USPS International Shipping Cost Calculator
Calculate Your Shipping Estimate
Estimated Shipping Costs
Select your shipping options and click Calculate to see your estimate.
Yes, the US Post Office - officially known as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States - does international shipping. Every day, millions of packages, letters, and flat-rate envelopes leave American soil bound for over 180 countries. Whether you're sending a birthday card to a friend in Brazil or a small business shipment to Germany, USPS offers multiple ways to send items overseas with predictable pricing and tracking.
How USPS International Shipping Works
USPS doesn’t operate its own planes or trucks abroad. Instead, it partners with local postal services in other countries to complete the final delivery. Think of it like a relay race: USPS handles the U.S. leg, then hands off the package to the destination country’s postal system - like Canada Post, Royal Mail, or Japan Post. This partnership keeps costs low and ensures coverage even in remote areas where private couriers won’t go.
There are three main international services offered by USPS:
- Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) - Fastest option, delivers in 1-3 business days to over 100 countries. Includes full tracking and money-back guarantee if it’s late.
- Priority Mail International - Reliable for packages up to 70 lbs. Delivers in 6-10 business days to most countries. Comes with free tracking and up to $100 insurance.
- First-Class Package International Service - Cheapest option for lightweight items under 4 lbs. Delivery takes 7-21 days depending on the destination. Tracking is limited to the U.S. leg unless you pay extra.
For letters and postcards, Global Postage is available. A single Forever Global stamp costs $1.65 and covers a 1-ounce letter to any country. No need for complicated rate calculations - just stick on the stamp and drop it in the mailbox.
What You Can and Can’t Ship
Not everything can cross borders through USPS. Some items are banned outright, while others need special paperwork. Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not:
- Allowed: Books, clothing, electronics (with batteries), documents, food (non-perishable), jewelry (under $250 value), toys.
- Restricted: Lithium batteries (must be packed properly), alcohol, tobacco, plants, prescription drugs (require FDA approval), firearms (strictly prohibited).
- Banned: Hazardous materials like aerosols, gasoline, fireworks, live animals, currency over $10,000 without declaration.
Always check the USPS International Mail Manual before packing. Violating these rules can lead to your package being seized, destroyed, or returned - and you won’t get a refund.
Costs and Delivery Times
USPS international rates are among the most affordable compared to FedEx or UPS, especially for small packages. For example:
| Service | Weight Limit | Typical Delivery Time | Starting Price (U.S. to Europe) | Tracking Included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Package International | 4 lbs | 7-21 days | $16.50 | Yes (U.S. only) |
| Priority Mail International | 70 lbs | 6-10 days | $30.50 | Yes (full) |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 70 lbs | 1-3 days | $77.00 | Yes (full + signature) |
These prices are for packages shipped from a Post Office location. If you print labels online using USPS Click-N-Ship, you can save up to 15% on Priority Mail International rates. The discount doesn’t apply to GXG or First-Class services.
Tracking and Insurance
Tracking varies by service. With Priority Mail International and GXG, you get real-time updates from pickup to delivery - even in countries like Nigeria or Vietnam where local tracking systems are weak. First-Class Package International only shows tracking until the package leaves the U.S., which can leave senders anxious.
Insurance is another key difference:
- Priority Mail International: Includes up to $100 coverage for merchandise. You can buy extra insurance up to $5,000.
- Global Express Guaranteed: Covers up to $100 by default, with optional coverage up to $5,000.
- First-Class Package International: No insurance included. You can add it for $1-$5 depending on value.
If you’re shipping something valuable - like a smartphone or designer watch - always add insurance. Lost packages are rare, but when they happen, USPS won’t compensate you unless you paid for coverage.
How to Ship with USPS
Shipping internationally with USPS is simple:
- Choose your service based on speed, cost, and tracking needs.
- Fill out a customs form - either online using Click-N-Ship or on paper at the Post Office (Form CN22 or CN23).
- Label your package clearly with recipient’s full name, address, and country.
- Pay for postage at the counter or print a label online.
- Drop off at any Post Office or use a free pickup service if you schedule it online.
Pro tip: Use a sturdy box, not an envelope, for anything heavier than a few ounces. Envelopes often get damaged in sorting centers overseas. Tape all seams and write "DO NOT BEND" if you’re sending fragile items.
Why Choose USPS Over Private Couriers?
Many people assume FedEx or DHL is better for international shipping. But here’s why USPS often wins:
- Lower prices: For small packages under 2 lbs, USPS is 30-50% cheaper than UPS or FedEx.
- Broader reach: USPS delivers to places like Mongolia, Fiji, and parts of Africa where private couriers don’t operate.
- No fuel surcharges: Unlike private carriers, USPS doesn’t add extra fees based on oil prices.
- No customs brokerage fees: Private couriers charge $15-$30 just to process customs paperwork. USPS handles it for free.
The trade-off? USPS is slower than express services and doesn’t offer same-day delivery or guaranteed time slots. But for most personal and small business needs, it’s the smartest choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shippers make errors. Here are the top three:
- Not filling out customs forms properly. Saying "gift" or "sample" without listing actual items and values triggers delays. Be specific: "2 cotton t-shirts, value $15 each" not "clothing items".
- Using the wrong box. A flimsy envelope can burst open in transit. Use rigid boxes or padded mailers for anything that might get crushed.
- Assuming delivery time is guaranteed. USPS estimates are based on average conditions. Holidays, strikes, or weather can delay delivery by days - especially to rural areas.
If you’re shipping regularly, save time by using USPS’s Click-N-Ship tool. It auto-fills customs forms, calculates postage, and lets you schedule pickups. It’s free to use and works on mobile.
What Happens If It Gets Lost?
USPS has a claims process for lost or damaged international packages. You must file within 60 days of mailing. You’ll need:
- The tracking number
- Proof of value (receipt, invoice, or photo)
- A completed PS Form 2828 (available at Post Offices or online)
If you bought insurance, you’ll get reimbursed up to the insured amount. Without insurance, you’re out of luck. That’s why it’s worth spending $2 extra to insure a $50 gift.
Final Thoughts
USPS is not just for sending birthday cards. It’s a reliable, affordable, and surprisingly powerful tool for sending things overseas - whether you’re a student sending home textbooks, a small business shipping handmade goods, or a family sending care packages to loved ones abroad. You don’t need a warehouse, a freight broker, or a fancy account. Just walk into a Post Office, pick the right service, and ship with confidence.
For most people, USPS international shipping is the easiest, cheapest, and most dependable way to get things overseas. And with global demand still growing, it’s only getting better.
Does USPS deliver to every country?
USPS ships to over 180 countries, but not every one. Some countries have restrictions due to political instability, lack of postal infrastructure, or sanctions. Check the USPS website for the full list of destinations. Countries like North Korea, Syria, and Crimea are blocked. Most others - including remote islands and developing nations - are reachable.
Can I ship food internationally with USPS?
Yes, but only non-perishable food. Items like dried fruit, canned goods, cookies, and spices are allowed. Fresh meat, dairy, or liquids are prohibited. Always declare food on the customs form. Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have strict agricultural rules and may inspect or destroy packages even if they’re allowed.
How long does USPS international shipping take?
It depends on the service and destination. First-Class takes 7-21 days, Priority Mail takes 6-10 days, and Global Express Guaranteed delivers in 1-3 business days. Delivery times can be longer during holidays, natural disasters, or if the destination country has slow customs processing.
Do I need to pay customs duties?
USPS doesn’t collect customs duties - that’s the responsibility of the recipient. However, if duties are owed and unpaid, the package may be held until payment is made. Some countries have low thresholds (like $20 in Canada) before duties kick in. Always check the destination country’s rules before shipping.
Can I track a USPS international package without a tracking number?
No. You must have a tracking number to monitor your package. If you didn’t get one, you likely used a service that doesn’t provide it - like basic First-Class Mail. Always request tracking when shipping anything important. You can print labels with tracking online or ask for it at the Post Office.
