To send a letter internationally, you need to go to your local post office and pick a mailing service.You will need to weigh your letter to figure out the cost of postage and fill out any required customs forms.The sending and returning mailing addresses should be written in all capital letters in English.You can buy insurance to cover your letter.All shipping receipts should be kept for your records.
Step 1: You can take a trip to the post office.
If you are sending a letter to a country that does not have a postal service, the officers at your local post office will be able to help.In order to avoid delays, the officers can inform you about any customs regulations for the country you are sending your letter to.
Step 2: You can choose a mailing service.
The mailing service you choose depends on how quickly you want your letter to arrive.If you don't care when your letter arrives, then choose the cheapest service, which costs around $2.00 in the U.S.If you want your letter to arrive quicker, you will need to pay additional money.
Step 3: If a tracking number is included, you should see it.
If the registered mail service is included with the service you choose, you can see if mailing insurance, a return receipt, certificates of mailing are included.You may need to pay more for these services if you don't.If your letter contains important information, you may want to pay additional money for a tracking number, return receipt, and certificate of mailing.
Step 4: The weight and size restrictions should be checked.
This is for the country you are sending the letter to.The officers at the post office can tell you where to go.Before sending your letter off, make sure it's within the restrictions.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).
Step 5: You need to fill out a customs form.
Customs forms can be completed at the post office or online.If you are sending a letter by First-Class International Mail, you do not need a customs form.To use the Global Express Guaranteed service in the U.S., you will need to fill out the GXG International Air Waybill form and the PS Form 6182.To find individual country requirements, visit http://about.usps.com/publications/pub141/welcome.htm.If you are using the Priority Mail Express International Service in the U.S., fill out the PS Form 2976-B.
Step 6: Purchase insurance.
If you use the First-Class International Mail service, you can get a letter with the registered mailing service in the U.S for about $15.00.If you need additional insurance, you can always purchase it.If you use the Global Express guaranteed service, you can purchase up to $2,499 of insurance.
Step 7: Your letter needs to be weighed.
If you're weighing your letter, round it up to the nearest ounce or pound.If your letter is 2 lbs.Round up to 3 lbs.The post office can weigh your letter if you don't have a scale.
Step 8: Purchase stamps.
International stamps start at $1.You can buy international stamps from the post office.If you use the First-Class International Mail, the weight of the letter will affect the amount of stamps you need.The USPS has a price calculator that you can use to figure out the cost of postage.One-ounce letters can be sent to countries where the First-Class International Mail service is available.To avoid delays, make sure to purchase the correct amount of postage.
Step 9: You should address your mail.
The mailing and return address can be written with a permanent marker or pen.The addresses should be written in all capital letters and in English.If you use more than five lines, do not use periods.The address should be centered on the envelope and contain the recipient's name, street address or.P.O box number.It should look like this.
Step 10: You should keep your shipping receipts.
All available shipping records should be kept.The return receipt and the certificate of mailing show that you sent a letter.