Quick Answer
No, 3 Forever stamps are not sufficient for international mail. The cost of sending mail internationally depends on the destination country and the weight and size of the mail piece. Forever stamps can be used for international mail but you would need additional stamps to cover the full postage cost.
How Many Stamps Are Needed for International Mail?
The number of stamps needed for international mail depends on:
- Destination country – Postage rates vary by country.
- Weight – Heavier mail costs more to send.
- Size – Larger envelopes or packages cost more.
- Service – Priority Mail International is more expensive than First Class Package International Service.
Some example postage costs for a standard 1 oz letter sent abroad:
| Country | Postage Cost |
|---|---|
| Canada | $1.30 |
| Mexico | $1.30 |
| United Kingdom | $1.30 |
| France | $1.30 |
| China | $1.30 |
| Brazil | $1.30 |
| Australia | $1.30 |
As you can see, a 1 oz letter to any foreign country costs $1.30 to send. Since a Forever stamp is worth $0.60, you would need at least 2 stamps to mail a standard letter internationally. Heavier letters, large envelopes, and packages would require additional postage.
Forever Stamp Value
Forever stamps were introduced by the US Postal Service in 2007. They provide the following advantages:
- Can be used to mail letters no matter when they were purchased
- Will always be valid for mailing 1 oz letters domestically
- The face value never expires or changes
When Forever stamps were launched, their value was $0.41 for 1 oz of First Class postage. Today, the value has increased to $0.60 per stamp.
The postal service does periodic price adjustments for inflation and operating costs. Forever stamps enable customers to buy stamps at current rates and use them in the future when prices go up.
However, Forever stamp value is limited to standard domestic 1 oz letter mail. It does not apply to:
- International mail
- Heavier domestic letters (over 1 oz)
- Large envelopes and packages
- Special services like registered mail or certified mail
For anything besides standard 1 oz domestic letters, additional postage is required.
Using Forever Stamps for International Mail
While Forever stamps can be used for international mail, they will not fully pay for postage. The price to send mail abroad is higher than domestic standard postage.
For example, if you affixed 3 Forever stamps to the corner of an envelope sent to France, there would still be a postage deficit of $0.90 cents. This is because each Forever stamp covers $0.60 of the $1.30 cost for international postage to France.
To make up for the shortage, the postal service deducts the deficient amount from the delivery address. In other words, the recipient must pay the postage due at their end.
This causes inconvenience and sometimes foreign postal services charge their own handling fees for underpaid mail from the US. To avoid the issue, it’s recommended to use denominated international stamps or pay the online international postage rate when mailing items internationally.
International Postage Stamp Options
Instead of Forever stamps, here are some better options for paying postage on international mail:
Denominated Stamps
International postage stamps come in set denominations for specific world zones. For example:
- Global Forever Stamp – $1.40 for a 1 oz letter to any country
- $2.00 stamp for up to 2 oz mail worldwide
- Individual country stamps such as $1.30 Canada/Mexico stamps
These denominated stamps guarantee full postage value without shorting international delivery.
Online Postage
Paying postage online through USPS Click-N-Ship is very convenient for international mail. You can print your own shipping labels with exact calculated rates for destination and mail type.
Benefits include:
- Precise calculated rates
- Discounted prices compared to post office retail rates
- Access to USPS tracking for international packages
- No guessing – you can see the exact postage rate needed
This is the easiest way to ensure full valid postage when mailing abroad.
Mailing without Enough Postage
If international mail does not have full postage, here is what happens:
- Postage Due – The recipient pays the amount of missing postage plus a handling fee charged by their local postal service before receiving the letter or package.
- Significant Delays – Underpaid mail can sometimes get held up for weeks in customs before the recipient is notified and pays the deficiency.
- Return to Sender – In some cases, mail with insufficient postage may get marked “return to sender” and shipped back to you without reaching the destination at all.
This results in frustration for both sender and recipient. Following international postage rules helps ensure timely, reliable delivery.
International Postage Rate Factors
There are a few key factors that determine the international postage price:
Destination Country
Each country has its own established rate group which sets the postage cost. Countries in North America like Canada and Mexico have lower rates than overseas destinations. Pricing is also based on the mail transportation routes to each country.
Weight
Heavier envelopes and packages cost more to ship internationally. Maximum weight limits also apply depending on the mail class used. First Class Package International caps at 4 pounds, while Priority Mail International allows up to 70 pounds.
Size
Larger packages have a higher postage cost. Each mail class has size restrictions – for example, the maximum dimensions for a Priority Mail International box is 108 inches combined length and girth. Oversized parcels may incur surcharges.
Mail Class
Priority Mail International is faster with added tracking and insurance services compared to First Class Package International. However, it comes at a higher postage rate. Postcards and letters can only be mailed using First Class International.
Extra Services
Options like registered mail, certified mail, return receipt or insurance add onto the base international postage price. These provide enhanced security, delivery confirmation or package value coverage.
International Postage Price Calculator
The USPS provides an online tool to easily calculate accurate postage for any international mail or package.
On USPS.com, you can simply enter:
- Destination country
- Mail type – letter, postcard, parcel etc
- Weight
- Size dimensions
The calculator then shows the exact international postage rates for different mailing services like Priority Mail International or First Class Package International.
This is the best way to determine how many stamps are needed for international postage. The calculator factors in all the rate variables and gives an exact postage amount for any mail piece.
So rather than guessing with Forever stamps, the International Postage Price Calculator ensures you have the right postage every time.
Checking Customs Form Requirements
When mailing certain items abroad, a customs declaration form may be required on the package. Items subject to declaration include:
- Gifts over $800 value
- Goods manufactured in the US
- Commercial shipments over $2,500
- Items subject to quarantine or other restrictions
The customs forms require you to provide details about contents, value, sender address etc. Failure to include mandatory customs forms can delay or prevent international delivery.
Be sure to check if a customs declaration is needed when using the International Postage Calculator. Required forms can be filled out when buying online postage.
Sending Mail From Foreign Countries Back to the US
The postage rates for international mail going in reverse from a foreign country to the United States also vary. Some key facts:
- Postage is based on the originating country’s postal rates
- Most major carriers like USPS, Canada Post or Royal Mail have online international rate calculators
- Postage value of foreign stamps is determined by the foreign postal service
- US customs declaration forms may be required for certain items
- Packages sent via expedited couriers (DHL, FedEx etc) have different rates than national postal services
So postage required for mail from abroad to US destinations depends on the country it’s sent from and carrier used. Be sure to check directly with the foreign postal service for accurate rates.
Conclusion
In summary, Forever stamps cannot fully pay for international mail postage from the US. To mail letters or packages abroad, it’s best use denominated international postage stamps, online postage, or commercial mailing services. Checking with the foreign postal service is needed to determine postage costs for mail pieces originating overseas. Following international postage requirements ensures your important letters, documents and parcels reach destinations worldwide.
