The one rule that matters most when you learn how to address mail USPS international is simple. The last line holds only the destination country, spelled out in full and preferably in capitals. Everything above it follows a set order: recipient, street, then city, region and postal code.
Most international letters go astray because the country line is missing or the postal code sits in the wrong spot. The steps below follow USPS Publication 28 and the USPS international letters page. They work for postcards, letters and large envelopes.
How to address mail USPS international, line by line
Write the delivery address in the center of the envelope or label, and use the order below. The country always comes last.
| Line | What goes there | Rule to follow |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recipient name, or company and contact | Print it in capital letters with a pen or permanent marker |
| 2 | Street number, street name, unit or apartment | Use the order the destination country uses |
| 3 | City, region and postal code | Foreign postal codes go here, never on the last line |
| 4 | COUNTRY NAME | Country only, written in full, no abbreviation, not underlined |
The foreign postal code is the detail people get wrong most often. USPS says not to put the postal code of a foreign country on the last line. It belongs on the line above, next to the city or region.
The country line and the language to use
Many people searching for how to address mail USPS international worry most about this line, and for good reason. A clear country line tells everyone handling the piece where it is going.
The bottom line shows only the country name. Write it in English, spell it out completely, and skip abbreviations such as “UK” or “UAE”. Capital letters are preferred, and you should not underline it.
USPS asks for the whole delivery address in English. You may add a local language translation after each line, which helps the destination post read it. Avoid commas and periods.
Your return address and where it goes
Put your own address in the upper left corner. Include your name, street address, city, state and ZIP+4 Code, and add “USA” on the final line. An undeliverable piece can only come back to you if the sender is clear.
Keep the return block small so it never crowds the delivery address. If you use a printed label, make sure the two blocks sit far apart and do not overlap.
Where the stamp and the airmail marking go
Place stamps in the upper right corner of an envelope, or in the marked space on a postcard. The number you need depends on weight and shape. Our guide to how many Forever stamps an international letter needs covers that in full.
First-Class Mail International postcards, letters and large envelopes must carry “AIRMAIL/PAR AVION” on the address side. Put it near the stamp area. For current prices by weight, see how much an international stamp costs.
A general template you can copy
This template shows the order. Replace each placeholder with the real details, and follow the recipient’s local format for the street and postal code lines.
| Line | Template |
|---|---|
| 1 | RECIPIENT FULL NAME |
| 2 | STREET ADDRESS AND UNIT |
| 3 | CITY, REGION AND POSTAL CODE |
| 4 | COUNTRY NAME |
The pieces on line 3 change from country to country. Some countries put the postal code before the city and others put it after. Copy the order from an envelope, an invoice or an email the recipient sent you.
How to address mail to Canada
Canada is the one destination USPS formats in detail. Publication 28, section A32 says to use the standard two character abbreviation for the province or territory, and to leave two spaces between that abbreviation and the postal code. The Canadian postal code is six characters in a letter, number, letter, space, number, letter, number pattern, such as K1A 0B1.
| Line | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | RECIPIENT FULL NAME |
| 2 | 1010 CLEAR STREET |
| 3 | OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1 |
| 4 | CANADA |
The province codes are AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK and YT. For the postage and customs side, read our guide on shipping to Canada with USPS.
Other country formats differ, so ask the recipient
USPS sets the rule for the country line and the Canada layout. Each other destination styles the lines above the country differently, and USPS does not publish a template for them. Copying the recipient’s own format is the safest method.
If the destination uses a different alphabet, write the address in English and add the local version after it.
What to do before you mail it
Use this quick checklist for how to address mail USPS international before you seal the envelope.
- The last line shows only the country, spelled out and in capitals.
- The foreign postal code sits on the city line, not the country line.
- Your return address is in the upper left corner and ends with USA.
- “AIRMAIL/PAR AVION” appears on the address side for First-Class Mail International.
- Ink is dark and permanent, with no commas or periods.
Parcels need more than an address. If you are sending goods, you also need a customs form. Our walkthrough on filling out a USPS customs form explains it field by field.
The recipient may also owe import charges. You can get a rough figure with the international duty estimator before you ship.
Common mistakes that delay international mail
Small errors cause most of the trouble. The list below covers the ones that USPS rules address directly.
- Abbreviating the country, which USPS does not allow on the last line.
- Putting the foreign postal code next to the country instead of on the city line.
- Underlining the country name.
- Writing the address in light pencil or washable ink instead of pen or permanent marker.
- Leaving off “USA” in the return address.
- Forgetting “AIRMAIL/PAR AVION” on First-Class Mail International.
Another frequent slip is sloppy handwriting. Print each letter, leave space between lines, and keep the delivery block in the center so scanners and clerks can read it.
Handwritten, typed and label printed addresses
USPS asks for neat capital letters in pen or permanent marker. A printed label works too, as long as the text is dark, sharp and fully readable.
Avoid fancy fonts and small type. Leave a clear margin around the block, and keep tape from covering any line of the address.
How to address a package versus a letter
The line order is the same for a parcel and an envelope. The delivery block goes on the largest flat side, and your return address goes in the upper left corner.
For a parcel, keep the label flat and fully visible. Do not wrap it over an edge or a seam. Putting a second copy of the address inside the box is a cheap safeguard if the outer label is damaged.
Before you leave the post office counter
Check the address block once more against the recipient’s message. Confirm the spelling of the city, the postal code digits and the full country name. A single wrong character in a postal code can send a piece to the wrong district.
Choosing the service after the address is right
A correct address works with every international service. Letters usually travel as First-Class Mail International, while heavier packages and faster delivery use other services.
Not sure what applies? Check whether USPS ships internationally to your destination first. Once the address is right, the service choice only affects price and speed.
Bottom line
Knowing how to address mail USPS international means using a fixed order, end with the country alone on the last line, and keep the postal code on the city line. Add your return address, stamps and airmail marking, and the piece is ready. When a country’s local layout is unclear, copy the format the recipient gives you.
