It appears that postage from the U.S. is actually a relative bargain these days. One oz (28 g) is $0.84 (~€0.70) airmail to anywhere (less to Canada and Mexico). However, economy (surface) varies from $4.10 to $6.00 (minimum rate for up to 16 oz.) IRCs sell for $1.85, which is why most of us rarely trade them in for postage. Bob, N7XY