A postcard is a lovely way to show friends and family that you’re thinking of them even when you’re far from home. This small gesture can capture the memories of your time spent in a unique and amazing place. The process of sending one is quite similar to sending a letter: you'll need to affix the right amount of stamps, write the recipient's address, compose a message, and find a mailbox.
Postcard and Stamps
Step 1. Buy a Postcard.
Purchase a postcard. You can find postcards at a nearby supermarket, souvenir shop, or even a gas station. Choose an image that represents the location so the recipient can imagine the experiences you’ve had. If you have time, try making a postcard yourself: use stock photos or your own pictures if you have access to an image editor and the internet.
Step 2. Buy Stamps.
Get some stamps. A stamp confirms that you have paid for the delivery of the postcard: without it, postcards and letters won’t be sent. Stamp prices vary depending on the destination. For example, stamps for domestic mail are cheaper than for international mail. Some postal services have a flat rate for all international mail, while in other cases, the price depends on the distance to the destination country. You can find this information at the post office or on the postal service's website.
- Depending on the destination, you may need two, three, or more stamps. Check how much postage you need and how many stamps are required for your route (for example, "sending from Tanzania to Russia").
- Usually, you can buy stamps directly at the post office. If you're abroad and want to send a postcard, stamps can be found at supermarkets, kiosks, souvenir shops, or vending machines.
- Choose fresh stamps. Over time, rates can change, and if you have an old stamp, it may not be sufficient for sending.
Step 3. Affix the Stamp.
Stick the stamp on. It should be placed in the upper right corner of the postcard. Usually, postcards have a designated spot for the stamp. Some stamps have a self-adhesive backing, while others require moisture.
- For self-adhesive stamps, simply peel them off the backing and attach them to the postcard, making sure they’re not upside down! Even in this case, your postcard will be delivered.
- If the stamp isn’t self-adhesive, moisten the back to stick it to the postcard. You can use saliva or wet your finger in water. Be careful not to overdo it, as a wet stamp can tear or slip off.
Message, Address, and Sending
Step 1. Write the Address.
Write the address. Usually, postcards have a designated area for writing the message and the sender's and recipient’s addresses. On a handmade postcard, you can draw a vertical line down the center and then a horizontal line, dividing the right side into two sections. Write your message on the left side, affix the stamp in the upper right corner, and write your address in the lower right corner.
- Including your address isn’t necessary. Usually, just the recipient's address is enough, as you probably don’t expect a reply while traveling, but you can include the address of your next destination.
Step 2. Sign the Postcard.
Sign the postcard. If you’re sending it to yourself, share your impressions. If it’s for a friend, briefly update them on your activities. Try to convey your emotions; there’s no need for lengthy texts, as a postcard is a brief way to show you’re thinking of someone.
- First, affix the stamp so that the text doesn’t end up underneath it.
- Avoid writing at the bottom of the postcard. Postal services often place special labels that may cover your text. Leave the last centimeter at the bottom blank.
Step 3. Send the Postcard.
Send the postcard. You can either visit the post office or drop it in a mailbox. Make sure you’ve affixed enough stamps and that the address is correct. After that, send the postcard just like you would a regular letter. If you’re abroad, delivery can take one to two weeks.
- Mailboxes are often found in offices, government buildings, or hotels, where you can leave the postcard at the reception for outgoing mail. If you can’t find a mailbox, ask locals or other travelers.
