How to Mail a Letter Internationally

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 22, 2022 References

When sending a letter internationally, you will first need to go to your local post office and pick a mailing service. Then, you will need to weigh your letter to figure out the cost of your postage and fill out any required customs forms. Make sure to center the mailing address on the envelope, and write the sending and returning mailing address in all capital letters in English. If you need to, you can purchase insurance to insure your letter. Remember to keep all shipping receipts for your records.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Visiting Your Local Post Office

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Take a trip to your local post office. The officers at your local post office will help you make sure that you have the correct postage for the country you are sending your letter to. The officers can also inform you about any customs regulations for the country you are sending your letter to and how to meet these regulations in order to avoid delays.^{[1]
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2
Choose a mailing service. The mailing service you choose really depends on how fast you want your letter to arrive at its destination. If you do not care when your letter will arrive, then pick the cheapest service, costing around $2.00 in the U.S. (prices may vary).^{[2]
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- You will need to pay additional money if you want your letter to arrive faster; for example, within 6 to 10 business days, 3 to 5 business days, or 1 to 3 business days.
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See if a tracking number is included. Additionally, see if mailing insurance, a return receipt, certificates of mailing, or if the registered mail service is included with the service you choose. If not, you may need to pay additional money for these services.^{[3]
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- If your letter contains important information or content, then you may want pay additional money for a tracking number, a return receipt, and a certificate of mailing if they are available.
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Check the size and weight restrictions. Do this for the country you are sending your letter to. Ask the officers at the post office what they are for your specific destination. Then, make sure your letter is within these restrictions before sending it off.^{[4]
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- The typical size and weight requirements for international letters are a 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) minimum and 6.125 inch (15.558 cm) maximum for height; a 5 inch (12.7 cm) minimum and 11.5 inch (29.21) maximum for length; a .0007 inch (.0018 cm) minimum and .25 inch (.635 cm) maximum for thickness; and a maximum weight of 3.5 oz.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing the Letter for Shipment

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Fill out a customs form. You can complete customs forms online or at the post office. You do not need a customs form if you are sending your letter by First-Class International Mail.^{[5]
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- If you are using the Global Express Guaranteed service in the U.S., then you will need to fill out the GXG International Air Waybill form, and the PS Form 6182 for select destinations. For individual country requirements, visit http://about.usps.com/publications/pub141/welcome.htm.
- Fill out the PS Form 2976-B if you are using the Priority Mail Express International Service in the U.S.^{[6]
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- Use PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A when using all other international mailing services, including mail going to an army, fleet, or diplomatic post office.
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Purchase insurance. If you are using the First-Class International Mail service, then you can ensure your letter with the registered mailing service for about $15.00 in the U.S (prices may vary). Remember that you can always purchase additional insurance if you need to.^{[7]
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- For example, you can purchase up to $2,499 of insurance if you are using the Global Express Guaranteed service.
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Weigh your letter. When weighing your letter, round up to the nearest pound or ounce. For example, if your letter weighs 2 lbs. 5 oz., then round up to 3 lbs.^{[8]
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- If you do not have a scale, the post office can weigh your letter for you.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sending the Letter

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Purchase stamps. International stamps start at $1.40. Purchase international stamps from your local post office. The amount of stamps you will need depends on the letter’s destination (and its weight if you are using the First-Class International Mail).^{[9]
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- Use the USPS’ price calculator to figure the cost of your postage at https://ircalc.usps.com.
- Global Forever stamps can be used to send one-ounce letters to countries where the First-Class International Mail service is available.
- Make sure to purchase the correct amount of postage to avoid delays.
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Address your mail. Use a permanent marker or a pen to write the mailing and return address. Also, write the addresses clearly in all capital letters and in English. Do not use periods or commas, and do not use more than five lines. The address should be centered on the envelope and contain the recipient’s name, street address or .P.O box number, the city (or town), the state (alternatively province or county), postal code, and country. It should look like this:^{[10]
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- KAREN BROWN
- 5043 MOLINA STREET
- HOUSTON TEXAS 77008
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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Keep your shipping receipts. Remember to keep all available shipping records like return receipts and certificates of mailing. The return receipt is proof of delivery and the certificate of mailing provides proof that you sent a letter when you said you did.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I just drop the envelope with a stamp on it instead of visiting a post office to send it internationally?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it has sufficient postage. If you need extra services like tracking, you'll have to take a trip to USPS.
Question

Can I decorate an international letter (with stickers and drawings)?

Community Answer

You can, but only the letter. The envelope needs to be plain.
Question

Where can I get IRCs when mailing a letter internationally?

Community Answer

In the United States, IRCs are no longer produced, but you can get one off of eBay or from a country that is still producing IRCs, such as Japan or Canada.