Can USPS Ship Internationally? Your Guide to Sending Mail Abroad

If you’re staring at a package and wondering if the USPS can really get it to another country, the answer is yes—they do it every day. USPS ships to over 180 countries and handles everything from postcards to big boxes. You don’t need a business account or fancy paperwork—just some patience and a few quick steps.

The first thing people get hung up on is how complicated it seems. It’s not rocket science, though: you’ll fill out a customs form (usually right at the post office or online), slap on the right postage, and pick your shipping speed. USPS does the rest. They’ll get your chocolate, shoes, or handmade mug to Paris, Tokyo, or even the wilds of Australia (though I can't guarantee the chocolate survives the Aussie heat intact—learned that one the hard way).

Worried about your stuff getting lost? Every international service comes with some kind of tracking, but the pricier options give you better updates and insurance. If you’re sending something with real value, like a limited edition baseball card, splurging on Priority Mail International or Global Express is worth it. Oh, and always keep your receipt—if something goes sideways, it’s your lifeline.

• USPS International Services Explained
• How to Prepare and Ship Packages Abroad
• Rates, Delivery Times, and Tracking
• Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls

USPS International Services Explained

USPS doesn't just send letters and birthday cards across town—they can get your stuff just about anywhere in the world. There are several options, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all choice. Each service works a bit differently, and what you pick depends on your budget, speed needs, and how much tracking you want.

The main types of USPS international shipping services are:

• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): This is the fastest international shipping option USPS has. Think of GXG as their first-class ticket—your package arrives in 1 to 3 business days, and you get detailed tracking. If you need something there, like, yesterday, this is it. It’s handled in partnership with FedEx, so you get the best of both worlds.
• Priority Mail Express International: Slightly slower than GXG but still quick—usually 3 to 5 business days. It comes with tracking and up to $200 insurance for certain items. If you’re shipping documents or something valuable, this is a safe bet.
• Priority Mail International: This is the most popular for regular folks. Delivery takes about 6 to 10 business days, tracking is included, and there’s a bit of insurance for lost or damaged items. It’s great for care packages, gifts, or merchandise.
• First-Class Package International Service: The cheapest way to send small packages (under 4 lbs). You get basic tracking, but don’t expect lightning speed or full insurance. Great for socks, t-shirts, or stuff you’d hate to lose but can replace.
• International Postcards and Letters: For regular letters or postcards, you use Global Forever Stamps, and USPS sends your greeting card or letter almost anywhere for a flat rate.

Here’s a quick look at delivery times and key features:

No matter which service you choose, USPS will hand your package off to the destination country’s postal service once it arrives overseas. That’s why local delivery quality can sometimes be a mixed bag. If you’re shipping to developed countries (like Canada, UK, Japan), things run pretty smoothly. Remote places, though, might test your patience.

How to Prepare and Ship Packages Abroad

Getting your package ready for international shipping with USPS isn't hard, but there are a few steps you can’t skip or fudge—unless you want your stuff stuck in customs limbo. First, always check if the country allows what you’re sending. Every country has its own banned items. For example, Australia won’t take beef jerky and Germany is picky about certain cosmetics. Just google “USPS country restrictions” with your destination and you’ll get the list straight from the source.

Once you know your item is good to go, it’s time to package it up. Grab a sturdy box—trust me, flimsy ones don't survive the trip. Tape every seam and leave no gaps. For anything breakable, wrap it up in bubble wrap so it doesn’t rattle. USPS provides free Priority Mail International boxes if you want to save a buck. Slap your labels on the long side of the box, and make sure everything is legible. Double check the address format; some countries do it completely differently than we do in the U.S.

Now for the paperwork. Anything shipping internationally with USPS needs a customs form—even if it’s just a T-shirt. The most common are the PS Form 2976 (for small stuff under 4 pounds) and PS Form 2976-A (for bigger, pricier stuff). You can fill these out online with the USPS Click-N-Ship tool or at the post office. If you do it online, you can even skip the line by scheduling a pickup from your house, which is a life-saver when the kids are screaming in the car.

• Check country restrictions for your item
• Use a strong box or envelope and pack securely
• Write the address clearly, following local format
• Fill out the right customs form (and declare value honestly)
• Attach form and postage on the outside
• Drop off at USPS or schedule a pickup

Here’s a quick look at the most common customs forms:

One last thing—declare the value honestly. Customs can open your package if it looks fishy or the numbers don’t add up. And always hang on to your tracking number, just in case something gets delayed or lost. Follow these steps and your USPS international shipping will go way smoother than you expect.

Rates, Delivery Times, and Tracking

Shipping stuff overseas with USPS isn’t one-price-fits-all. It depends on how fast you want it there, where you’re sending, and how big or heavy your package is. Here’s the lowdown on the main options and what you actually pay for.

• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): This is the fastest USPS international shipping. Packages hit most major countries in 1–3 business days, and yes, it’s pricey. They team up with FedEx for this one, so delivery windows tend to be accurate. Tracking and up to $100 insurance are included.
• Priority Mail Express International: Slightly slower (3–5 business days on average), but often plenty fast for most folks. Not as expensive as GXG, but costs more than standard choices. Good tracking and up to $200 insurance for documents included.
• Priority Mail International: The workhorse for everyday shipping. Delivers in 6–10 business days to most countries. Costs less and includes tracking with up to $100 insurance.
• First-Class Package International Service: Cheapest option for small, light stuff (think t-shirts, not bowling balls). Delivery depends a lot on customs, so no real promises on speed—anything from a week to a month. Tracking is hit and miss by country, so don’t use this if you’d panic over a delay.

Wondering where your money actually goes? Check this out:

Quick tip: Don’t forget to compare rates with the online USPS calculator before sealing up your package. Sometimes using a flat-rate box will save you cash, especially if your package is heavy for its size.

Tracking works best with the faster services. You get a number, pop it in at USPS.com, and watch updates as your package hops across the globe. Just know tracking sometimes goes dark after customs in the destination country, especially with cheaper options. If you need to keep tabs from start to finish, pick Priority Mail International or faster. And always save your receipt for that tracking number—it’s your only backup if you have to call customer service (trust me on this one, after a birthday gift to my cousin vanished for two weeks in the UK).

USPS international shipping definitely gives you options, but it pays to know what you’re getting for the price. Check your destination’s rules, double-check the delivery estimate, and if it really matters what day it shows up, pick the speedier service—even if it stings a bit at checkout.

Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls

There’s nothing more annoying than finding out your package is stuck at customs because you made a tiny mistake. Let’s talk tips and common mishaps so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

First up, always double-check the address. Sounds basic, but international addresses are formatted differently in most countries. Don’t assume—it’s worth looking up the right format for the country you’re shipping to. A missing postal code or using an American-style address for somewhere in Europe can send your package on a wild goose chase.

Customs forms are non-negotiable for anything crossing borders. The most common for packages under 4 pounds is the PS Form 2976; heavier parcels use PS Form 2976-A, and sometimes you’ll need 2976-B for pricier items. Be honest and detailed on the description—"gift" or "clothes" by itself won’t cut it. If you underdeclare the value, customs might return or even destroy your stuff. Also, some countries ban certain items completely, like lithium-ion batteries or food. The USPS website has a handy lookup tool to check what you can and can’t ship where.

• Check the prohibited/restricted items list before packing.
• Use strong packaging—international journeys are rougher than domestic ones.
• Print customs forms online if you can; it often comes with a small postage discount.
• Save your tracking number; some countries stop updating tracking once it leaves the US, but USPS can still help investigate with it.
• Don’t forget to keep your receipt—without it, claims and tracking are a nightmare.

Now, about USPS international shipping speeds: Priority Mail International usually lands in 6-10 business days, but holidays or customs can throw that estimate off. Economy services like First-Class Package International are cheaper but can take ages and don’t always offer end-to-end tracking. If timing really matters, aim for Priority Mail Express International or even Global Express Guaranteed—these services come with delivery date guarantees and better customer support.

Here’s a quick look at some key differences:

And remember, some countries add import taxes or duties on top of your shipping cost. Warn your recipient to avoid surprise fees at pickup. When in doubt, ask the postal clerk—most people behind the counter have seen every mistake in the book.