Can I use 3 forever stamps for international mail?

Stamping Around the World: Using Forever Stamps for International Mail

Sending a letter overseas can seem a bit more complicated than mailing within your own country. Questions about postage, weight limits, and the right stamps inevitably arise. One common question is: Can you use those handy Forever stamps for international mail? The answer is a qualified yes, but with a few important caveats.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Value

You can use Forever stamps for international mail, but you can’t just slap on any old number and hope for the best. The key is the total value of the stamps. For a standard international letter weighing less than an ounce (approximately 28 grams), you need postage that equals or exceeds the current international rate.

So, How Does it Work?

Currently, the international rate for a 1-ounce letter is $1.20. This means you have two primary options:

1. Global Forever Stamp: The easiest solution is to use a dedicated Global Forever stamp. These stamps are specifically designed for international mail and are pre-valued at the appropriate international rate. One Global Forever stamp covers your postage for a 1-ounce letter.

2. Multiple Forever Stamps: You can absolutely use multiple regular Forever stamps to meet or exceed the $1.20 requirement. The value of a single Forever stamp changes over time, so you’ll need to do a little math. As long as the combined face value of the Forever stamps you use totals $1.20 or more, you’re good to go. For example, if a single Forever stamp is currently valued at $0.68, you would need two to send a letter internationally.

Important Considerations:

• Weight Matters: The $1.20 rate applies only to letters weighing less than one ounce. If your letter exceeds this weight, you’ll need to add additional postage. Check with the postal service for the specific rates based on weight and destination.

• Global Forever Stamps are NOT for Packages: This is crucial! While Global Forever stamps are excellent for letters, they are not designed for shipping packages internationally. Packages have different weight and size restrictions, requiring significantly more postage than the $1.20 covered by a Global Forever stamp. Use appropriate international package postage for those items.

• Keep Up-to-Date: Postal rates can change. Always double-check the current international rate before sending your letter to avoid it being returned for insufficient postage. You can find the latest rates on the USPS website or by visiting your local post office.

In conclusion: While you can use standard Forever stamps for international mail, it’s essential to ensure the total value meets or exceeds the current international rate for a 1-ounce letter, which is currently $1.20. Using a Global Forever stamp is often the simplest and most straightforward solution. Just remember the limitations regarding weight and that Global Forever Stamps are not suitable for packages, and you’ll be sending your letters around the world with confidence.