[South Florida DX Association] International Reply Coupons...

[Bill Marx]

* Post-2001 IRCs bear expiration dates: Many DXers still use International
Reply Coupons (IRCs) <http://www.upu.int/irc/en/> issued by the Universal
Postal Union (UPU) to cover return postage for QSL cards. As of January 1,
2002, UPU-issued IRCs bear expiration dates, after which the coupon has no
value. The so-called "Beijing model 1" IRC expires December 31, 2006. The
newest IRC, the "Beijing model 2," expires December 31, 2009. Check any IRCs
you've got on hand for an expiration date! Curiously, the United States
Postal Service International Mail Manual states that the period of exchange
for IRCs issued by the UPU on or after January 1, 1975, is unlimited. The
UPU says IRCs are exchangeable in all member countries for the minimum
postage of a priority item or an unregistered air mail letter sent to a
foreign country. An IRC costs $1.85 in the US. Although US post offices are
not obliged to sell IRCs, it is mandatory for post offices in UPU member
countries to exchange the coupons.