What to say in Portuguese when mailing a postcard

Introduction

Sending a postcard is a simple, friendly way to connect while traveling or living abroad. This article teaches beginner English-speaking learners useful Brazilian Portuguese phrases and vocabulary for writing, addressing, and mailing a postcard. Learn what to say at the post office, how to address the card, and sample messages you can copy or adapt.

Why learn postcard phrases in Brazilian Portuguese

Postcards are short and practical, so they are perfect for beginners. A few correct phrases make your message polite and clear. You will learn common words for address details, stamps, postal services, and short greetings that sound natural in Brazil.

Key vocabulary for mailing a postcard

cartão-postal – postcard

correios – post office

selo – stamp

envelope – envelope (less common for postcards)

endereço – address

remetente – sender

destinatário – recipient

cep – postal code (CEP in Brazil)

carimbar – to stamp/postmark

envio – sending/shipping

Common phrases at the post office

When you go to the post office in Brazil, these short phrases will help you ask for what you need politely.

Onde fica o correio? – Where is the post office?

Quero enviar este cartão-postal para – I want to send this postcard to

Quanto custa um selo para os Estados Unidos? – How much is a stamp to the United States?

Preciso de um carimbo, por favor – I need a postmark, please

Tem opção de envio expresso? – Do you have express shipping?

How to address a postcard (format and example)

A postcard has limited space, so keep the address clear and simple. In Brazil you will usually write the recipient name, street address, city, state abbreviation, and CEP or country if international.

Example address on a postcard for a recipient in Brazil

Maria Silva
Rua das Flores, 123
São Paulo – SP
01000-000

Example address for an international postcard

João Pereira
Apartamento 45
Av. Central, 200
Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Brazil

Simple greetings and opening lines for a postcard

Postcards are short, so use friendly, concise openings. Below are phrases ranked by formality and context.

Oi – Hi (very casual)

Olá – Hello (neutral)

Querido / Querida – Dear (affectionate)

Saudações de – Greetings from

Um abraço de – A hug from

Short message templates you can use

These short sample messages are perfect for postcards. Replace names and places as needed.

Saudações de Salvador! O clima está ótimo e a comida é deliciosa. Pensei em você. Abraços, Ana

Oi Lucas, estou curtindo muito a praia. Vou mandar fotos quando voltar. Até breve! Carlos

Querida Marta, visitei o museu e lembrei de você. Sinto sua falta. Com carinho, Paula

Um abraço de Florianópolis. Dias de sol e muitas trilhas. Saudades, João

Short dialogue: at the post office

These short exchanges show realistic interactions when mailing a postcard.

Cliente: Quero enviar este cartão-postal para o exterior.
Atendente: Para qual país?
Cliente: Estados Unidos.
Atendente: O selo custa vinte reais. Deseja registro?
Cliente: Não, só o selo, por favor.

Short dialogue: writing the message

Use this when deciding what to write on the back of the postcard.

Amigo: O que você vai escrever?
Você: Algo simples: Saudações de Porto Alegre. Tudo bem aqui. Abraços!
Amigo: Perfeito, curto e simpático.

Polite closings and sign-offs

End the postcard with a closing that fits your relationship with the recipient.

Abraços – Hugs (informal)

Beijos – Kisses (informal, affectionate)

Com carinho – With affection

Atenciosamente – Sincerely (more formal)

Common mistakes beginners make

Beginners often mix formal and informal language or forget address details. Watch out for these errors.

Leaving out the CEP or country on an international postcard can delay delivery.

Using too formal verbs with close friends, for example saying Atenciosamente to a friend instead of Abraços.

Incorrect gender agreement in adjectives: say Estou feliz (I am happy) regardless of gender for simple statements, but remember agreement when using past participles with ser/estar.

Helpful beginner tips

Write legibly and use block letters for the address to avoid errors.

Keep the message short: postcards have limited space and postal staff often appreciate concise text.

Always double-check the recipient country name and CEP for international mail.

If unsure about postage cost, ask: Quanto custa o envio para plus the country name.

Extra useful expressions for tourists

Onde posso comprar selos? – Where can I buy stamps?

Este correio aceita encomendas internacionais? – Does this post office accept international parcels?

Quanto tempo leva para chegar? – How long does it take to arrive?

Realistic sample postcard (front and back content)

Front (picture side note): Cartão-postal de Ouro Preto

Back (message and address)

Olá Mariana,
Estou viajando por Ouro Preto. As ruas são históricas e a comida é ótima. Vou comprar lembranças para você. Até logo!
Abraços, Felipe

Address side example

Mariana Costa
Rua Jardim, 50
Belo Horizonte – MG
30100-000
Brazil

Wrap-up: practical practice ideas

Copy a few of the sample messages and personalize them with names and places you know. Practice asking about postage and addresses in Portuguese before you travel. Small real-world interactions at a post office will build confidence quickly.

Conclusion

Sending a postcard is a practical, low-pressure way to use Brazilian Portuguese in a real situation. Learn the key vocabulary, simple greetings, address format, and a few sample messages. With these tools you can write clear postcards, buy stamps, and communicate politely at the post office while traveling in Brazil.