Time has really flown these past 9 years, hasn’t it? So many postcards delivered, and so many smiles sparked!

Thank you for being part of this journey and for all the happiness you spread into the world. Keep going!

Postally yours,

Postcrossing

“How fast time flies,” we often hear. And it really is. It’s been nine years since I exchanged postcards around the world.

I heard about some countries for the first time (Cape Verde, Guernsey) thanks to this hobby.

These are difficult times we live in. I can send postcards but I can’t receive them because my country is at war. But I really hope that after the victory everything will resume and I will be able to receive again from you beautiful views on postcards, read about your hobby and much more.

However, I really want to thank the postcrossing team for always supporting, connecting people around the world and not stopping there!

Postcrossing is a unique opportunity to send and receive real postcards by post in almost any country in the world. For free! Send out your own postcards with messages written in your own handwriting all over the world for someone else’s enjoyment! You can also receive cards from many different places around the world – every month you’ll get photos of new countries on your ‘map’. It’s easy to join: just follow this link.

Eight years ago I decided to join a wonderful service – Postcrossing. Today I received an email notifying me of this event.

There was a time when I didn’t send postcards for months and it was very boring without them. Especially during the quarantine period, when all the postal services around the world were very bad.

There have been many changes during that time and here are some of them that are mentioned on the forum and just my observations.

We are excited to announce that there are now over 1 million postcrossers around the world!

Since 2008, you have been sharing your thoughts on postcards with complete strangers. We are impressed by this global community of creative individuals who dedicate part of their time and resources to brighten other people’s days. To celebrate this milestone and give back to our loyal users, we wanted to share some exciting updates that we’ll be rolling out in the coming months:

The first update is a new design for the website.

We understand that the website is presently difficult to use on mobile devices — this is something we are working on and it is a major goal for us. Making the website more mobile-friendly (responsive) has taken longer than we would like, but we are committed to doing so. We're not releasing a mobile app, but we do intend for the website's mobile version to have comparable usability while ensuring that the entire website's functionality is accessible on all devices (and not just certain parts of it).

In addition, we would like to inform you that we will be migrating our servers next month. While the process should only take a few minutes, it is possible that your bookmark or link to postcrossing might not work. We encourage you to update any bookmarks and links so they point directly to us.

However, please rest assured that this migration does not mean we are shutting down postcrossing any time soon! Instead, this means we’ll be focusing our resources on adding even more features so everyone can enjoy postcrossing for many years to come.

This new milestone would not have been possible without each and every one of you – from those who have sent cards as far as Antarctica and Guernsey, to those from more remote parts of the world that have been sending us postcards from the smallest of towns.

We hope you continue to share your creativity and joy with others through postcrossing for a long time! Thank you again for making our world a more colourful place.

Sincerely,

The Postcrossing Team

Thank you for sticking around and filling the world with smiles, one postcard and one mailbox at a time. You’re brilliant!

1. Don’t forget to add your greeting or closing, name and address.
   
2. Inappropriate word choice can lead to ridiculousness and confusion, so be careful with what you write! Avoid using slang words . If someone doesn’t understand your message due to your wording, he/she will probably return the card back without even reading the rest of it.
   
3. Don’t forget to sign the card with your name so that people can easily find you on Facebook or somewhere else.
   
4. A postcard is not the place for expressing your political views, so don’t use this card to let your friends know what your political position is! It’s okay to just say “I’m fine” or “everything here is great”.
   
5. You also shouldn’t tell how much you miss them in the postcard if you are planning to visit home soon because it will give them false hope of meeting you sooner than expected. This might cause unnecessary stress and disappointment when their expectations aren’t met.
   
6. Don’t write too much !!! People don’t have enough time to read it before the bus arrives at their stop.
   
7. Don’t just write about your wonderful experiences in this country without giving any advice. It is an easy way to be forgotten quickly, so that people won’t meet you when they visit this place in the future. If you want to share some small exciting facts with them use bullet points instead of text paragraphs. They are more interesting and easier to read through!
   
8. If you don’t like writing postcards, you shouldn’t force yourself to do it and then not feel happy about your words and expressions! Write about what you love! Use your natural way of speaking while writing a postcard, otherwise it will be easy for people to see that something is wrong with what you wrote even if they don’t know exactly what it is .
   
9. Don’t forget to add destination or destination address on the other side (if there’s enough space for it). Please don’t make mistakes in basic grammar, punctuation and spelling! Your loved ones want to know where their relatives are but not an English teacher…
   
10. Do not write with a gel pen as you can smudge the ink with your hand or a drop of water will get on the card and smudge all the text!
    

When choosing a postcard, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your needs. Here are some tips to help guide you in your postcard selection process:

1. Types of postcards available: There are several different types of postcards available, including standard postcards, die-cut postcards, folded postcards, and more. Consider the purpose of your postcard and what message you want to convey, and choose the type of postcard that best fits your needs.
2. Size and shape: The size and shape of your postcard will also play a role in its overall effectiveness. Consider the size of the postcard in relation to the image or text that you want to include, and choose a size and shape that will allow you to effectively communicate your message.
3. Material and thickness: The material and thickness of your postcard will also impact its durability and ability to stand out in a crowded mailbox. Consider the type of paper or cardstock that you want to use, as well as the thickness of the material, to ensure that your postcard will be durable enough to survive the mailing process.
4. Printing quality: The quality of the printing on your postcard can also impact its overall effectiveness. Consider the resolution of the printing and the type of ink or toner that will be used. Make sure that the printing quality is high enough to produce a clear and vibrant image.
5. Printing service: When selecting a postcard printing service, consider factors such as cost, turnaround time, and customer reviews. Look for a printing service that offers high-quality printing, fast turnaround times, and competitive prices. Additionally, make sure that the printing service you choose offers customer support and can help you through the process if you have any questions or concerns.

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can choose the best postcard for your needs and ensure that it effectively conveys your message.

Hey there! Postcrossing is a global penpal community, with over 100k active members from all around the world. When you join, they’ll send you a postcard in the mail and ask you to write one back. It’s free and completely confidential so it’s not like anybody can see your stuff!

Besides getting in touch with somebody in another country, joining forces with somebody in your hometown for a collaborative project or just keeping in touch in an interesting way…

The Postcard ID is a trim code composed of two parts: the country code (letters) and a number (3 to 6 digits, depending on the popularity of the service in the country) which identifies the postcard in postcrossing. 

Example: US-12345678 (US for the United States of America, DE for Germany, NL - Netherlands, GG - Guernsey) 

Where Can I Get a Postcard ID?

To get a postcard ID, you must first join postcrossing. 

What is postcrossing, I think you already know ?

Click in your profile to send a postcard.

The system will automatically provide the address and profile of the recipient. Here you will see the ID you need to write on the postcard so that your recipient can register the postcard you are sending him.

Make sure you always write the correct postcard ID on each postcard. 

With the correct ID, the recipient will register it in postcrossing.

I want to add one more thing ☝️ Only postcards exchanged within the service have postcard IDs. Any direct swap in which you participate with other participants do not have postcard IDs.

Be sure to follow specific, simple rules to write your postcard ID correctly so that your recipient will register the postcard you send.

If you don’t already know what is postcrossing is, it’s time to learn this new hobby for yourself.

Where do I get a postcard ID to send a postcard?

These details (address, recipient information to send the postcard, and postcard ID number) will come to your mailbox, your email.

This ID number (US-12345678) should be written on the left side of the postcard. 

On the official website recommends writing the ID twice: if one of them becomes unreadable for some reason in transit, e.g., the letter carrier can put a stamp on your ID).

That’s exactly what I do. I put the ID number at the top, between the stamps, or at the end of the message. I also put it in front of the address or on the side of the address.

Keep in mind a few helpful hints to write your ID correctly on your postcard.

✅What to do :

• Be sure to write the postcard ID number on the left side of the postcard (the direction of the text does not matter, you can write horizontally or vertically);
• As I said above, write the ID on the postcard more than once in case the postcard is damaged;
• Double-check the ID to make sure you wrote it correctly. The Postcrossing service is secure, so if not, you’ll have to write a private message to your recipient and ask them to register your postcard.
• If you write the ID above or below the address, be sure to highlight it with colored markers, pens, pencils. I do this so that the ID is not mistaken for a zipcode.

❌ What not to do :

• Write the numbers correctly and clearly. Use large letters/digits and also highlight with markers or other colors;
• Be attentive and write the ID on the left side of the card (the direction of the text can be any);
• Write the ID on the card more than once;
• Check the information and ID number several times, including the country code, to see if you wrote it correctly.

Good luck!

Sending a blank card is rude and not fair to the postcrosser.

I don’t think you’d like the fact that you got a blank postcard.

So you have to be as imaginative as possible and satisfy your recipient.

What is Postcrossing? - My Guide

How To Fill Out A Postcard

The purpose of a postcard is to send news about your adventures, but it will never reach its destination if you don’t write down the address and seal it up with stamps!  It’s important that you follow these guidelines on writing a postcard:

1. Use a pen to fill in the sender’s address.

2. Write the recipient’s name and address on the postcard.

3. Write the address of the person who will be receiving the postcard, including their name, postal code and country.

4. Seal up your postcard with stamps, then drop it into a mailbox!

Below you will read more about this…

Best Way How To Write A Postcard

Signing a postcard is an important way to personalize the message and show the recipient that you have taken the time to send a thoughtful message. Here are some tips for signing your postcard correctly:

Use your full name: If you are writing to someone you don’t know well, it is best to sign your full name. If you are writing to a close friend or relative, you can use a familiar nickname or just your first name. Be sure to write legibly so that your message can be easily read.

Write legibly: Make sure your signature is easy to read. If you are writing by hand, consider printing your name rather than signing in cursive, especially if your handwriting is hard to read.

Sign below the message: Place your signature below the message, leaving enough space between the message and signature so that the recipient can easily read both.

Use the right pen: Choose a pen that writes clearly and will not smudge. A fine-point felt tip pen or a ballpoint pen is usually a good choice. Avoid using a fountain pen, as the ink may smudge during transit.

Finally, don’t forget to include your address and the date!

Consider adding a date: Adding the date to your postcard can help the recipient remember when they received it and make it a keepsake for years to come.

Glue Postcard Stamps

But before you start decorating your postcard you should first glue the postage stamps on. Read in this article how many to glue and how much, I reviewed this in more detail.

1) The first option is to dampen the postal stamp using a sponge. You may either use a tweezers to grasp the stamp and run it across a moistened sponge or use a light touch and glide the sponge over the back of the stamp. Make careful not to make the glue too wet, as it will slide around on the paper before sticking. When sealing, apply pressure along all corners and edges.

2) You can also use a glue stick or a glue runner if the glue on the stamp’s back has lost its adhesion. This is more time-consuming, so make sure you’re using a long-lasting adhesive rather than a repositionable one.

3) The third option is to moisten the stamp with saliva. However, I do not recommend this because keep in mind that any postage stamp has glue on it, and any particles of glue may remain on your tongue. Once again, I do not suggest doing this, but I know individuals who have done it in this manner.

In a nutshell, the stamps should be glued in the upper right corner

Write the Recipient’s Address Correctly

Once you’ve glued the stamps on, move on to filling out the address.

Rewrite the address carefully, especially all the numbers. If you misspell the address, your card will never reach the recipient, so be careful.

If the address is written only on the postcard, it must be written strictly according to the scheme: Name, House Number and Street. There should be no abbreviations or words from other languages.

The order of writing elements may vary depending on the language used in a particular country, so check the rules for your country before you start writing. It’s better to ask a native speaker about how it should look like if there are doubts about correctness of one’s own handwriting.

In English-speaking countries , house number can be placed either just after street name or after all the elements separated with a hyphen.

Don’t make mistakes when you sign a postcard.

A quick note for those who want to know how to send a postcard via postcrossing

Write the recipient’s address in the appropriate place (bottom right). The address is usually written after you click “Send postcard”.

If you accidentally close the tab on your computer with the recipient’s address, don’t worry! Go to your email account and there you will find a duplicated email with all the data, address, postcard ID and description of the recipient profile.

Postcrossing is safe, so don’t worry about that.

What To Write In The Postcard?

Sending a postcard is a great way to send greetings and show someone you are thinking of them, whether you are on vacation or just want to send a quick note. Here are some tips for what to write in your postcard (I’m just sharing my experience):

1. Greet the recipient: Start by addressing the person you are sending the postcard to. Use their name or a familiar nickname if you know them well. A simple “Dear Amanda”, “Hey Buddy”, “Hey Dude” can set a warm tone for the message.
2. Write about your experiences: If you are on vacation, describe the sights, sounds, and experiences that have made the trip memorable for you. If you are writing from home, share news or interesting events that have happened recently (The sunsets in Bali are breathtaking, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink). If you’re penning a postcard from home, share interesting events or news that have occurred recently. It could be something as exciting as a new job or as simple as your garden blooming with colorful flowers.
3. Personalize the message: Add a personal touch by including a special memory or inside joke. This will make the postcard more meaningful and memorable for the recipient. For example, you can tell about how you both got caught in the rain while hiking and had to hide under a small umbrella, laughing until your sides hurt. Or how, for example, I recently got really lost in the mountains with my wife. It wasn’t a very fun adventure, but thank God we found a path and followed it to the hiking trail. Such personal anecdotes or stories create a deep emotional connection and make the card more meaningful when filled out.
4. Keep it brief: A postcard is a quick and simple way to communicate, so keep your message short and to the point. Aim for a few brief paragraphs or a list of highlights. Your goal is to captivate the recipient’s attention without overwhelming them with text.
5. Use Descriptive Language: To make your postcard come alive, use descriptive language. Instead of saying, “I saw a beautiful sunset”, you can say, “I witnessed a breathtaking sunset that painted the sky in a symphony of warm hues”. This allows the recipient to visualize and feel what you experienced.
6. Put a sticker on: I personally always put my country’s flag or slogan (Keep Calm and…). You can put whatever you want, especially personalized if you know the person you are sending to when you sign a postcard.
7. Shipping date and weather: I always write the shipping date and sometimes even the time, as well as the weather. It’s always interesting to know what conditions the person was in and what they were going through when they signed the card.
8. Signature, autograph: as many people, so many different handwritings and signatures. Some psychologists even manage to make a psychological characteristic of a person based on handwritings. I haven’t checked. What do you think?
9. End with a closing: Conclude your message with a closing such as “Take care,” “Best wishes,” or “All the best”! Be sure to sign your name, either by hand or by typing it.

I would also like to add that a postcard is not just a piece of paper, but a container of your thoughts, feelings and emotions. By following the tips in this guide, you will be able to create cards that will touch the hearts of your recipients wherever they are in the world. So grab a pen, start filling out your postcard, and let your cards become treasured keepsakes for those you care about.

You might also benefit from my personal 25 tips on what to write in your postcard!

Show more creativity

Creative people show a maximum flight of fancy when they want to surprise the postcrosser.

Besides expanding their geographical knowledge and improving their English level (applies to people where English is not their primary language) postcrossers express themselves very creatively in signing cards.

People decorate postcards with interesting drawings, colored scotch tape and even decoupage. Look what postcard I received from Ukraine – Lviv

What should I write on my postcard to make another postcrosser happy?

People write different kinds of postcards, anything from their favorite national food recipe to their own or their favorite poem. Sometimes people are asked to recommend a favorite national movie or just write about their business or hobbies.

In the letter they usually write about happy events, for example a holiday or a birthday or they send greetings from relatives or friends. They also ask if everything is okay with the addressee of the letter and how he/she feels there.

In modern times people more often chat via phone, by means of a computer, SMS text messages etc., it is easier that way too. And then e-mails have come into fashion in these days of the Internet .

A lot has changed, but one thing remains important: you can always deliver your greetings faster with letters and postcards than any other way of communication! You get used to written letters very quickly after some time.

Untill some decades ago people often bought or had some postcards with pictures on them, where they could write something on the picture itself.

But today you can adapt yourself to any kind of old fashioned writing paper, drawing your own pictures on it, using the computer program Paint for instance, decorating it with stickers etc., and then putting that into an envelope.

Of course you want to send greetings in a way that will be welcomed by the addressee!

You don’t have to address his/her birthday too directly because maybe he/she is not allowed to receive mail at work but rather has chosen another day instead of his/her birthday for celebrating with family or friends.

Sending regards for this special holiday is enough anyway!

Very often people simply write about how they spent their weekend or what’s bothering them right now.

Sometimes you can get a postcard with very interesting holiday greetings or learn about a person’s new hobbies.

Try to read the person’s profile on the site carefully and fully match what the person wants to receive.

My main themes for postcards are theater, soccer, beer, landmarks, black and white, musical instruments, pin-up and others.

My main themes for postcards are usuallytheater, soccer, beer, landmarks, black and white, musical instruments, pin-up, travel or “presentation of a place”. I would describe my personal experiences that are related to the country, culture, religion. For example:

Do you know what kind of bread is called “panini”? I can recommend it to you as an Italian prize-winning food!

But the best thing about the postcard should be your own opinion about this place and some information about your life there. What will you write?

The first sentence must require reflection, whereas the second part invites the reader to take action through sharing useful tips or recommendations

So most often I get postcards with these illustrations and read similar stories on them.

Postcrossing for children

Please note that postcrossing is also very interesting for children. You will receive postcards signed by children or have to sign a postcard for a child. 

Sometimes it’s adorable when a 4 or 6-year-old child will sign a postcard for you. 

In the process of this hobby, you are sure to get several of these postcards.

Do you have to include a return address on a postcard?

No, you don’t have to include a return address on a postcard. However, if you do include a return address, the post office will be able to return your card to you if it gets lost or damaged in transit.

Additionally, including a return address will allow the recipient to write back to you if they so choose. So while it’s not required, including a return address on your postcard can be beneficial.

This is an excellent question! First of all its FREE 😉

If you came to this site, you already know what Postcrossing is and what this system of exchanging postcards worldwide is for. Why should you join other participants, and what benefits can you get for yourself?

Postcrossing is a collaborative system of exchanging postcards worldwide for the purpose of connecting people from different countries. Some join because they want to share their love, while others are looking forward on making new friends or even discovering an unknown culture abroad; but no matter what your reason may be why not give it try?

What is Postcrossing - A Quick Guide

People are weaned on the mail. Regular mail, not email. You have a great opportunity to change that!

Every day more and more people join postcrossing as people miss the human interaction, meeting people with interests and simply for the beautiful views of countries and cities depicted on postcards.

I like to open my mailbox because it’s an exciting and unpredictable surprise waiting for me every time.

The person (sender) has signed a postcard for me, and I am always curious and interested to know who this person is, what the weather is like in their city, what they are into, and more. These are the aspects written on my profile because I am interested in them. 

A few years ago, I Yet wrote a request on my profile for the sender to leave their autograph since everyone’s signatures are different and inherently unique!

This is what unites us all around the world – exchanging postcards.

Don’t you want to get into Postcrossing yet?

If you are looking for an exciting and interesting hobby, which does not require large financial outlays and brings maximum pleasure to all family and friends (especially kids love postcrossing), then this is what you need!

P.S. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the country, traditions, and customs.

Sometimes people even make arrangements to meet each other, visit, meet family and become best friends.

I think it’s time to register on the site and sign your first postcard!

A postcard is a letter sent through the postal service. They’re often used as gestures of greeting or farewell, and in some cases may carry important information like donations for charity causes you care deeply about!

The way people communicate with each other has changed dramatically over time due to technology so it’s essential that we keep up-to date on old traditions such as sending letters by mail from one person overseas who can’t get online most days (or even just because).

Every day at least 35 million cards are mailed all across Europe – how many will ever make their way here? That said there’s nothing better than receiving an amazing hand written note saying “Hi”!

Postcrossing is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture of different countries. For instance, on top of learning about one another, Postcrossing can teach you how to speak Grammatical German by correcting mistakes in your card’s message.

Postcrossing is also great at re-introducing you to various cultures that may have once been lost to you throughout past wars or hard times. Every day people are finding new friends all over the world with the help of postcards. There are lots of reasons why you should join postcrossing! 🙂

Postcrossing is a great educational hobby for your child.

Answer:

I know what you’re thinking: “Postcrossing for children?! What even is that?”

Well, it’s basically a social experiment. We find people all over the world and let them send postcards to their pen pals kids in specific countries.

The pen pals can be any age and from any country, but they have to live within the same geographical region as the children we send cards to (e.g., Canada).
What makes this project really unique?

Answer: It gives children a say in how they make friendship connections! They get to send postcards and pick out what they want their new friendships to be like.

In addition to a hobby, it is also an excellent opportunity to learn a language.

Postcrossing is a fascinating activity that is popular all over the world. People from different countries exchange postcards, envelopes in which they put postcards and surprises. 

This envelope came from France.
Camille met all my needs, namely postcards of theater, nature, a black and white postcard including a poster of the French national soccer team and a number of other surprises.

Children like it no less than adults. First, you need to register on the site and fill out a profile.

The official language on the site and in correspondence is English. If your child is already learning English, the new hobby will help practice what they have learned. 

If not yet, you will have to help sign postcards and read the text on your kids received. Perhaps this will help your child become interested in learning other foreign languages.

Today’s children don’t have idea how regular mail works, not e-mail, stamps, and where to glue stamps. They don’t know the feeling of anticipation when you open the mailbox and there’s a surprise waiting for you.

There is so much to learn about life in other countries, children, their hobbies and interests! After receiving a postcard from a new country, it is fascinating to look for the country on the map or globe with your parents, read about it on Wikipedia or other sources.

There are quite a few children’s profiles on the postcrossing site. Some of them are created by moms for their very young children to build a collection for them. 

The other part is personal profiles created with the help of grandparents and moms and dads. 

Children ages four, five and up enjoy picking up cards to send, gluing stamps and stickers, decorating them with stamps or drawings.

When my niece was 8 years old, she started to sign postcards, glue stickers and different appliques on postcards. She really liked this idea.

After a few years she registered her own profile and started exchanging postcards.

When we get together on various holidays, we always show each other postcards.

Introduce your child to the whole world with postcrossing and be sure to study the article on how to join postcrossing.

Here I will give a quick guide so that you know – how to join postcrossing and do it correctly and without mistakes.

Postcrossing,  a hobby that allows you to connect with people from all over the world by exchanging postcards. You can join this international community right now! Here are some reasons why it’s a great hobby to have:

– Make new friends all over the globe through postcards

– Get interesting cards from other members around the world

– Share your culture and learn about different cultures at the same time

Join today! The registration process is quick and easy, so don’t hesitate. Postcrossing is more than just swapping cards; it’s an opportunity for you to make meaningful connections with people across the world.

1. To join postcrossing, go to the official website – postcrossing.com
2. Fill in your English profile (so anyone can understand what you’re writing about) and give your home address. It will be visible only to members of the system and those who will send you a postcard. Don’t worry, postcrossing is safe.

Suppose you are not from the U.S. or another European or Asian country. In that case, I suggest that you duplicate your address in your local language to make it easier for the letter carriers to figure out who to deliver the card or envelope to. 

Many people do this for convenience because many participants do not write the postcard address, print it out, and stick it on the postcard.

For example, if you are from China or Japan, then write your address in your English profile (international language) and write below in hieroglyphs.

I think with this all is clear. Let’s move on…

3. It’s time to send the first postcards!

Often beginner postcrossers are faced with a little problem. This problem is – What to write on the postcard and how to sign the postcard correctly?

First of all, we need to talk about the security of this service and talk about whether it is safe to participate in postcrossing.

Postcrossing is an online platform that connects people from all over the world by exchanging postcards. It has been growing in popularity in recent years, attracting millions of users from different countries. However, there are concerns among some users about the safety of the platform.

You may be wondering if it’s safe to join the postcrossing community. That’s a good question- as you explore this new hobby, you’ll come across other members from all over the world.

The answer is that yes, it is safe to join and participate in postcrossing! There are many benefits of giving this fun hobby a try: like learning about different cultures and making friends with people from around the globe.

You will also find plenty of interesting cards and messages waiting for you on your dashboard every day! So what are you waiting for? Join today and start exploring!

I can assure you that you will not experience any problems because the developers of this service have made every effort to no personal information outside the site, so no fraudster can not use it.

The Postcrossing website is designed without any risk to you. 

                                What Is Postcrossing?

What exactly did the developers and administrators of this project for the safety of the participants?

• No person can not see your address. The address will be revealed only to those people who will send you a postcard.

• In Postcrossing, postcards are selected completely randomly among all accounts in this system, so your address is only given to a select few members who will send you a postcard. To learn more about this, see how Postcrossing works.

• The system also uses MAPS. All maps displayed in Postcrossing are approximate and do not show the exact address. The coordinates used show the geometric center of the nearest major city you have selected in your account. The lack of accuracy is intentional, ad hoc, and intended to protect your privacy.

• You might ask: What happens to my data that I provide when I sign up? I can quote the official source: “Your personal data stored at Postcrossing is not sold or shared with any third party. No one will have access to your data without your explicit permission, as stated in our Privacy Policy.”

I’d like you to add a little extra information from me. Your address will be shown to several project members who will send you postcards (as described above) because that is the only way to get postcards; there is no other way. 

In addition, the information you post on your profile, such as the text and your Postcrossing username, is publicly available. 

You can always leave out your real name; you can include your nickname from school or just a nickname or alias. 

The Postcrossing team takes the protection of user data and information very seriously, and implements various measures to ensure the security of their users’ information.

One of these measures is the use of encryption. All sensitive information, such as login credentials and personal information, is encrypted to protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

The Postcrossing website is also hosted on secure servers with robust security protocols in place. Regular security updates and scans are performed to detect and address any potential vulnerabilities.

In addition, the Postcrossing team implements strict access controls to sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the data.

The privacy of users is a top priority for the Postcrossing team, and they take all necessary measures to protect user information and data. If you have any further questions about the security of the service, you can reach out to the Postcrossing team for more information.

So only share what you want to tell other people.

Simple Steps to Keep Your Information Safe

While the Postcrossing team takes a number of measures to ensure the protection of user data and information, there are also steps that users can take to protect their own privacy while using the service:

1. Use a pseudonym or nickname instead of your real name: This is a simple way to keep your real identity private.
2. Be careful about the information you share in your profile: Consider the information you post on your profile, such as your interests and hobbies, as publicly available information.
3. Be mindful of the photos you share: Avoid sharing personal photos that might give away your location or personal information.
4. Keep your password secure: Choose a strong password and never share it with anyone.
5. Use a secure connection: When accessing the Postcrossing website, be sure to use a secure connection, such as HTTPS.
6. Keep your software up-to-date: Make sure to keep your operating system and internet browser up-to-date to ensure the highest level of security.

By taking these steps, users can help to protect their privacy while using the Postcrossing service.

Unique Features and Measures to Protect User Data

Postcrossing sets itself apart from similar services in several ways that contribute to its safety and security for users.

1. Unique User Identifiers: Postcrossing assigns each user a unique identifier, so there is no need to share personal information such as your name or address publicly. This adds an extra layer of privacy protection for users.
2. Random Selection of Addresses: The system selects postcard recipients randomly, so your address is only given to a select few members who will send you a postcard. This reduces the chance of your information getting into the wrong hands.
3. Approximate Map Display: The maps displayed in Postcrossing are approximate and do not show the exact address, providing a level of privacy protection.
4. Privacy Policy: The official source states that personal data stored on the Postcrossing site is not sold or shared with any third party and that no one will have access to your data without your explicit permission, as stated in their Privacy Policy.
5. Data Encryption: Postcrossing uses data encryption to protect users’ personal information and ensure that it is transmitted securely.
6. Secure Servers: The Postcrossing team takes security seriously and uses secure servers to store user data and information, reducing the risk of hacking or data breaches.

Overall, Postcrossing’s unique features and security measures make it a safe and secure option for users who want to connect with people from around the world through the exchange of postcards.

After conducting thorough research and taking into account various factors such as user feedback, the platform’s privacy policies, and the measures in place to protect user data, it can be concluded that Postcrossing is generally safe to use. However, as with any online platform, it is important to exercise caution and take steps to protect your personal information. This includes using a strong password, avoiding sharing sensitive information with strangers, and being mindful of the information you post online. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of Postcrossing without worrying about your safety.

Therefore, postcrossing is safe. Hurry up and sign postcards!

If you came to my site and are reading this article, I’ll try to explain Postcrossing to you and answer the question: What is Postcrossing and why does it make me and other people happy?

These days, everything is done online and people are weaned off of holding a pen or marker. When you ride the subway or bus, every other person is holding a smartphone and reading the news or playing games on it.

But we are not like that, are we? Although we also like to check our email or watch YouTube. What I sure love to do is when I see a notification on my smartphone – “HURRAY” – it means that my postcard has reached its recipient and the recipient has registered it in the Postcrossing system and written me some warm, nice words.

Who Invented Postcrossing?

Postcrossing was founded by Paulo Magalhães, a software developer from Portugal. He created the platform in 2005 as a way to connect people from all over the world through the exchange of postcards. The idea behind Postcrossing was to bring a little piece of the world to people’s homes and to help promote cross-cultural understanding.

Today, Postcrossing has millions of registered users from over 200 countries and is one of the largest online communities for postcard exchange.

His idea was to connect people around the world, regardless of their location, age, gender, race or beliefs. “Postcards make the world a happier place”, the Portuguese is convinced.

What Is Postcrossing?

So, what is Postcrossing and why do people want to sign a postcard with their hands, glue stamps and especially enjoy receiving a postcard in their personal mailbox?

As you have already understood, we are talking about postcrossing, a free service with which you can exchange postcards around the world. It is to receive postcards to your home mail, not email. Do not confuse the two. You will receive only email notifications if your postcard has reached its destination!

Postcrossing will turn your home mailbox into a box full of surprises and excitement.

How You Got Started With Postcrossing

Postcrossing is a free online platform and community of people who exchange postcards with people from all over the world. Participants register on the site and are given a unique address to send the first postcard (country ID and code). After sending the postcard, they receive another participant’s address to send another postcard. This process continues, allowing people to receive postcards from all over the world and send postcards to different countries in return.

Postcrossing is a fun and unique way to connect with people from different cultures and learn about different parts of the world through postcards and stamps received.

How Many Postcards Can I Send?

The essence of Postcrossing is that by registering for free on the official site you get randomly 5 addresses of postcrossers from around the world and sign postcards to them. The more you send, the more the limit for receiving and sending will be opened.

However, it’s important to note that each postcard you send must be unique and sent to a different member.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that postcrossing is meant to be a fun and personal way of connecting with others, and not a mass-mailing exercise. Sending postcards at a reasonable pace and taking the time to write a personal message and choose a special stamp can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and the recipient.

How Do I Get Postcards?

You get exactly as many cards as you send. 

Answering the question of what is postcrossing also want to tell about it.

New postcrossers can send a maximum of 5 postcards. Accordingly, you will also receive about 5. As soon as the first postcard arrives, you will have the opportunity to send a new one. 

If you live in Europe, then the postcard to Russia can take from 2 to 4 weeks. Everything is very relative. It all depends on how close the country is. The closer it is, the faster it will reach you.

What is a Postcard ID and where can I get one?

The postcrossing system automatically writes a code with a country ID and a number that your recipient registers the postcard on the site. 

Postcard ID is a small, unique code. It consists of two parts. The first part is a country code, the second part is a number.

US-12345678 (US - United States of America, DE - Germany etc)

As soon as the recipient registers the postcard, i.e. enters the country code and number, your address will be opened to the recipient and he or she will send you the postcard.

You won’t know from whom or what country the postcard will come to you, but I’m sure you’ll be very much looking forward to the letter carrier who will put it in your mailbox. It will be a very good surprise.

What Should I Write On My Postcrossing Profile?

Is Postcrossing Safe?

Very often when I explain to my friends or colleagues at work what Postcrossing is they ask me: Is it safe?

People are afraid that someone can use your residential address or some personal data.

The developers of this wonderful service, of course, took every precaution to keep all of your information private. 

I and my friends have NEVER had to deal with any type of scam or unfortunate events with this service. All information you put in your profile is up to you. You can make any settings in your account more confidential. 

For example, so no one can see your email or date of birth. It’s up to you to choose. I want to say right away that your address will only be seen by community members and only those people who will get a chance to send you a postcard. 

You will have a personal page with your nickname. People will see your profile but no one will see your address. Do not worry about that. You can always put your nickname instead of your real name.

If you don’t want to put your physical address, you can open a mailbox at your post office and put your mail address.

Post Stamps

If you’re a philatelist and like collecting stamps, you’ll have a great opportunity to get stamps from all over the world. Sometimes people glue really historic or old stamps. For that, I am very grateful to them.

Postcrossing has been such a hoot for me and everyone involved that getting postcards has become a goal! Getting a postcard from Elizabeth II or an envelope from the island of Guernsey…

Receiving postcards with unique handwriting was the most interesting and exciting adventure. Seeing a picture of another world and touching another culture on a postcard. No travel show can replace that experience.

Direct SWAP Postcrossing – What is it?

But this is not the only way to exchange postcards. The service also provides for direct swap.

That is, you can offer any participant of postcrossing from any country to exchange postcards on a topic of interest to both of you.

For example, I write a private message in the system with the exchange of not only postcards, but also to exchange tickets to the theater or the bus (I always like to look at these things from other countries). It all depends on your hobbies. 

I once even sent a wine cork because the person I was sending the envelope to was a winemaker. After that I started collecting wine corks too.

Sending postcards has become very popular today and is gaining momentum. Especially a lot of people joined during the lockdown (COVID-19) because people had a lot of free time and people wanted to be closer to each other.

So I suggest you register on the site for free and send your first few postcards. And, of course, read my quick guide on how to join postcrossing!

Postcrossing Hobby

Looking ahead, I would like to say that I have been into it for over 7 years now and it is my most devoted hobby. Almost all of my family and friends are into it as well. We love to get together on holidays and look at each other’s cards. 

What’s a birthday if friends come over and you haven’t signed a couple of postcards?

You’ll ask, “What’s the fun in that?”. You can email or messenger a person. Yes, you’re right! But the fun is that you sign a postcard to a stranger whose profile you’ve read on the site and you also get a postcard from a stranger who will write you a recipe for a favorite meal or how he spent his summer, etc. 

It all depends on your preferences, on what you write in your profile. When you fill out your profile, you’ll be sure to write about it all. I’ll help you with that.

My Short Experience

As an avid postcard collector and enthusiast, I have been deeply involved in the world of postcrossing for over 9 years. From the moment I discovered the hobby, I was instantly captured by the excitement of connecting with people from all over the world through postcard exchange. It’s especially interesting to read different handwritings. A little tip: Lately, I’ve been asking people to autograph their handwriting on postcards as well.

How Many Postcards I Sent And Received

Every year my passion for postcrossing has only grown stronger. I’ve sent and received postcards from countless countries (about 300 sent and received) and I’ve learned about different cultures, customs and lifestyles along the way. The relationships I’ve built through postcrossing have enriched my life in countless ways and made me appreciate the simple joys of communication and connection.

With over 9 years of postcrossing experience, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding of this wonderful hobby. Whether you are an experienced postcrosser or just starting out, I strive to share my passion for postcrossing with others and help them experience the joy and excitement it brings to my life every day.

As I’ve written before I’ve sent about 300 postcards. That’s not much actually in 9 years, as my student has already sent over 2,000. But it is also influenced by facts that happen in life or crashes like the war in my country.

My Experience with Postcrossing and the Relationships I’ve Formed Through the Hobby

One of the most interesting aspects of postcrossing for me has been communicating with people from all over the world. Through postcrossing, I have connected with people from countries as far away as Guernsey, Australia and South Africa, as well as from many countries closer to home, i.e. Europe.

These connections allowed me to expand my cultural horizons and learn about different lifestyles, languages and traditions. I had the opportunity to send postcards to people in countries with rich cultural history, such as China and Greece, but also to countries with stunning natural beauty, such as Norway and New Zealand among others.

It was an ordinary day when I received a small rectangular envelope in the post. When I opened it, I was immediately struck by the bright colours of the postcards inside. They were from the UK, a country that I have always admired for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage and of course football! By the way, I even have postcards from Buckingham Palace itself. You can read how to do that in my article.

Looking through the postcards, I was delighted to find a small magnet depicting the quaint houses. I willingly hung the magnet on my fridge, where it became a constant source of inspiration for me.

But the surprises didn’t end there. To my surprise, there was also an article about Leeds United football club among the postcards. A used stadium ticket for a football match, a transport ticket and a wonderful wall decoration, in the form of a small poster from the UK has become one of my most treasured possessions, a symbol of the bonds I have formed through this amazing hobby.

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This envelope, like various others from the UK, will always hold a special place in my heart and I am grateful for the incredible experiences and relationships I have gained through postcrossing.

Overall, my experience with postcrossing has really changed my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with people from so many different countries and cultures.

If you need help registering and filling out your profile, be sure to use my tips on how to sign a postcard, how to properly fill out your profile, where to put stamps, what to write on the postcard, etc. so that your first postcards are sure to reach your recipients!