Sending Postcards Internationally: Everything You Need to Know

Want to send a postcard to another country? Whether you're traveling abroad or sending from home to friends overseas, this guide covers everything you need to know about international postcard delivery.

How International Postcard Delivery Works

When you send a postcard internationally, it typically:

Gets processed by your country's postal service
Travels to the destination country (usually by air)
Enters that country's postal system
Gets delivered to the final address

The process is straightforward, but delivery times and costs vary by destination.

Delivery Times by Region

United States to:

Canada: 7-14 days
United Kingdom: 7-14 days
Western Europe: 7-14 days
Australia/New Zealand: 14-21 days
Asia: 10-21 days
South America: 14-21 days

From most developed countries:

Within continent: 7-14 days
Intercontinental: 14-21 days

Note: These are estimates. Actual times can vary based on postal service efficiency, customs processing, and holidays.

Tips for Successful International Delivery

1. Write the Address Correctly

International addresses should include:

Recipient's name
Street address
City and postal code
**Country name (in English, clearly visible)**

Put the country name on its own line at the bottom, in capital letters:

John Smith 123 Example Street London SW1A 1AA UNITED KINGDOM

2. Consider the Timing

Mail during:

**Avoid holidays**: Both your country's and the destination's
**Avoid peak seasons**: December mail is always slower
**Buffer time**: Send at least 3 weeks before any important date

3. Keep Your Message Appropriate

Remember that postcards are open—anyone handling them can read the message. Avoid:

Sensitive personal information
Anything controversial
Private details

4. Use Clear Handwriting (Or Print)

International mail gets handled by many people who may not be familiar with your language. If handwriting, print clearly. Or use a service like Postcard.bot that prints your message legibly.

Common Issues and Solutions

"My postcard never arrived"

This can happen for several reasons:

Incorrect address
Lost in postal system
Customs delay
Delivered to wrong location

Unfortunately, standard postcards are not trackable. If reliable delivery matters, consider services that include tracking.

"How much postage do I need?"

International postage rates vary. In the US, an international postcard stamp costs around $1.65 (as of 2025). Using a postcard service handles this automatically.

"Can I send to any country?"

Most countries accept international mail, but some have restrictions. Countries under sanctions or experiencing conflicts may have limited or no mail service.

The Easy Way: Use a Postcard Service

Dealing with international mail logistics—finding correct postage, understanding address formats, getting to a post office—can be frustrating.

Services like Postcard.bot handle all of this:

We print and mail from locations closer to your recipient
Correct postage is automatic
Address formatting is handled
You can send from anywhere using just your phone

For international postcards, this often means:

Faster delivery (we may print in or near the destination country)
No postage guesswork
No post office visits required

International Postcard Etiquette

Writing to Different Cultures

Consider cultural differences:

**Formality levels**: Some cultures prefer formal greetings
**Holidays**: Reference appropriate local holidays
**Language**: A few words in their language shows effort

What to Share

International postcards often work best when they:

Share something about your life or location
Reference your connection to them
Ask about their life
Keep a warm, positive tone

Special Considerations

Military Addresses (APO/FPO/DPO)

If sending to US military overseas, use their APO/FPO/DPO address. These typically have domestic delivery times despite international locations.

Remote Destinations

Very remote locations may have:

Longer delivery times (weeks or months)
Less reliable delivery
Limited postal service

For truly remote destinations, consider whether alternative contact methods might be more reliable.

Making International Postcards Easy

Sending postcards abroad shouldn't be complicated. The joy is in the connection, not in figuring out postal logistics.

Our recommendation: Use a service that handles the complexity. Focus on what matters—choosing the perfect image and writing something meaningful.

Send postcards anywhere in the world with Postcard.bot. [Create yours now](/create)—we handle printing, postage, and delivery so you can focus on your message.