Living In USA

Recent years have seen a communication revolution. New digital technology, including the Internet, satellite communications, and fiber optics make getting your message — around the block or around the world — faster and, in most cases, cheaper. Still the old-fashioned ways are not yet displaced completely, and you will surely want to write a letter sooner or later.

Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service is sometimes criticized by Americans for losing mail and for being slow, especially in the large cities, where millions of pieces are handled daily. Deliveries are made once a day, but not on Sundays. Despite rising costs, however, the Postal Service remains one of our country's greatest bargains. The same stamp that carries your letter across town will just as inexpensively carry it across the country. There are still places in the U.S. where mail is delivered by airplane, and at least one village in the Grand Canyon receives its mail by pack mule! One quirk of the English language to keep in mind is that in the U.S., the Postal Service brings the mail (unlike in England, where the Royal Mail brings the post!).

There are often long lines at post offices, so it is a good idea to buy books of stamps or rolls of stamps to avoid frequent trips to the post office. For ordinary mail within the United States, buy a supply of first-class stamps; for overseas, buy a supply of air-letter forms or lightweight stationery and appropriate stamps. The cost for overseas postage varies from country to country, so you will have to ask. If you have these supplies for your normal daily needs, you can then drop your letters into the nearest mailbox and avoid standing in long lines at the post office. Remember, though, to have your letter weighed if you suspect it is over the allotted weight. If you must go to the post office, try to avoid the lunch hour and the four to five o'clock rush when every mailing clerk in the city is bringing in the day's office mail.

In the United States, zip codes follow the name of the city and state; they do not precede the city as in Europe, South America, and other places. The proper format within the U.S. is as follows:



Most post offices offer post office boxes, which can be rented for a period of months. You will be given a key or combination to pick up your mail. This can be very convenient if your stay will be short or if you move several times during your stay.

Remember to put your mail on "hold" while you are away for vacation or business, and to forward it when you move. This will prevent someone from intercepting your mail (and gaining access to your credit card and bank account numbers). Ask for instructions on how to do so at any post office.

Sending Money by Mail
If you want to send money abroad by mail, be sure to ask for an international postal money order. You must clearly specify that you want an international form.

Types of Mail Service
Inside the United States, all first-class mail is shipped by air without extra cost. An airmail indication is not needed on the envelope. If you want to be sure an important letter has been received, send it certified or ask for delivery confirmation. Be aware that certified mail travels more slowly, as it must be logged at each station along the way. For extra cost, it is possible to use express mail for overnight delivery.

The post office is only one of a growing number of express delivery companies, and prices for an overnight letter vary.