Sending postcards may be a thing of the past, but surprisingly, they are still highly popular as of today. Postcards are rectangular pieces of thick cardboard usually printed with popular travel destinations of its country of origin.
For many decades, postcards have served to be among the fanciest ways to send short notes or letters to family and friends from other countries or region, as the cards have specially-perforated edges and do not need to be placed in envelopes when mailed.
The prices of postcard postage vary not on the design printed on the card, but on the dimensions of the postcard itself. The country in which it will be send also holds weight in order to determine its postage price, the same as the number of days it has to be delivered.
Standard Rate
In the United States, the standard postage rate of postcards is 28 cents. The standard postcard size is 3.5”high and 5” long. Postcards meanwhile that have the dimensions 4.25” by 6” and not more than 0.007” in thickness are also priced at 28 cents.
There are postcards that are larger than the dimensions mentioned above; they may cost up to 44 cents to send, almost the same rate of standard letters sent via first class mail.
These standard rates apply only to the United States and its territories; postcards sent to other countries are priced differently.
International Postage Rates
According to the United States Postal Service, international postage for postcards differs by country of destination. Since 2009, postcards sent to Canada cost 75 cents, 79 cents to Mexico, and at least 98 cents to other countries depending on their distance from the United States.
Length of Postage Time
Postcards sent within the United States take at least three days to a week depending on the state or address they will be delivered. Postcards are sent the same way as regular mail, unless specified by the sender. In case the sender requests for speed mail, he or she would have to pay for extra fees so that the postcard will be sent sooner than expected.
Hotel Postage Services
Tourists who want to send their regards to their loved ones back home may see if the hotel they are staying in offers postage services of letters and postcards. Luxury hotels have this kind of service available, and they also have postcards either for free or at a cheap price. This serves to be convenient as you no longer have to go out of your way just to send your cards.
Some hotels charge a special courier fee for sending postcards. This is normal especially for establishments whose destinations are far from the city or town in which the post office is located.
Where to Get Postcards
Aside from hotels, postcards are also available in gift and souvenir shops. They come in different designs and sizes, and tourists may choose from landscapes to oilettes, or vignettes or embossed cards. These postcards vary in price depending on their make, size and design, but they are relatively more affordable than regular souvenir items.
