How International Shipping Works
When you send a letter or package from the U.S. to another country, proper address formatting and postage rules ensure seamless global transit. It costs $1.75 to send a 1 oz letter or postcard worldwide using standard First-Class Mail International rates.
Send International Mail Instructions
Follow these standard rules to prevent transit delays or customs rejections.
Different countries have different rules on what they'll allow in. Look up your destination country in international locality indices to make sure you're following their specific rules.
Correspondence & Documents
If you're just sending personal correspondence (no trading cards, bookmarks, stickers, etc.) or non-negotiable documents (just paper; no cash, checks, or items with cash value), you don't need a customs form.Reminder: You can only use First-Class Mail International service to send correspondence or nonnegotiable documents in a letter weighing up to 3.5 oz or large envelope weighing under 15.994 oz.
International letters must be rectangular and made of paper to qualify for standard letter rates. Envelopes can be up to 11-1/2" long by 6-1/8" high (standard No. 10 envelope is 9-1/2" long x 4-1/8" high). Contents must lay flat—no more than 1/4" thick.
Postcards: Standard postcards are usually made of thick paper cardstock, between 5-1/2" to 6" long and 3-1/2" to 4-1/4" high, and no more than 0.016" thick.
Print your return address and delivery address clearly in capital letters to ensure timely automated processing. Write delivery addresses in English (or include English translations after each line).
Return Address (Top Left)
- Full name / company
- Street address & suite
- City, State & ZIP Code
- USA
Delivery Address (Center)
- Recipient's full name
- Full street address
- City, Province & Postal Code
- Country (in English)
