How Many Stamps From US To Canada? 

Sending mail and packages from the United States to Canada may seem straightforward, but there are some key differences to keep in mind compared to domestic mail. While the US and Canada share a border, they have separate postal systems and regulations. As a result, all mail sent to Canada is considered international mail and requires proper postage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sending mail and packages to Canada from the US.

Follow along for tips to make shipping mail and packages to Canada a breeze.

Sending Mail and Packages to Canada from the US

When sending anything to Canada from the United States, it’s considered an international shipment. This means you’ll need to follow international mailing guidelines and pay international postage rates, even when shipping to provinces bordering the US. For example, if you live in Vermont and want to mail a letter to Quebec, just across the US-Canada border, it still needs proper postage and documentation like any package sent overseas.

Choosing a Mail Carrier

You have several options when selecting a mail carrier to ship packages and letters to Canada:

• USPS (United States Postal Service) – USPS offers affordable international postage rates along with a reliable delivery network. They have a weight limit of 66 lbs for packages to Canada.
• FedEx – Providing fast, reliable delivery to Canada, FedEx is a great private courier option but typically costs more than USPS.
• UPS – Similar to FedEx, UPS delivers to Canada reliably and speedily. They don’t have weight restrictions like USPS.

If you need to ship heavier packages above 66 lbs, you’ll have to use a private courier like FedEx or UPS instead of USPS. For fastest possible delivery, FedEx offers overnight international shipping.

Postage Rates for Letters and Postcards

Sending letters and postcards to Canada is very affordable using USPS First Class Mail International service. Rates start at just $1.20 for a 1 oz letter in a standard envelope. Here are the postage rates as of 2022:

• Up to 1 oz – $1.20
• Up to 2 oz – $1.40
• Up to 3 oz – $1.97
• Up to 3.5 oz – $2.54

A Global Forever stamp ($1.40) can cover a 1 oz or 2 oz letter. You can also use 3 regular US Forever stamps to mail a letter under 1 oz. Postcards follow the same rates if they meet size requirements (3.5″ x 5″ to 4.25″ x 6″). Non-machinable letters and envelopes incur an extra $0.21 fee.

Postage for Packages

Package and parcel postage rates to Canada vary based on weight, dimensions and delivery speed. USPS offers several options:

• First Class Package International – Starting at $14.85 for a 1 lb package.
• Priority Mail International – Starting at $29.60 for a 1 lb package. Includes tracking and insurance.
• Priority Mail Express International – Starting at $47.95 for a 1 lb package. Fastest option.
• USPS Flat Rate boxes – One flat price regardless of package weight, starting at $29.95.

You can easily calculate estimated postage costs using the USPS online postage calculator before mailing your package. Private couriers like FedEx and UPS also offer international shipping to Canada with varying rates.

Using Forever Stamps to Canada

Global Forever stamps ($1.40) are the best option for international mail since they cover postage up to 2 oz. However, regular domestic Forever stamps can also be used to mail letters to Canada:

• 1 oz letter: 3 x $0.60 Forever stamps = $1.80 (you’ll overpay by $0.40)
• 2 oz letter: 5 x $0.60 Forever stamps = $3.00

While domestic Forever stamps work, Global Forever stamps are more cost effective.

Mailing Flats and Large Envelopes

If you need to mail a large envelope, newsletter, catalogue or “flat” item over 3.5 oz to Canada, postage rates go up incrementally based on weight. Here are the First Class Mail International rates for flats:

• Up to 1 oz – $2.75
• Up to 2 oz – $3.03
• Up to 3 oz – $3.29
• Up to 4 oz – $3.52
• Up to 5 oz – $3.78
• Up to 6 oz – $4.03

Flats need to be a minimum of 6.5″ x 11.5″ and no more than 12″ x 15″ to qualify for these rates. You can use combinations of Global Forever stamps plus extra ounces to mail flats.

How Long Does Mail Take to Reach Canada?

With First Class Mail international, expect delivery to Canada in 7-21 business days. Here are estimates for USPS delivery times to Canada:

• First Class Mail Int’l – 7 to 21 days
• Priority Mail Int’l – 6 to 10 days
• Priority Mail Express Int’l – 3 to 5 days

Private couriers like FedEx ship faster – usually 3-5 days to major Canadian cities. Rural delivery may take longer across all services.

Customs Clearance When Mailing to Canada

All mail and packages entering Canada go through customs clearance, even letters and postcards. Here’s what to expect:

• USPS completes required customs forms and documentation for packages during processing.
• Letters usually don’t need customs declaration forms unless containing items of value.
• Packages are screened by Canada Border Services Agency for prohibited items, value assessment, etc.
• Duties or taxes may apply depending on contents. Recipients pay upon delivery.

Make sure to clearly label package contents on customs forms and don’t ship prohibited items. If you have questions, ask USPS for guidance on required customs paperwork and procedures.

Tracking Packages and Mail to Canada

You can track most mail and packages sent to Canada using the original tracking number assigned by USPS or a private courier:

• USPS First Class mail can only be tracked with extra services like certified mail.
• All USPS packages, Priority Mail and Priority Express include tracking.
• FedEx, UPS and other private couriers include tracking.
• Enter the tracking number on the courier’s website once the package reaches Canada.

This allows you to follow the delivery status right to the recipient’s address, even as it crosses the border and passes through Canada Post’s domestic routes.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from being mailed to Canada. Familiarize yourself with these regulations before shipping:

• Alcohol – Mailing alcohol is prohibited.
• Tobacco – It is illegal to mail cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape products or any tobacco.
• Currency – Mailing cash, coins, bank checks, money orders, or any currency is prohibited.
• Firearms – It is forbidden to mail firearms, ammunition, explosive devices or replica weapons.
• Marijuana – Recreational and medicinal marijuana cannot be mailed.
• Plants – Mailing plants, whether live or dried, requires phytosanitary certificates.
• Live Animals – Live animals cannot be shipped via USPS. Private couriers have some exceptions.
• Lottery Tickets and Gambling Items – These are prohibited from being mailed internationally.

If an item you wish to mail to Canada seems questionable, check with USPS or the private courier to see if it can be accepted. Failing to follow regulations could result in prosecution. When in doubt, don’t ship it. Some items can only be mailed with required permits or certifications that must accompany the package. This includes prescription medication, medical devices, electronics like phones and laptops, and liquids. Be sure to accurately complete any customs declaration forms indicating contents when shipping overseas. Making false declarations constitutes fraud. The best practice is full transparency on package contents and value.

People Also Ask

How many stamps do I need to mail a letter to Canada from the US?

One Global Forever stamp ($1.30) covers a standard 1 ounce letter or postcard to Canada. For a 2 ounce letter, you can use one Global Forever or three regular US Forever stamps (currently $1.80 total). Each additional ounce is $0.53 extra.

Can I mail a letter to Canada with normal US stamps?

Yes, regular US Forever stamps can be used to mail letters and postcards to Canada. You will need additional postage compared to Global Forever stamps. For a 1 ounce letter use 3 US Forever stamps, and use 5 for a 2 ounce letter.

How much does it cost to ship a package to Canada from the US?

USPS Priority Mail International is one of the most affordable options to ship packages to Canada. Starting rates are around $29 for a 1 lb package. Expect to pay $40-$60+ for expedited services from FedEx, UPS or USPS Express which deliver in 3-5 days.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada from the US?

For letters and lightweight packages under 2 lbs, the cheapest option is First Class Package International or First Class Mail International from USPS. USPS Retail Ground is also economical for heavy packages over 2 lbs. Make sure to compare rates across USPS, FedEx and UPS.

How long does it take mail to be delivered to Canada from the US?

First Class mail takes 7-21 days for delivery. Priority Mail is faster at 6-10 days. Priority Express can reach Canada in 1-3 business days. Packages generally take 5-7 days with USPS and 3-5 days if shipped priority by private couriers.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped explain how to properly mail letters, postcards and packages to recipients in Canada from the United States. While international shipping requires a few extra steps, having the right postage, customs forms and mail carrier will ensure smooth and timely delivery across the border. Check back for updates as international postage rates and regulations evolve.