Using 2 x 1st class stamps for international postage

benawhile

Hi

Does a 1st or 2nd class stamp without a price on it increase in value as postage rates increase, and does that apply to using them for international postage?

For example, I have 2  x 1st class barcoded Prince Charles head stamps purchased before April, for £1:10 each. If they are now worth £1:35 each, are two of them sufficient for International postage, which is now £2:50 ?

I suppose I could call them.

Edit

Except I can't call them, like the rest of UK monopolies with the UK's continuing strange relationship with the telephone, the Post Office have no telephone help service.

Sent a request via online form, but Ineeded to know the answer last night to send a birthday card on time.

elsien

They are the value of whatever the stamps are now, So yes, they do increase in value.
I don’t see why you couldn’t use them for international postage. I use mine for special delivery.

soolin

2 first class stamps will cover a letter to Europe under 100g, remember to add an airmail sticker as well.

benawhile

Many thanks indeed,

Martyn_H

soolin said:

2 first class stamps will cover a letter to Europe under 100g, remember to add an airmail sticker as well.

Airmail stickers weren't necessary for European destinations when I worked for Royal Mail unless things have changed.

soolin

Martyn_H said:

soolin said:

2 first class stamps will cover a letter to Europe under 100g, remember to add an airmail sticker as well.

Airmail stickers weren't necessary for European destinations when I worked for Royal Mail unless things have changed.

I’ve no idea whether they are required or not, but having a blue sticker identifies the letter as international- otherwise it might not get sorted quickly . My PO always added an airmail sticker and I had been to,d it meant it wouldn’t go surface mail instead. I’m not sure that surface mail even exists anymore though. 

misterthrifty

You can use 1st class stamps for any destination, including international. Unfortunately you can't always rely on the staff at RM being aware of this so it may be rejected.

benawhile

misterthrifty said:

You can use 1st class stamps for any destination, including international. Unfortunately you can't always rely on the staff at RM being aware of this so it may be rejected.

Thank you, so would it be advisable to write the senders name and address so a rejected letter can be returned to the sender, and the sender is charged rather than the recipient?

misterthrifty

I’ve no idea whether they are required or not, but having a blue sticker identifies the letter as international- otherwise it might not get sorted quickly . My PO always added an airmail sticker and I had been to,d it meant it wouldn’t go surface mail instead. I’m not sure that surface mail even exists anymore though. 

Yes it is, it's called 'International Economy' now. It should take a lot longer but I have found it often is as quick as Air so I suspect they don't bother to sort them.