How to Send a Letter to Canada from the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

For those who have ever found themselves needing to send letters from the United States to Canada, the process can be both straightforward and cost-effective. Whether you're a business working to maintain international relationships or a traveler sharing postcard memories, here's how to do it efficiently and affordably.

The Proper Addressing and Postage

When sending a letter to Canada from the USA, it's important to follow a few simple steps to ensure delivery and avoid any potential issues. Firstly, ensure that the address on the envelope is correct, including the Canadian Postal Code. This detail is crucial for postal services to route your mail accurately within and from Canada.

Secondly, use the appropriate postage. According to USPS, first-class international postage for letters up to 3 ounces to Canada starts at $1.20. This fee covers the delivery of your letter to any address in Canada.

Options for Delivery

You can choose to send your letters to Canada in a few different ways:

Post Office: Drop off your letter at a post office where staff will help process it. Mailbox: Place your properly addressed and stamped letter in any domestic mailbox. Remember, your mail will be handled the same way as domestic mail once it's sealed, addressed, and correctly stamped.

Cost-Saving Tips

Mail to Canada is often more economical than other international shipping options. As of writing this, the cost of a first-class letter weighing up to one ounce from the US to Canada is $1.30. This is a surprisingly low cost considering the length and reliability of the delivery across an international border.

While you could aim to send other forms of mail such as candy bars for around $1.30, it is more practical and enjoyable to ensure your letter reaches its destination successfully. You can use multiple domestic stamps to make up the required postage, as long as their combined value is at least $1.30. If you use three domestic first-class Forever stamps (each priced at $0.58), you'll actually exceed the required amount by $0.44, but don't worry, the post office will handle any excess fees.

To make things easy, the USPS offers an international first-class Forever stamp worth exactly $1.30, known as a Global Forever Stamp. Using this stamp makes the process even simpler, ensuring that your letter is correctly priced and processed.

Packing and Addressing

When preparing to send a letter to Canada:

If you're sending a standard first-class letter that can be sent within the USA with one Forever stamp, write the Canadian address on the envelope with the Canadian postal code. You will need to affix two Forever stamps.

Ensure that you:

Use the correct amount of postage to avoid overcharging. Include 'CANADA' in the address line to specify the destination. Once everything is sealed, address it, and correctly posted with the required postage, you can place it in the same mailbox or a post office as your domestic mail.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful international mail journey, from the USA to Canada.