Stamping It Out: Mailing A Card To Belize

To mail a card to Belize from the USA, you'll need a Global Forever Stamp, which costs $1.55. You can also use regular domestic forever stamps, as long as they add up to this amount. If your card weighs more than 1 ounce, you'll need to add extra postage.

Stamp prices

The number of stamps you'll need to mail a card to Belize depends on the size and weight of your card.

The easiest way to send letters from the USA to Belize is with Global Forever Stamps, which cost $1.55 each. You can also use regular, domestic forever stamps as long as they add up to $1.55. You will need to pay extra postage if your card weighs over 1 ounce.

If you're sending a postcard to Belize, you'll need one Global Forever Stamp for $1.55. Make sure your postcard is rectangular, at least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick, and no more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick.

Envelope size

Standard Envelope Sizes:

The most commonly used standard envelope sizes in the United States are the #10 envelope for business correspondence and the A2 envelope for greeting cards and invitations.

• #10 Envelope: Measures 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches, suitable for standard letter-sized paper folded into thirds.
• A2 Envelope: Measures 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches, offering a compact option for smaller items.

Envelope Requirements for Belize:

When sending letters or cards to Belize, it's important to adhere to the size and weight requirements to avoid delays or additional costs.

• Standard Envelope Size: The maximum size for a standard envelope is 11.5" x 6+⅛". This includes common envelope types such as security envelopes (9.5" x 4.25"), thank-you notes (minimum 5" x 4"), and greeting cards (maximum 8.5" x 5.25").
• Square Envelopes: Square envelopes must be a minimum of 5" and are considered non-machinable, requiring an additional $0.40 in postage.
• Large Envelopes ("Flats"): Flats have different size requirements, with a minimum of 6-1/8" x 11-1/2" and a maximum of 12" x 15". The maximum thickness for flats is 3/4".

Additional Considerations:

When selecting an envelope, it's important to consider not only the size but also the weight and shape of your mail.

• Weight: Heavier letters will require additional postage. Weigh your envelope using a kitchen scale and round up to the nearest ounce to determine the required postage.
• Shape and Thickness: Ensure your envelope is rectangular, uniform in thickness, and bendable. Non-machinable envelopes, such as those with clasps, string, or buttons, will incur an additional $0.46 fee.

By choosing the appropriate envelope size and considering the weight and shape of your mail, you can ensure your correspondence reaches Belize without issue and at the best possible rate.

Envelope weight

The weight of an envelope is important to consider when mailing a card to Belize, as postage costs are determined by the weight and size of the envelope.

A standard envelope weighs 6.75 grams when empty and around 11.25 grams with a single-page letter. The dimensions are typically 4.125” x 9.5”. The most common type of envelope, the #10 envelope, weighs 6.75 grams when made with 20# paper.

When mailing a card to Belize, it is important to use the correct number of stamps to ensure your envelope meets the weight and size requirements. The number of stamps you need will depend on the weight and size of your envelope, as well as the current postage rates. You can use a kitchen food scale or postal scale to weigh your envelope and determine the correct postage.

It is also important to note that the envelope must be rectangular and bendable to qualify for letter prices. Square envelopes are considered non-machinable and may require additional postage.

Global Forever Stamps

As of July 2024, the cost of a Global Forever Stamp is $1.65. However, if you are mailing a letter to Belize, you can use either one Global Forever Stamp or a combination of domestic forever stamps that add up to $1.55. This is because Belize is part of "Group 9" in the USPS Price List, which has a lower rate. Keep in mind that you will need extra postage if your letter weighs more than one ounce.

The design of Global Forever Stamps varies, with some featuring poinsettias, while others showcase African daisies. These stamps are self-adhesive and come in panes of 10.

When addressing your envelope to Belize, remember to include the recipient's full name or company name, apartment or suite number, city, state, and ZIP+4 Code. The delivery address should be written in the bottom centre of the envelope.

Domestic Forever Stamps

The cost of mailing a one-ounce letter within the United States has increased over the years, from $0.46 in 2013 to the current price of $0.73 as of July 2024. However, customers who purchased Forever Stamps at a lower rate in previous years can still use those stamps today without needing to add additional postage. This is because the value of a Forever Stamp is equivalent to the domestic First-Class Mail letter price on the day of its use.

Forever Stamps are always sold at the same price as regular First-Class Mail stamps, and they can be purchased at post offices, online at usps.com, or by phone. They are sold in sheets and booklets of 20.

It's important to note that if you suspect your letter may weigh more than one ounce, you should weigh it before affixing a Forever Stamp. Heavier letters will require additional postage, and it's more cost-effective to purchase additional ounces at $0.24 per ounce instead of adding multiple Forever Stamps.

When using Forever Stamps, ensure that your envelope meets USPS requirements. Envelopes must be rectangular and made of paper, with a maximum size of 11-1/2" long x 6-1/8" high. Your envelope should also be flexible and no more than 1/4" thick. If your envelope exceeds these dimensions or is non-rectangular, rigid, or lumpy, you'll need to pay the package price.

In conclusion, Domestic Forever Stamps offer a convenient way to mail one-ounce letters within the United States, regardless of future price changes. By understanding the specifications and requirements, you can make the most of these stamps and stay connected with your loved ones across the country.

Frequently asked questions