[Dx-qsl] QSL results (Correction)

[Patrick STODDARD]

Hi!

> As indicated several times effective Jan.12 there will be a 
> substantial increase in postal rates in Canada. The overseas 
> letter will cost $1.40  CDN  (up to 30 gr). Here are details.
> 
> USA                        $0.80  CDN (up to 30 gr)            $0.98  CDN
> (30-50 gr)
> 
> International        $1.40 CDN (up to 30 gr)            $1.96   CDN   
> (30-50 gr).
> 
> 
> Current exchange ratio is $1  US = $1.30 CDN, which means that 
> 1 GS is NOT sufficient for international  letter.

True, but for those of us outside Canada we can simply order the
stamps from Canada Post and get them with free shipping, no sales
taxes, and not have to use IRCs or (for those outside the USA) 2 
green stamps for Canadian QSLs.  Canada Post really needs to redo 
their online ordering (somewhere at http://www.canadapost.ca/ - 
really clunky and for non-Canadians may require a phone call to 
set this up, if it works at all), but at least they have phone 
and FAX numbers which I have used for many years to order Canadian 
stamps with a credit card:

1-800-565-4362  (Telephone for Canada/USA)
+1 902 863-6550 (Telephone for anywhere else)
+1 902 863-6796 (FAX)

The phone lines are available Monday-Friday between 0700 and 1900
Eastern time.  Even though I visit Canada every few months, I try
not to buy stamps in-country to avoid the sales taxes up there - 
but will, occasionally, drop envelopes in the mail from one of 
those post offices.  Disclaimer: I'm not an employee of Canada 
Post, I'm not even a Canadian - I'm just trying not to send so 
many green stamps that way. 

FWIW I'm seeing more cards come to me via bureau in the last few 
months.  With so many places increasing the price of postage, it 
is still a decent option.  Or, like others have done with cards 
sent to me, post your envelopes in other places with lower postal 
rates (i.e., DL hams mailing cards from the Czech Republic, many 
in Europe - and some in Canada - dropping their envelopes in a US 
post office).  If I want/need to send a registered letter anywhere 
I'm resorting to the Mexican post.  A little slower than the US post 
office, but paying around US$ 3 per envelope is better than the 
US$ 8 (give or take) I could pay here.  

Have a great weekend, and 73!


Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/