How much does it cost to mail a letter internationally

How much does it cost to mail a letter internationally

Written on: 02:00am PST, November 11, 2021

If you’re in the old-fashioned (but charming) habit of sending postcards, you may be wondering if you can use a Forever stamp to send a postcard at First-Class Mail rates. While there’s technically nothing stopping you from doing this, think twice before you do! Th fact is, it actually costs less to mail a postcard than sending a regular letter.

Mailing a Postcard is Cheaper than Sending a Letter via First-Class Mail

As of the time of publishing this article, it only costs 40 cents to mail a postcard anywhere in the United States. Compare that to the current cost of Forever Stamps at 58 cents, and you’re looking at an 18-cent savings by buying the right kind of postage. If you’re sending out multiple postcards or buying a roll or two, those savings make a difference over time!

Sending a Postcard Internationally

While mailing a postcard is cheaper in the United States than sending a letter, mailing one internationally is a bit of a different story. In this case, you’ll shell out $1.30 to send your postcard anywhere in the world, which is the current cost of USPS Global Forever stamps. It doesn’t matter you’re sending a letter or postcard; when it comes to international mail, you’ll pay the same rate for either one.

Can You Get Cheaper Postcard Stamps on Shipping Software?

Since you can get much cheaper shipping rates by using shipping software to buy discounted postage online, people often wonder if you can also get cheaper stamps (both Postcard and First-Class Mail) by following the same process. Unfortunately, the answer is no; there aren’t any shipping software companies out there that offer cheaper postcard stamps than 40 cents each. So, when it’s time to pick up stamps and send a postcard, you’re better off visiting your local Post Office for that!

Rockwell Sands is a shipping guru and a wizard with words. After growing frustrated with all of the inaccurate (and boring) shipping resources out there, he decided to combine his love of writing and shipping into educational articles on Shipping School. He's on a mission to shed light on shipping so small businesses can succeed. With eCommerce growing rapidly each year, shipping is more important than ever before. Feel free to reach out and drop him a line!

Shipping internationally? It’s a snap with USPS’s many options plus online tools from Stamps.com.

If you sell to international markets, you’ll find a variety of mail class options and price points with the USPS. Here’s a look at information you can use to get started.

How much does it cost to mail a letter internationally

Try us out for 4 weeks!

Get $5 in free postage to use during your trial.

International Shipping Rates

Use the table below to familiarize yourself with the different international shipping options available from USPS.

Mail Class:

Global Express Guaranteed®

Ideal For : 

Mail and packages weighing up to 70 lbs.

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International

Ideal For : 

Mail and packages weighing up to 70 lbs.

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate

Ideal For : 

Mail weighing up to 4 lbs. shipping

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International

Ideal For : 

Mail and packages weighing up to 70 lbs.

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International Flat Rate

Ideal For : 

Mail weighing up to 4 lbs. & packages weighing up to 20 lbs.

Mail Class:

First‑Class Package International Service

Ideal For : 

Small packages weighing up to 4 lbs.

Mail Class:

First‑Class Mail International

Ideal For : 

Mail (postcards, letters and large envelopes) weighing up to 3.5 ounces

Mail Class:

Global Express Guaranteed®

Tracking Capabilities : 

Date specific delivery (managed by FedEx Express)

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International ž

Tracking Capabilities : 

Tracking information available with USPS Track & Confirm Tool

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate

Tracking Capabilities : 

Tracking information available with USPS Track & Confirm Tool

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International

Tracking Capabilities : 

Tracking information available with USPS Track & Confirm Tool

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International Flat Rate

Tracking Capabilities : 

Tracking information available with USPS Track & Confirm Tool

Mail Class:

First‑Class Package International Service

Tracking Capabilities : 

Free USPS Tracking information for select destinations

Mail Class:

First‑Class Mail International

*Shipment value is unlimited for Priority Mail International medium and large boxes.

Mail Class:

Global Express Guaranteed®

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International

Mail Class:

Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International

Mail Class:

Priority Mail International Flat Rate

Mail Class:

First‑Class Package International Service

Mail Class:

First‑Class Mail International

How Stamps.com Can Help

  • Stamps.com’s handy International Rate Calculator helps you determine the price point and delivery time frame that makes the most sense for you.
  • Our Integrated Customs Forms insert the delivery address, your name, the date and USPS Electronic Round Stamp directly onto the form.
    Once you print out the completed form and postage, you’re set to ship.
  • As a Stamps.com customer, you have access to discounts not available at your local post office, such as up to 7% off of international rates and up to 40% off of insurance.
  • If you find you need technical advice or simply have a question, just contact one of our customer support specialists for answers from a live person — at no extra cost.

Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with Sign-up

Every new customer account starts with:

  •  Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with sign-up
  • 4-week trial
  • $5 in USPS postage to use in trial period
  • USPS rate discounts you can’t get at the Post Office
  • No long-term contracts, cancel anytime
  • Only $17.99 per month plus applicable taxes, if any, including the first month if you stay past the 4-week trial

*pay only S&H fee

How much does it cost to mail a letter internationally

How much is an international stamp 2022?

Send 1 oz letters or postcards around the world with one Global Forever® stamp, which currently costs $1.40 and never expires, even if the postage price goes up.

Can I use us Forever Stamps for international mail?

Customers can use Forever Stamps for international mail, but since all international prices are higher than domestic prices, customers will need to attach additional postage. The value of the Forever Stamp is the domestic First-Class Mail letter price in effect on the day of use.

Can I use 3 Forever Stamps for international mail?

International mail. For mail going outside of the United States, you can use Forever Stamps or a Global Forever Stamp, which currently cost $1.20 each. If your letter is one ounce or below, you will need one Global Forever stamp or three Forever Stamps.

How much does an international letter cost?

International Prices.