An eligible international postcard or one-ounce First-Class Mail International letter has a $1.75 base price effective July 12, 2026. One Global Forever stamp is designed for that base use. Ordinary domestic Forever stamps can contribute their current value, but one domestic stamp is not enough.
The base cases
| Item | Current base postage | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible international postcard | $1.75 | Must meet postcard and country rules |
| Eligible international letter up to 1 oz | $1.75 | Dimensions, shape and destination still matter |
| Heavier letter | More than base | Use international price calculation |
| Large envelope or package | Different price/class | May require customs and service checks |
Using domestic Forever stamps
At the current 82¢ domestic value, two ordinary Forever stamps contribute $1.64, which is 11¢ short of the $1.75 base. Three would overpay. A Global Forever stamp or a precise combination of denominations is usually cleaner. Always calculate the required dollar amount before choosing a stamp count.
Documents versus goods
International rules depend on contents. Merchandise and items requiring customs information cannot be treated like a simple personal letter just because they fit in an envelope. Country prohibitions and available services may change.
Mailing sequence
- Identify the destination country and contents.
- Measure and weigh the finished piece.
- Classify it as postcard, letter, large envelope or package.
- Check customs and country restrictions.
- Use the USPS international calculator or a Post Office for anything outside the simple base case.