensure that it is up to the USPS standards for quick and easy delivery. However, the USPS standards are not the only thing you need to worry about regarding international mail.
When Sending a letter internationally, companies must follow the postal rules of the specific country to which they want to send the mail. Businesses can use USPS's Index of Countries and Localities to check if their mailers are compliant with the relevant country's postal rules.
Luckily, you don't need a customs form for sending correspondence or non-negotiable documents that do not have cash value. However, it is worth noting that you can only use the First-Class Mail International service from the USPS for such correspondences.
Step 2: Choose An Envelope or Postcard
When it comes to business communication via international mail, you have two options:
- Envelope
- Postcards
Postcards are usually preferred for direct mail marketing campaigns because you can include pictures in them, and they are relatively inexpensive. However, postcards may not be the best choice for you if the mailer contains any sensitive information.
On the other hand, envelopes can protect whatever data is inside the mailpiece and provide some privacy. Furthermore, letters that come in an envelope are often considered more professional by the recipients.
Step 3: Address Your Letter/Postcard
The address format you use in international mail can differ for different countries. It would help if you also considered the language barriers. English is not a language used everywhere in the world. Hence, apart from writing the address in English, you may have to add the translation after every address line.
Envelopes: When writing the address on an envelope, use the top left corner for writing the return or sender address. You can write the delivery address in the center of the mailer but nearer to the bottom. Don't forget to mention the country name where the sender and the recipient reside at their respective addresses.
Postcards: Postcards have a designated space for you to write the address, and hence there is no chance of an error.
The address part of your mailpiece is crucial because the proper format will ensure that your letter/postcard is delivered on time. Some quick tips that can help you write international addresses are as follows:
- Print instead of writing the address
- Use capital letters
- Use a pen/permanent marker for writing the address
- Avoid using commas or periods in the postal addresses
Step 4: Calculate The Postage and Apply Them
You can use a First-Class Mail International Global Forever stamp that costs just $1.30 to send a 1 oz letter or postcard anywhere. Postal stamps are readily available in your nearest post office, self-service kiosks, and Approved Postal Providers like drug stores.
Placing The Stamp: If you use an envelope, you must put the stamp in the envelope's upper right corner. Placing the postage stamp is easy for postcards because they have a space marked for the postage.
Additional Postage & Extra Services: If the weight or size of the mailer is beyond the specified limit, you will have to pay additional postage. Furthermore, you can also opt for extra services such as proof of delivery, signature services, and other optional USPS services.
Step 5: Send Your International Letter Or Postcard
Now that your envelope/postcard has the correct address and postage, you are all set to mail it. You have several options for mailing a letter internationally. Putting it in your mailbox is the most convenient way to send international mail if you are not in a hurry.
If you have a cluster mailbox, make sure you put it in the outgoing mail slot. You can also drop it in a blue collection box at the Post Office or take it to the Post Office lobby drop. However, you should note that you can't use the collection box if it weighs more than 10 oz or has a thickness of over ½.
If the mailer exceeds the specified size/weight limits, you have to take the mailer to the Post Office and hand it over to them. There are other instances where you should avoid using a collection box. You can find more information on what you can and cannot deposit in a collection box here.
Also Read: International Address Verification and Validation API
How To Mail A Package Internationally Through USPS
Sending packages internationally via USPS is not the same as sending a letter or postcard internationally, although there are some similarities. However, there is some basic information you need to have with you to send international packages from the US.
Apart from the details of the sender and recipient, you should also have a list of things you are sending. The list is for the customs form, and it must specify the value of each item in the package. Of course, you can also print the customs form yourself or use an online tool like PostGrid that can take care of the whole direct mail process.
But, here are the steps that you need to follow if you want to send international packages by yourself.
Step 1: Check The Eligibility Of Your International Package
You can use the International Mail Manual's Individual Country Listings to check the eligibility of your international package. The manual tells you everything you need to know, such as what is allowed to be sent via postal package to that country.
It also tells you the shipping service options you can use to send your package. For example, you can find the weight and size limits in sending a package to a specific country. However, a good practice would be to check whether USPS delivers from the International Service Disruptions page to that country.
Step 2: Choose A Suitable International Shipping Service
The USPS offers six different international shipping services for sending packages. However, some countries can not access all six services the USPS offers. You can check the Individual Country Listings for more information about a particular country.
The six international shipping services offered by the USPS are:
- Global Express Guaranteed
- Priority Mail Express International
- Priority Mail International
- First-Class Package International Service
- First-Class Mail International
- Airmail M-Bags
Step 3: Prepare Your Package Box
The next thing you need to do is pick a box of the right size for your package and pack the mailing item inside. Ensure that you protect the box's contents and that the box stays intact until it reaches its destination.
When picking a box, make sure that it is sturdy and has enough room so that you can provide adequate cushioning inside. If you are reusing a box, then be sure to black out all the old markings, addresses, and shipping labels.
Step 4: Address Your International Package
When writing the address on an international package, use a parallel side to the package's longest side. Don't forget to leave enough space for the postage on the address side of the box. The standardization of addresses on international packages is the same as the one we discussed above for international letters/postcards.
Step 5: Calculate The Postage And Apply Them
USPS's International Postage Calculator is an easy way to find the required postage for your international package. However, using the calculator is only relevant if you want to use stamps or pay for postage at the Post Office. You can also use USPS's Click-N-Ship service to print international postage and pay for it. However, you should note that the Click-N-Ship option is not available for all USPS services.
Step 6: Create Your Customs Forms & Labels
Unlike letters or postcards, you need to fill out a customs declaration for sending packages internationally. The customs forms must always be computer-generated. Click-N-Ship service provides you with a customs form every time you use it. Printing customs from home or office can save you a lot of time, or you could always bring the package to the nearest Post Office.
Step 7: Send Your International Package
Before you send your package, ensure that everything is in order. Double-check the address, postage, and customs form for your package. Once you are done checking, you can hand over the package to an employee at the USPS Post Office or deposit it in a blue collection box. In some cases, USPS even lets you schedule a free package pickup.
Also Read: International Address Verification
Checklist for Preparing International Mail
Choose the Right Mailing Type
After deciding whether you want to send letters, postcards, or envelopes, verify that the item is eligible for international mailing. Afterwards, choose the right mailing type. For instance, you can use First-Class International Mail to send documents. However, you must choose between First-Class Package International Service, Priority Mail Express International, or Priority Mail International for goods and merchandise.
Weigh and Measure Your Item
Weigh the item accurately using a postal scale. Round off to the nearest ounce or gram to help calculate the accurate postage. Afterwards, measure the length, width, and thickness. Remember to keep the item within your chosen mailing service's weight and dimension limits.
Calculate and Apply for Postage
Use the USPS Postage Calculator to determine the exact postage you must pay for the item. Accordingly, buy the Global Forever Stamp of the correct value. Afterwards, apply the postage to the upper-right corner of the envelope or label area on the package.
Complete the Custom Forms
If you use First-Class International Package, fill out and print the Form 2976. For services such as Priority Mail International and others, you must complete Form 2976-A. Ensure you attach the form to the outside of the package in a USPS-provided pouch. The custom forms must include the following details:
- Sender and recipient names and addresses
- Detailed description of contents
- Value of each item
- HS tariff codes (for commercial goods)
- Signature and date
Write an Accurate Address
Always check with the recipient to ensure you write the correct address. You can also use PostGrid’s Address Verification solution, which verifies and standardizes the address in real time and provides accurate and complete details.
Use Correct Address Format
There is no standard address format for mailing packages internationally. Each country has its own protocols for writing the various elements on the package. However, the Universal Postal Union has set standards for its member countries, covering almost all major nations. Make sure to structure the format correctly to ensure accurate delivery. As per UPU, examples of some countries' address formats are mentioned below.
United Kingdom
| Recipient Name | MR. JAMES WALTERS |
| Street Address | 23 DOWNING STREET |
| City | LONDON |
| Postal Code | EC1Y 8SY |
| Country | UNITED KINGDOM |
Canada
| Recipient Name | MS. VERONICA PETERS |
| Street Address | 11-233 ½ RUE BEAUDRY |
| Municipality Name, Province, and Postcode | MONTREAL QC G3Z 2P7 |
| Country | CANADA |
Australia
| Recipient Name | MR. JOHN SMITH |
| Street Address | LEVEL 10, 23 QUEEN STREET |
| Locality, State, and Postcode | NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 |
| Country | AUSTRALIA |
Track and Monitor the Item
Make sure to save the tracking number and receipt. Visit USPS Tracking to find out where your package is. If you are sending multiple packages, it can be tiring to save numerous tracking receipts. Instead, you should use the PostGrid Print & Mail solution. It offers a centralized dashboard from which you can see the status of multiple packages.
Comparison of Various USPS International Mailing Options
| Mailing Service | Delivery Time | Tracking | Customs Form Required | Weight Limit | Best For |
| Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) | 3–5 business days | Complete tracking visibility is available from the point of acceptance at the USPS facility to final delivery | Yes | 70 lbs | Time-sensitive packages. |
| Priority Mail International (PMI) | 6–10 business days | Includes tracking updates at key points, such as acceptance, departure, arrival in the destination country, and delivery. | Yes | 70 lbs | Economical option for heavier items. |
| First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) | This varies by country. The aim is 7–21 business days. | Tracking is limited to the package's journey within the United States. Once the package leaves the U.S., the updates may no longer be available. | Yes | 4 lbs | Lightweight items and eCommerce. |
| First-Class Mail International | This varies by country, and it might take between 7 and 21 business days to deliver the mail. | It does not offer tracking. | You need this only for documents. | Letters: 3.5 oz; Flats: 15.994 oz | Letters, postcards, and non-urgent documents. |
| Airmail M-Bags | Varies by destination. | You can purchase a Certificate of Mailing, which proves that you sent the item but does not offer tracking during transit. | Yes | Printed material only: 66 lbs | Bulk shipment of books, catalogs, and magazines. |
Pros and Cons of the Common USPS International Mailing Service
Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)
Pros
- You will get tracking and delivery confirmation.
- It includes insurance ranging between $100 and $200.
Cons
- You will not get any refund if there is a delivery delay.
Priority Mail International (PMI)
Pros
- It is cost-effective for heavier shipments.
- You can get flat-rate boxes and envelopes.
Cons
- The delivery dates are estimates and not guaranteed.
First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS)
Pros
- This is the cheapest way to send small packages internationally
Cons
- It does not include insurance.
- There is no guaranteed delivery window.
First-Class Mail International
Pros
- This is the cheapest way to send letters and postcards internationally.
- Basic correspondence does not need a custom form.
Cons
- It does not offer tracking or insurance outside the U.S.
- There is no guaranteed delivery timeline.
Airmail M-Bags
Pros
- This is economical for the large quantities of printed materials.
Cons
- It does not offer tracking or a delivery guarantee.
- The delivery is slower compared to other options.
Lesser-Known Tips for Mailing Internationally
Schedule a USPS Pickup
USPS offers free pickup service for international mail, which you can schedule online. However, this service is only available for packages with prepaid postage.
Know the Prohibited and Restricted Items
Different countries have different import restrictions. For instance, you cannot send books that mention alcohol to France. In Italy, you cannot send shoes made of animal fur. Australia Post limits the mailing of dried flowers and plant material. Make sure to always consult the USPS individual country listing before mailing.
Be Mindful About Sealing the Package
Until you reach the post office, we advise keeping the package unsealed. Certain mailing items, such as food, supplements, and electronics, require inspection. The USPS staff might ask you to show the contents before accepting it.
Use HS Tariff Codes for Business Shipments
Customs authorities in certain countries use HS codes to quickly understand what is inside the package instead of relying on vague descriptions. For instance, instead of writing clothing, HS code 6203.42 specifies cotton trousers for men’s or boys’ trousers instead of writing clothing. This speeds up processing and minimizes the possibility of delay due to confusion. Moreover, certain countries use HS codes to apply appropriate taxes and import duties. Omitting it may lead to the customs department assigning it a higher-duty category. In this case, you or the recipient must pay more than the necessary amount.
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Forever Stamps for International Letters and Postcards?
You cannot use Regular Forever Stamps unless their combined value equals or exceeds the required amount. Our advice is to use Global Forever Stamps for international letters and postcards.
What Is the Maximum Acceptable Weight for Letters and Postcards Sent Using Global Forever Stamps?
You can send letters weighing up to 1 oz. using a single Global Forever Stamp and standard-size postcards. If your mail exceeds this weight, you must use additional postage or ship using a First-Class Package International.
Can I Use a USPS Collection Box for International Mail?
Yes, however, it should meet the following conditions.
- The item weighs under 10 oz.
- The thickness is less than 0.5 inches.
- It has the correct postage and stamps.
Conclusion
It is not so hard to learn how to mail internationally. You can efficiently mail your letters or packages using USPS international services with the right resources. However, suppose you choose to use a manual in-house process for delivering international mail. In that case, you are bound to run into some trouble now and then.
The best way of sending a letter internationally is using a direct mail automation tool like PostGrid. With advanced automation capabilities and access to the USPS address database, PostGrid takes care of all aspects of your international mail.
It means you no longer have to worry about how to address an international letter or any manual errors in the process. PostGrid standardizes the address on all your international mail and enhances the deliverability of your international mail.
