[PL] How do I send a letter abroad?

It would seem that traditional letters are slowly becoming a thing of the past. This is not true. They still remain a good means of communication. They are used for private correspondence by older or younger people who are fascinated by decades gone by. Letters – as a form of communication – work especially well where there is no internet connection. How do I send a letter abroad? What is involved in sending a letter abroad?

How do I send a letter abroad using the Polish Post Office?

The Polish Post Office is one of the options for sending a letter abroad. Through it you can send it practically to every corner of the Earth. However, the delivery time of a letter depends on the distance between the sender’s country and the addressee. The Polish Post Office recognises parcels in designated spheres – A, B, C and D. Group A includes all European countries (together with Cyprus or Israel). A priority letter to this zone should arrive within 3 working days. An economy letter may take slightly longer.

Group B comprises the countries of North America and Africa. Zone C includes countries in South America, Central America and Asia. Group D is Australia and Oceania. It is estimated that a priority letter arrives in zones B, C and D within 5 working days. An economy letter goes longer.

How much does it cost to send a letter abroad through the Polish Post?

The price for sending a priority letter abroad depends on the weight of this thin parcel. The amount starts from PLN 18.90 to all zones (A, B, C, D).

How to send a letter abroad by courier?

The Polish Post Office is not the only option for sending a letter abroad. A similar service is also offered by the most popular courier companies, e.g. DPD, DHL, FedEx. Before you send a letter using any of these carriers, find out what the international postage rates are for each of them.

How do I address a letter abroad?

Addressing a letter abroad is not very different from completing classic domestic letters. All the necessary elements and information must be on the front, plain side of the envelope. Don’t forget – it goes without saying – the postage stamp, usually purchased at the post office or kiosk. You can affix this graphic rectangular motif yourself or have a postal worker do it for you. Underneath the stamp space, you should enter the recipient’s details (starting with a courtesy phrase) – everything should fit on four parallel lines. The first field is for the name of the addressee of the international letter, the second for the exact address, the third for the postal code and the town, and the fourth for the name of the country where the thin parcel should go (preferably in English and Polish). The address details of the sender of the international letter should also be included on the left-hand side of the envelope. These are most of the aspects you should pay attention to when you are thinking about how to address a letter abroad.

Remember that the address of the recipient to be included on the letter abroad must comply with the norms and rules of the country in question.

How do I send a letter abroad? Envelope types, packaging

Letters are sent in envelopes. Itis best to choose a model made of the highest quality paper. The sturdier the material, the more likely it is that the letter will reach the addressee intact. The sturdy, durable, strong paper envelope in which the letter is placed protects it perfectly against dirt and minor mechanical damage.

You can therefore choose between white or brown paper envelopes, coloured envelopes.

However, envelopes for letters have a certain size and thickness. Multi-page dissertations, contracts, documents will not fit in here. Some people might reply that, in that case, you should pack them in a sturdy cardboard box. Nothing could be further from the truth! Help is at hand with durable bubble envelopes and foil packs. The former are ideal for shipping smaller items or thick document files. Clothes are most often shipped in foil packs – the packaging of choice for clothing shops. If you are wondering whether it is possible to send a parcel without a cardboard box – you will receive an affirmative answer.

Sending a letter abroad – RAJA will help!

It is already known that sending a letter abroad requires a few rules. The most important of these is to make sure that the envelope containing the document is properly protected. RAJA, a distinctive packaging company, can help you with the basic purchases. Not only can you find durable, traditional envelopes (in a variety of colours), but also their ‘expansions’ – foil-pack with a slippery, non-rigid surface and the popular bubble envelopes. The range is, however, more developed in the case of courier shipments – then we are talking not only about packaging (cardboard box), but also parcel fillers, adhesive tapes, warning labels, stretch film and bubble wrap.

How do I send a courier parcel abroad?

Sending a parcel (in the form of a cardboard box) abroad is not very different from sending a letter. In the first instance, it is worth finding out what affects the cost of a courier parcel. The price of sending a parcel is made up of various factors, including:

• weight, dimension, type of parcel,
• the type of carrier
• the distance between the sender and the recipient (two countries),
• the delivery time of the parcel,
• the correct packaging and securing of the consignment for dispatch,
• additional services.

Much also depends on the route the parcel will take – by road, rail, sea or air. All modes of transport differ. Read our compendium: Air freight – parcel shipping rules and waiting times.

It is worth knowing that knowing how to send a letter abroad is very similar to sending a courier parcel. The only difference is in the dimensions, weight, etc.

How to pack and secure a courier parcel when sending abroad?

Wondering how to pack parcels securely – especially when shipping abroad? Invest in strong, sturdy cardboard boxes (e.g. flap boxes ), made of sturdy cardboard: 3-ply, 5-ply or 7-ply. The cardboard box must fit the contents, while being neither too big nor too small.

The free spaces between the item being transported and the edge of the cardboard packaging should be filled with parcel fillers, e.g. flopak, skropak, air cushions, bubble wrap, packing paper.

Further items from the packaging industry that must be used when securing a courier parcel abroad are: adhesive tape (e.g. packing tape), stretch film, warning labels (preferably in English or having only distinctive symbols).

In the case of international shipments, it is worth investing in so-called moisture absorbers, which absorb moisture and water that could appear inside the carton during transport. Read more: To which parcels should you add moisture absorbers?

Remember that parcels to be shipped abroad will move between different handling warehouses – sometimes even for several weeks. The shipper should be aware of this and anticipate any damage that could occur during the route.