Content

• Steps
• Warning
• What you need

Sending a postcard home shows that you miss your friends and family. This is also a great way to save your memories in an interesting and strange place. The process of sending a postcard is similar to sending a letter: you need to paste the correct number of stamps, specify the address on the postcard, write a message and find where to send it.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Finding materials and stamping

1. 

   Buy a postcard. You can find postcards at most supermarkets, souvenir shops and local gas stations. Choose a postcard that comprehensively describes where you are now and gives the recipient a piece of your experience. In case you have time, consider making a postcard yourself: you can find photos online, or design a postcard if you have a computer connected to the internet and photo editing software.

2. 

   
   
   Buy stamps. Stamps are proof of payment for your postcard: without stamps, the post office will not process any correspondence or postcards. Stamp prices will vary depending on the destination. Domestic stamps are usually cheaper than international stamps. Some postal services will set the same price for international mail, many of them offer different rates based on distance to each country. Always check this information with the post office or on the postal service website.
   • Depending on where the postcard is sent, you may need 2-3 or more stamps. Learn about mailing charges, for example, "rates of mailing US mail to Vietnam".
   • Usually you can buy stamps at the post office. In the United States, you can buy stamps at most supermarkets, some grocery stores, or gas stations. You can also find stamps in vending machines and souvenir shops.
   • Make sure you buy the latest stamps. Stamp prices change over time. Unless you're mailing regularly, a long-purchased stamp may not be enough to pay for the postage fee.

3. 

   
   
   Stamp. Place the stamp on the top right corner of the postcard. Postcards will usually be marked or have symbols indicating where they are stamped. Some stamps are self-adhesive, but others must be moistened.
   • With self-adhesive stamps, simply peel off the back paper and place the stamp in the correct position on the postcard. Make sure the stamp is not reversed! Don't worry if you paste it back up - American postal services often deliver postcards with reverse stamps.
   • If the stamp is not self-adhesive, you need to moisten the back of the stamp to activate the adhesive. Some people lick the stamp to stick it. If you don't want to, use a sponge or dip your finger in the water. Moisten the back of the stamp until the stamp is moist enough but not too wet. Stamps that are too wet can tear or slip off the postcard.
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Part 2 of 2: Write your message, address and send a postcard

1. 

   
   
   Write the address on the postcard. Postcards usually have space to write the message as well as the sender and recipient addresses. If you make your own postcard, or buy a non-standard postcard that doesn't have this space, draw a line in the middle of the card horizontally, then horizontally to split the right half of the card. Use the left half of the card for messages, the top right corner for your address, and the lower right corner for your recipient's address.
   • You do not have to write your address. Just enter the recipient's address and they'll receive your postcard. While traveling, you probably won't wait for a response - or you can let the recipient know where you are going next.

2. 

   Write a message on a postcard. Read about how to write a postcard. If you mailed the postcard yourself, make a note of it. If you send it to a friend, write a brief message to let them know about your situation. Try to get the person to see part of your experience. You don't need to write in length - sending a postcard is enough for a person to understand that you are missing them, no matter how brief the message.
   • Again, pre-stamp. This way, you won't write on the postcard section that is covered by the stamp.
   • Don't place your message too low on the postcard. In most cases, the post office will print a barcode or label the bottom of the postcard to be sent to the destination. Keep the bottom line of your message at least the width of your finger from the bottom of the postcard.

3. 

   Send a postcard. Find the post office or mailbox in the area. Make sure you have stamped the correct number of stamps and that the address is on the card. When you are sure, send the postcard as you would mail. When you are abroad, your mail will take 1-2 weeks to arrive.
   • Some companies, government agencies or community centers may have mailboxes. If you are staying at a hotel, the receptionist will usually send your postcard along with other letters. If you can't find where to send the postcards, ask the locals and tourists.
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Warning

• Don't write about personal or private stories. The postcard has no envelope, so the message can be read by anyone.
• If you send postcards overseas, the postcards may not reach the recipient at the desired time.

What you need

• Postcard
• Ink pen or pencil
• Stamp
• Mail box