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Scenic sandy beach in Mexico with a wooden sunbed under palm trees facing the turquoise ocean

Sending a Postcard from Mexico: Postage, Stamps & Scams

From the beaches of Cancún to the cliffs of Tulum and the ruins of Chichén Itzá – all about Correos de México, stamps, delivery times, and why you should avoid tourist mailboxes.
Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash

Whether you are relaxing at a beachfront resort in Cancún, exploring the ancient ruins overlooking the sea in Tulum, or marveling at the Kukulcán pyramid in Chichén Itzá – Mexico is packed with perfect photo moments. Your loved ones back home will surely appreciate a real postcard.

However, mailing postcards from Mexico has its quirks. The national postal service operates differently than what you might expect, and there is a well-known „tourist mail trap“ in popular destinations that is both expensive and highly unreliable. Here is how to make sure your greetings actually reach home.

Last updated: June 2026

The Journey of Your Postcard in Mexico

It is always best to use the official postal service and drop your cards off directly at a post office to maximize the chance of delivery.
A Correos de México post office branch in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca
Photo by ProtoplasmaKid on Wikimedia Commons

Correos de México (Official Post Offices)

Official post offices of the national service Correos de México are recognized by their green logo. It is highly recommended to buy stamps (timbres) exclusively there. Souvenir shops in Cancún or Tulum might try to sell you expensive, unofficial stamps that are often invalid.
A store in Mexico with lots of colorful balloons hanging from the ceiling
Photo by Roger Ce on Unsplash

Watch Out: The Unofficial Mail Trap

Many souvenir shops and hotels display post boxes labeled „Mailbox“ or „Post“. They sell expensive, private stamps (e.g. Easy Mail) for three times the official postage rate. The problem: This mail is often kept for weeks or never forwarded. Avoid these private boxes entirely.
The post office in San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán with a delivery vehicle
Photo by Thayne Tuason on Wikimedia Commons

Dropping Off Your Postcard

Official mailboxes (buzón) are usually dark green or red. Since they are almost impossible to find in public spaces around Cancún and Tulum, you should drop your postcard off directly inside an official post office or use the mailbox there.

How much does postage from Mexico cost?

Official rates of Correos de México compared to real-world costs and delivery times for standard postcards to Europe.

Correos de México (Official Mail)

📮
Postcard (Souvenir Shop)approx. 15 MXN - 30 MXN (approx. $0.80 - $1.60 USD)
Stamp (Official Rate)approx. 15 MXN - 21 MXN (approx. $0.80 - $1.20 USD)
Total Cost per Cardapprox. 30 MXN - 51 MXN (approx. $1.60 - $2.80 USD)
Effort on VacationLocate an official post office, wait in line, find an official postbox
Delivery Time (Estimated)3 to 6 weeks (often longer, unreliable)
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Inspiration: Greetings from Mexico

“¡Hola! Greetings from Mexico! We are currently relaxing on the gorgeous beaches of Cancún and enjoying the Caribbean breeze. See you soon!”
“Sunny greetings from Tulum! The Mayan ruins situated right on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise ocean are beautiful. An unforgettable day!”
“Sending you love from Chichén Itzá! Seeing the Kukulcán pyramid in person is breathtaking. This postcard is making its long way home to you!”

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Frequently Asked Questions about Postcards from Mexico

Where can I buy stamps in Cancún or Tulum?

It is best to buy stamps (timbres) directly at an official Correos de México post office. There are small post office counters located in the Cancún Hotel Zone and in downtown Tulum. Avoid souvenir shops, as they often sell unofficial private stamps.

Is there a postcard scam in Mexico?

Yes. Some souvenir shops and hotels in tourist spots offer private mailboxes. They sell expensive private stamps (e.g. Easy Mail) at triple the official price. This mail is often held in bulk for weeks or never sent at all. Always buy stamps at the official post office.

Which mailboxes are safe to use in Mexico?

Only use the official dark green or red boxes of Correos de México, which are usually located right at the post office. Do not drop your postcards in private boxes in souvenir shops or hotels.

How long does a postcard from Mexico to Europe take?

Regular mail through Correos de México typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Because the service can be unreliable, some cards may take months or unfortunately never arrive.

How much is postage from Mexico to Europe?

International postage for a standard postcard to Europe is currently between 15 and 21 MXN (about $0.80 to $1.20 USD).