How to Send a Postcard from Italy to the United States (or Anywhere in the World)
Are you visiting Italy and want to send a postcard to friends or family in the United States (or anywhere else)? Great idea! Postcards are a fun and personal way to share your travels. But how do you actually send one from Italy? Here’s a simple, updated guide that explains everything step by step.
1. Buy the postcard and the stamp
You’ll find postcards in many places across Italy. The most common spots are tabaccherie (tobacco shops, marked by a big “T” sign) and edicole (newsstands). Many of them sell both postcards and stamps — but not always the right kind of stamp for international mail.
So when you’re at the counter, be sure to ask for a “francobollo per l’estero” — that’s how you say stamp for international mail in Italian.
If they don’t have it, don’t worry.
2. Where to find international stamps
If the tabaccaio doesn’t have the right stamp, you’ll need to go to a Poste Italiane office (the national post office). Every town in Italy has at least one post office, and big cities have many. For example, Rome has over 150 post offices!
Post offices are usually open Monday to Friday, typically from 8:20 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. — though hours can vary. In big cities, some central offices stay open in the afternoon too.
Check opening hours and locations on the official site: Poste Italiane Locations
3. Write the address clearly
Make sure you write the full international address on the postcard:
- Recipient’s full name
- Street address
- City and postal code
- Country (in capital letters, e.g. USA)
Use block letters to make it easy to read.
4. Apply the stamp(s)
Stick the stamp in the upper-right corner of the postcard. If they give you more than one stamp (sometimes they do for international mail), place them side by side, without overlapping.
Make sure everything is stuck on firmly!
5. Mail the postcard
Now it’s time to mail it! Look for the red mailboxes marked “Poste” — they’re scattered around cities and towns.
Until a few years ago, many were right outside tabaccherie. But lately, they’re being removed from those spots. If you can’t find one nearby, the safest bet is to drop your postcard at the post office or use the mailbox right outside the post office.
And that’s it! Your postcard is on its way.