In this era where almost everyone relies on digital communication, a physical letter sent from overseas always carries a sense of ritual. Whether sending to family, pen pals, clients, or business partners abroad, many people hesitate at the very first step:
“What stamps should I use for international mail?”
Most people’s reaction is to line up to buy a special Global Forever Stamp.
But if you learn a little about USPS rules, you’ll find that international postage doesn’t necessarily have to rely on a Global Stamp—sometimes, your regular forever stamp, or even a discount stamp, is a more flexible and even cheaper option.
Let me explain the key points of international mailing in one go.
Option 1: The most direct and official method—Global Forever Stamp (Standard Answer)
The most straightforward approach is to use the USPS Global Forever Stamp.
Its appearance is generally round, and common designs include chrysanthemums, succulents, etc., making it quite recognizable.
Basic rules:
Purpose: One piece can be used to send standard international letters weighing up to 1 ounce.
Applicable countries: Most regions worldwide (UK, Canada, China, Japan, etc.)
Current price: Approximately $1.65 (subject to change based on USPS policy)
It’s convenient, but you have to go out of your way to buy it. What if you only have regular national flag stamps or flower stamps? Especially if you’re used to stocking up on discount stamps or forever stamps from our store at discounted prices, Global Stamps don’t seem so cost-effective.
Option Two: The Real Money-Saving Method—Customize Your Own Combinations with Regular Forever Stamps (Practical and Clever)
This is a tip that many people don’t know, and even post office counters won’t tell you proactively:
International mail can be paid for using ordinary U.S. domestic forever stamps or discount stamps.
There is only one key point:
The total face value of the stamps affixed must be greater than or equal to the international postage (1 oz = $1.65).
USPS stamp you use.
Why is it more economical? Let’s do the math.
Assuming the current international postage is $1.65 ,
and a domestic forever stamp has a face value of $0.73.
You need to affix 3 stamps ($0.73 × 3 = $2.19).
Although the face value exceeds the international rate, you can get a 50% discount on stockpiled goods at our store:
Your actual cost ≈ $1.10
$0.50 cheaper than buying a Global Stamp ($1.65).
In other words:
Using a discount forever stamp or discount stamp saves you money compared to using the official full-price Global Stamp.
Moreover, regular stamps offer a wider range of design options —
flowers, the Love series, and national flag themes—all of which are more aesthetically pleasing than the monotonous Global Stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about International Mailing (Must Read)
Q1: Can I just affix two forever stamps?
No.
Two pieces would cost approximately $1.46, lower than the international starting price of $1.65.
As a result, they were either returned or delayed.
A safer option: affix 3 forever stamps.
Q2: Would it be cheaper to ship to Canada or Mexico?
No.
USPS uses a uniform global rate for 1 oz international mail.
The price is the same whether you send it to Toronto or Tokyo.
Q3: What if it’s more than 1 ounce?
Overweight = extra postage required.
If you are unsure of the weight:
It’s safest to use an extra forever stamp.
This is especially true when you’re using a discount stamp, which is already cheaper than its face value.
Q4: Do I need to fill out a customs declaration form?
Sending plain documents or letters is usually not necessary
Sending anything other than “gifts,” small items, or photos → requires filling out a form.
This is a mandatory requirement of the USPS and has nothing to do with stamps.
Still worried about not having enough international stamps? Actually, you don’t need to.
You don’t need to go to the post office to buy a Global Stamp just to send a letter overseas.
You can easily accumulate international postage using the discount stamps or forever stamps you already have, and at a lower cost.
Recommended approach:
In the upper right corner of the envelope
Paste three of our beautiful floral, Love series, or national flag stamps side by side.
Simultaneously meets the three major requirements of postage, appearance, and budget.
It’s economical, looks good, and you don’t have to queue.
