Stunning coast of Mallorca at Cap de Formentor as postcard background

Sending a Postcard from Spain: Postage, Stamps & Delivery Times

From the streets of Barcelona to the dream beaches of Mallorca and Ibiza – everything you need to know about postage, private mail traps, and getting your greetings home safely.

Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash

¡Hola! Tapas, sangria, and endless sunshine – Spain is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Whether you are relaxing in a beautiful cove in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza), partying in Ibiza Town, or exploring Barcelona, sending a classic postcard home is a must.

However, watch out on the islands! Especially in Mallorca and Ibiza, many holidaymakers fall into the "stamp trap" of private operators. How much does real postage from Spain to the UK or Europe cost? Where can you buy stamps without being ripped off? And in which mailbox should you drop your cards? We explain the key facts for a stress-free postcard experience.

Last updated: June 2026

The Journey of a Postcard in Spain

If you use the official state postal system and choose the yellow mailboxes, you are on the safe side. Avoid private services on the islands.

A typical brown-yellow Tabacos (Estanco) sign in Spain

Photo by Juan Lupión licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Estanco (Local Tobacconist)

It is best to buy official stamps (sellos) at a local tobacco shop, known as an "Estanco" (marked by a brown and yellow sign with the word "Tabacos" or "Estanco"). Official post offices (Oficinas de Correos) often have long queues, making the Estanco the fastest option on the spot.

Yellow mailbox of the Spanish postal service Correos on a wall

Photo by Seri on Unsplash

The Yellow Mailbox (Correos)

The official mailboxes in Spain are bright yellow and feature the logo of the state postal service "Correos". You will find them in public squares, on street corners, and outside post offices. Make sure to only drop your cards here if you are using official Correos stamps.

Tourists in a street in Mallorca or Ibiza

Photo by Monika Guzikowska on Unsplash

Tourist Trap: Private Postal Services

Be especially careful in Mallorca and Ibiza! Souvenir shops often sell stamp stickers from private mail services (e.g., EasyPost, Post by me). These cards must not be dropped into the yellow Correos mailboxes, but only into the private boxes of that specific provider. These are rarely emptied, often resulting in extremely long delivery times or lost mail.

Language Guide: In the Estanco

With these simple Spanish phrases, you will get your stamps quickly and easily.

Where can I buy stamps?

🇪🇸¿Dónde puedo comprar sellos?

🗣️Don-de pue-do kom-prar sel-jos?

One stamp to Germany, please.

🇪🇸Un sello para Alemania, por favor.

🗣️Un sel-jo pa-ra a-le-ma-nja, por fa-wor.

Where is the nearest mailbox?

🇪🇸¿Dónde está el buzón más cercano?

🗣️Don-de es-ta el bu-son mas ser-ka-no?

Do you also have postcards?

🇪🇸¿Tienen también tarjetas postales?

🗣️Tje-nen tam-bjen tar-che-tas pos-ta-les?

Thank you very much and have a nice day!

🇪🇸¡Muchas gracias y buen día!

🗣️Mu-tschas gra-tsjas i buen di-a!

How much does postage from Spain cost?

Official rates of the national postal service Correos for standard postcards to Europe (as of: 2026).
Good to know: Postage in Mallorca or Ibiza costs exactly the same as on the Spanish mainland.

Local Facts (Correos)

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Postcard (Souvenir Shop)approx. 0.80 € - 1.50 €

Stamp (Europe, Zona A)2.00 € (Correos)

Real total cost per cardapprox. 2.80 € - 3.50 €

Effort during vacationSearch for Estanco, buy official stamps, find yellow mailbox

Delivery time (estimate)Mainland 5-10 business days, Balearic Islands (Mallorca/Ibiza) 7-14 business days

Tired of stamp hunting?

Photo by Belinda Fewings

Photo by Daniel KajukPhoto by Brecht Denil

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Frequently Asked Questions about Postcards from Spain

How much is postage for a postcard from Spain to the UK or Europe?

For a standard postcard or letter up to 20 grams to Europe (Zone A), the state postal service Correos currently charges €2.00 (as of 2026).

How much does a postcard cost in Mallorca?

A standard postcard in souvenir shops in Mallorca typically costs between €0.80 and €1.50. Adding the official Correos stamp of €2.00, the total cost for sending a card is around €2.80 to €3.50.

Where do I buy stamps in Mallorca?

It is best to buy stamps (sellos) in Mallorca at an official tobacco shop, called "Estanco" (marked by a brown-yellow sign saying "Tabacos"). Avoid buying them in souvenir shops, as they often sell private mail service stickers (like EasyPost) that cannot be used in yellow Correos mailboxes.

Where do I buy stamps in Ibiza?

In Ibiza, you should also buy official stamps from a licensed tobacconist ("Estanco" / "Tabacos") to get the standard €2.00 rate for Europe. Souvenir shops in Ibiza Town often sell private stickers, which have highly unreliable delivery times.

How long does a postcard from Mallorca or Ibiza to the UK/Germany take?

A postcard from Mallorca nach Deutschland takes 7 to 14 business days. The same delivery time of 7 to 14 business days applies to Ibiza. Since mail from the Balearic Islands has to be transported to the Spanish mainland by boat or plane first, it takes slightly longer than sending it from the mainland. During peak summer season, it can take up to three weeks.

Why do postcards from Mallorca or Ibiza often not arrive?

This is almost always due to using private mail services (like EasyPost or Post by me). Their stamp stickers only work in their own private mailboxes. If you drop them into a yellow Correos box, they will not be processed and are usually discarded.