[Dx-qsl] NEW UK POSTAL RATES

[Phil Whitchurch]

With effect from 2nd April 2007, UK postal rates will rise across the 
board by slightly more than 10%.

Whereas it has been the situation for some time that US $1 has been 
insufficient to pay for the minimum return postage to countries outside 
Europe, this new increase will mean that US $1 is no longer sufficient 
to pay for the minimum return postage to countries *WITHIN* Europe.

There is no surface mail service offered by the Royal Mail to countries 
within Europe.  However, they do offer a surface mail service to 
countries outside Europe.  However, and at today's exchange rate, the 
new postage cost is barely met by US $1 and with the continuing decline 
in the dollar/pound sterling exchange rate, is unlikely to remain so.

The good news is that the new, 2009 expiry IRCs are still exchangeable 
for the minimum return postage to all parts of the world.  However, very 
few seem to be using them at present.

Please bear the above in mind when sending QSL requests which may not be 
able to be processed and returned before 2nd April 2007.  In particular, 
the cards for the VP2MTE operation are unlikely to be received from the 
printers by this date.

Please do not send currency other than US dollars or properly stamped, 
2009 expiry IRCs.  If you must use mint stamps, please supply them loose 
(not stuck onto the envelope).

Any QSL requests received without adequate return postage will be 
answered via the RSGB bureau.
-- 
Phil Whitchurch
G3SWH, AD5YS

Work is the curse of the drinking classes!