How to Mail a Postcard - HIS Education

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By sending a postcard home, you show your friends and family that you are thinking of them. It can be a great way to keep a snapshot of time spent in an exciting and exotic location. The process of sending a postcard is basically similar to sending a letter: you will need to add the correct number of stamps; card address correctly; Write your message; and find a place to mail it.

Buy a postcard. You can find postcards at most local grocery stores, gift shops, and gas stations. Pick one that sums up the place, something that gives the recipient an idea of their experience. If you have time, consider making your own postcard – you can use an online photo store, or you can do it yourself if you have access to a photo-editing computer and the Internet.
Buy a stamp. The stamp is the proof of payment for your postcard: without a stamp, the post office will not process any letters or postcards.[1]
Depending on the destination, the price of the stamp will vary. National postage stamps are usually cheaper than international ones. Some postal services will have a flat rate for all international destinations, while others will have a range of prices depending on the distance from the country. Always check with the post office or postal service website.
- Depending on where you are sending the postcard, you may need two, three, or even more stamps. Look up the postage requirements for, for example, “shipping from Tanzania to the US.”
- You can usually buy stamps directly at the post office. In the US, you can buy postage stamps at most supermarkets and some convenience stores or gas stations; you can even find stamps in vending machines and gift shops.
- Make sure you have the most recent stamp. The price of postage stamps changes over time. Unless you send them frequently, a single postcard purchased some time ago may not be enough postage.
Attach the stamp. Stick the stamp on the postcard in the upper right corner.[2]
There is often a mark or symbol on the stamp that tells you where to place the stamp. Some stamps are self-adhesive, but others need to be moistened.
- If the stamp is self-adhesive, simply peel it off the backing and stick it to the postcard in the appropriate place. Make sure it’s not upside down! If so, though, don’t worry, the US Postal Service usually sends postcards with the stamps upside down.
- If your stamp is not self-adhesive, you will need to moisten the back of the stamp to activate the adhesive. Some people lick the seal to do this. If you don’t want to lick the stamp, you can use a sponge or just dip a few fingers in water. Moisten the back of the stamp until it is slightly damp but not dripping. If it is too wet, the stamp may break or come off the postcard.

Card address. Postcards usually have a dedicated space for the message, as well as the sender’s and recipient’s address. If it’s a homemade postcard or a non-standard postcard with no dedicated spaces: draw a vertical line down the middle of the card while it’s horizontal, then draw a horizontal line dividing the right half in two. Use the left side for the message, the top right for your address, and the bottom right for the recipient’s address.[3]
- It is not important that you provide your own address.[4]
  As long as you write the recipient’s address, you will receive your card. If you’re traveling, you may not expect a response, or you can give your correspondent the address of the next place you’ll be staying.
Write your postcard. See How to write a postcard. If you’re sending it to yourself, write a memory on the back of the card; if you’re sending it to a friend, add a short message to let them know how you’re doing. Try to give the recipient a snapshot of their experience. You don’t have to write a novel: just sending a postcard, however brief, is often enough to show the person you’re thinking of them.
- Again, seal first. That way, you won’t end up writing where the stamp covers.
- It is important not to write too low on the postcard. In most cases, the post office will print a barcode or affix a label to the bottom of the card to send it where it needs to go. Try to keep at least a finger’s width between the edge of the postcard and the bottom of your message.[5]
Send a postcard. Find a post office or public PO box in your area.[6]
Be sure to add the correct number of stamps and address the card correctly. When you are sure, send the postcard like a normal letter. If you are abroad, please allow at least a week or two for the letter to reach its destination.
- Some office buildings, government offices, or community centers may have a PO Box. If you’re staying at a hotel, the front desk will often send your postcard to you with outgoing mail. If you can’t find a place to post your postcard, ask locals and other travelers.

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