Many keep on asking the places one can buy stamps for international use. Well, I hope by the end of the article I will have the many questions you may have concerning the same.
At the end of the article, I will also seek to address any related questions as far as international stamps purchase is concerned.
As a quick preview, the best places where one can buy international stamps are:
- United States Postal Service (USPS)
- Finance institutions such as Banks and Bank ATMs
- Big Pharmacy stores such as Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid
- Retail stores such as Walmart, Target, and Costco
- Online stores and eCommerce Portals such as Amazon and eBay
- Gas Stations
- Stationery Supplies stores
Before we delve into how the above stamp sellers can be of help to you, let’s set some things straight for everyone by defining the context.
What is an International Stamp?
It would be unwise for me to elaborate on the areas one can buy stamps without making it clear what an international stamp is.
An international stamp is also known as an international postage stamp is a special branded piece of paper issued by authorized vendors such as postal administration or the postal office to enable the shipment of a letter or parcel from one country to another.
How does the international stamp work?
The international stamp is designed to be able to cover the shipping or postage expenses of certain weights of parcels or letters at a given cost.
For example, in 2013, the USPS released the New Global Forever First-Class Mail International Stamp that was priced at $1.10 each.
This stamp is therefore used to transfer 1-ounce letters from the US to any other country. It may also be used to transfer a 2-ounce letter from the US to Canada.
Places to buy International Stamps
Now let’s hit the nail on the head here. Below are the places where anyone can buy international postage stamps.
#1 The United States Postal Service (USPS)
The USPS is a federal institution responsible for the shipping of paces and letters in the US. It is therefore logical that they must be the primary source of international stamps in the US.
If you are looking for a place to buy the stamps then you better walk into the nearby USPS center and ask for the international stamps. This is indeed the primary source of postage stamps in the US.
I should also note here that in 2013 the USPS launched a new international stamp for First-class mail and parcels which I have already alluded to earlier in this article.
#2 Finance institutions such as Banks and ATMs
Banks are also great places one can find international postage stamps in the US. the big banks in the US just as the Bank of America sell many internationals stamps in the branches across the country.
The only disadvantage with buying stamps from the bank is the fact that most of them close early, thus may be a source of inconvenience to those who seek to buy stamps at late hours
#3 Big Pharmacy Stores
The large pharmacy stores in the country have not been left behind when it comes to selling international stamps.
In the US, you can pay a visit to pharmacy stores such as Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid and inquire about international stamps.
I should, however, note here that sometimes you may suffer depleted stocks in some of the pharmacy stores because, as one would expect, selling stamps is not the primary business of such stores.
#4 Retail Stores
Retail stores are known to be some of the most visited places in the US. As such they are strategic points for anyone who wishes to buy stamps.
Most have taken advantage of being close to large populations and diversified into selling peripheral products such as stamps.
Therefore depending on your city, town, or hood, you can visit any of the major retail stores such as Walmart, Target, or Costco and ask if they stock international stamps.
#5 Online Stores and eCommerce Platforms
The world today has seen people steadily shift towards online shopping because of the convenience it provides to the shopper. Therefore, it makes sense when online eCommerce giants such as eBay or Amazon stock postage stamps.
On Amazon, you can get international stamps such as Global Forever International US Postage stamps. You can explore other stamp types to buy on Amazon later on in this article.
#6 Gas Stations
You can also purchase stamps at a gas station near you. Most gas stations have also taken advantage of their proximity to a large population to stock vital products such as international stamps.
The disadvantage of gas stations is that you would have to go with the big ones. Most of the small one does not stock international stamps.
#7 Stationery Supplies Stores
Stationery supplies stores in the US have consistently embraced selling stamps as a necessary means of diversification. So it is time you paid the bookstores or office supply stores near you now!
See it makes sense for places that sell envelopes to also make the customers’ life easier by selling them the stamps they need to mail the letters overseas.
Best International Stamps to Buy
If you are looking for the best international stamps to buy, then this section is for you. Below are the best international stamps to buy on Amazon:
#1 USPS Global Forever Stamps – 1×20 or 2×10
This stamp is valid for mail 1-ounce letter at $1.15 to any international country.
As already indicated the stamp comes in two main orientations i.e. either as 2-sheets of 10 stamps each or as one sheet of 20 stamps.
The features included on the stamp may vary to include Silver Bells, Moon, Succulent, Sea Surface, Earth, and Evergreens
#2 Global Forever International US Postage Stamps Sheet
This stamp is valid for mailing a 1-ounce letter at $1.12 to any international country.
The stamp is round and has the words “Global Forever” put in a circular shape
One thing you should note is that the stamp is reusable, which means it can be used for more than one instance of international mailing.
READ MORE: How to buy postage stamps online and print
