What kind of postage does mail require going to and from an APO for Iraq?

Question

My husband's unit is mobiliznig in a few weeks and I was just thinking I'd send him with stamps for writing letters and I wondered if we use regular postage stamps, or if you need different postage when sending letters to a Soldier in Iraq. Thanks!

Answer 1

If its APO its just like mailing to someone in the US.

When he sends you any letters or a single CD that says "pictures" (different places are variably lenient on this) he can just write "free mail" where the stamp goes.  

Answer 2

It's been a while since I last wrote to an APO address from the U.S. but it only required regular U.S. postage at the time. I hope this helps.  

Answer 3

regular letters require regular postage

when sending a package, I reccommend using the flat rate boxes you get at the post office. There's no charge, and the post office I go to (I assume all of them would), give a $2 discount when using the flat rate box to send to an APO/FPO address.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Here's the info I sent to my husbands family he's deployed to, hope this helps!

So if he sends letters, and such he doesn't have to pay postage, but we do. Postage to send to him is only 1 stamp, since its going to a military base, we pay the same rate as paying in the states. However for packages, usps has this kit called "Military Care Kit" call 1-800-610-8734, There is no charge for the kit. The Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes included in the kit can be shipped to any APO/FPO in the world, regardless of weight, for $8.10. Each kit contains two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes. When you call you go through the prompts to order envelopes or whatever and when you speak to customer service just ask for the "Military Care Kit" let them know your son/brother is in Iraq, they will ask for your address and send the kit out to you. They will also give you a confirmation number, so you can reorder easily.

What you can't send:

Pressurized items

Chocolate or anything that can melt

Pornographic material

Alcohol

Religious Material

Anything that contains PORK

No WAR type materials or toys

Put anything that could leak or melt or has a scent in an zipper-style bag (zip lock bagging something along that line). DO NOT include food items in a care package with ANY hygiene items or chemicals of any type. If food is in the same box as something like soap in extreme heat, it can end up tasting like soap. So enclose hygiene items in a zipper-style bag.

Use a sturdy box and cover all previous labels and markings with heavy black marker or adherive labels. (They can confuse and slow down processing). Fill all extra space with foam, peanuts, newspaper, bubble wrap or popcorn. Double tape all seams with strong packing tape.

Take your package to the post office and fill out customs declaration and dispatch note. Postal services form 2976-A (Customs Form) is required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more. In addition, mailers must properly complete required customs documentation on any potentially dutiable mail addressed to an APO or FPO regardless of wieght.

All mail is subject to X-ray so fill out a customs form accurately. Not putting on there that there is an electrical device and putting a few bars of soap in may cause an innocent package to be blown to bits because it looks like an explosive device of some kind.

In the upper left corner, write your complete return address (packages without return address might be discarded).

It is recommended that you stop sending packages to your troop one month before they are expected home. Military bases usually stop all mail one month before redeployment.]

If you want more info on what you can send and such go ahead and im me on messenger I'll be happy to help!! From one wife to another!

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

He doesn't need stamps.  They should explain this to him, but he just writes "free mail" where the stamp would go.

Mailing something to him will cost standard postage.

Answer 7

My husband was in Afghanistan for a year, and I just sent regular stamps. While he was there, however, they are SUPPOSED to allow Soldiers to send mail for FREE. :) Have you husband ask the postmaster when he gets there if that is still an option.