International letter postage depends on the weight, size/shape and price group of the country to which it is being sent. (please refer to the list of country price groups).
You can weigh your letter with a kitchen scale, a postal scale, at a self-service kiosk, or at the post office counter™.
Tip: As a general rule of thumb, you can send a 1-ounce letter (4 sheets of regular printer paper and a business-size envelope) or a postcard to any country in the world. for 1 first-class mail® global forever stamp (currently $1.40). you can also use any other stamp combination that adds up to $1.40.
postage for a large (or flat) envelope starts at $2.75 for 1 ounce.
where can i buy postage?
- the postal store shop online for all stamps and additional postage for oversized or heavier envelopes.
- post office™ locations buy stamps at post offices, self-service kiosks, or approved postal® providers, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
additional postage
If your letter weighs more than 1 ounce, you can purchase additional postage in the amount you need, up to 3.5 ounces. (you can also send a large envelope weighing up to 15.994 oz, paying the large [flat] envelope fee):
- the price of each additional ounce will depend on the destination country price group:
- find the country in the country price group section of the price list page, search in the “first class mail int’l” price group column and get the price group number.
- search the first class mail international price list to see the rates for that price group.
tip: put the stamp last; that way, if you mess up anywhere else, you won’t waste a stamp.
calculate international postage
additional services
If you want insurance, proof of delivery, signature services or other optional services, you will have to pay extra. Please note that not all additional services are available for all products; our international insurance & the additional services page has more details.
When you go to the post office to send international first-class mail letters, some of the more common additional services you can add include:
- registered mail®: requires the recipient to sign the mail to confirm delivery (or attempted delivery). registered items are handled separately and securely while in the us. uu.; destination country procedures may vary. the post office will maintain a shipping receipt and the destination office will maintain a record of delivery.
- Return Receipt: Available as an add-on when you use the Certified Mail service to send a First Class Mail item from international mail. when you ship the item from a post office, a card is attached. when the item is delivered (or delivery is attempted), the card is signed and sent to you as a record of delivery. (Note that some countries may not require the recipient’s signature.)
- Delivery certificate: Proof that you sent something from a post office.
A note about tracking: You cannot get tracking on international first class mail letters. you can use certified mail with a return receipt requested or use a usps international package delivery service that offers tracking.
tip: If you are shipping large (flat) envelopes using priority mail® international, priority mail express® international, or first-class package international service®, you can use click-n-ship® service to pay and print your own postage online.