As of July 12, 2026, the USPS retail base price is $1.75 for an eligible international postcard or a 1-ounce First-Class Mail International letter. That figure is a starting point, not a universal price for every item going abroad.
When the $1.75 base price applies
| Mailpiece | Base scenario | Check before using |
|---|---|---|
| International postcard | $1.75 when it meets postcard dimensions and destination rules | Country eligibility, dimensions and content |
| International letter | $1.75 for an eligible 1-ounce letter | Weight, dimensions, shape and destination |
| Large envelope or flat | Not the $1.75 letter shortcut | Use the international calculator |
| Package or merchandise | Different class and customs requirements | Service, customs form and country restrictions |
Can domestic Forever stamps be used?
Valid domestic Forever stamps may be combined according to their current postage value, but one domestic Forever stamp does not by itself cover the $1.75 international base rate. The number required depends on the current domestic value and the exact international price; overpayment does not convert the mailpiece into the correct class.
A safer international mailing sequence
- Determine whether the contents are documents or goods.
- Measure the completed item and weigh it accurately.
- Select postcard, letter, large envelope or package.
- Check destination-country restrictions and customs requirements.
- Use the USPS international calculator or a Post Office when any category, surcharge or service is uncertain.
Related guides
Sources and verification
Facts on this page were checked on August 31, 2026. Dynamic inventory, prices and USPS rules can change.