Sending request abroad questions

[Baddow09]

Hello,
I'm about to try sending a typical request abroad (letter, SAE, photograph in an A5 sized envelope) but are unsure about how to go about it really. I've read the stickies and other topics about IRCs, postage prices etc but unfourtunatly are none the clearer really. I would be really grateful for any help or advice on any other the following topics:
> IRCs- roughly how many would I need to send to the recipient for enough postage to get from the USA back to me in the UK comfortably/how can I find or work this out? Also, will most people accept IRCs or is there quite a high chance they won't?
> Airmail- is it necessary/compulsory, and if not what are its benefits? What do you have to put on the envelope for this?
> Envelope postage- for the envelope the letter etc will be sent over in, how much postage needs to be on it, or how do you determin or calculate how much needs to be on here?
Sorry, lots of questions, but I've never sent a letter abroad before, and I really tend to struggle with postage systems! I would really appreciate any help on any of the above, thank you.

[RYAN J.]

Well if you can find a post office that sells IRC's you'll need at least two to place in the envelope. Airmail just ensures that it will arrive faster than by boat. typically all over seas mail will go airmail unless it's like some huge package that weighs 10 tons, then it would be by boat.

You can also ask for FREE airmail stickers at your post office. I stocked up last year. There little blue stickers that say "AIR MAIL"

For sending out your request, just take it to the post office and say "need to ship this out to the UK cheapest way possible".

Hopefully that helps you!

RYAN J.

[Baddow09]

Thank you! That honestly helps a lot!