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Author
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Topic: Help with understanding Russian postage
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RichieB16
Member Posts: 552
From: Oregon
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-08-2017 09:37 AM
   
So, historically I have always written to cosmonauts via Star City and never had to worry about return postage. As I begin to write to more and more, I realize that I will need to include return postage if I write to different addresses.So, I have kept an eye on the returning packages I have gotten from Star City and I'm trying to figure out just how much postage I need to include. I'm having a little bit of trouble understanding their stamps. Normally, I send a 5x7 photo or a cover to cosmonauts. I mail them in a 6x9" (15.2x22.8cm) manila envelope with a thin piece of cardboard as backing. I include a return envelope of the same size. I have weighed a few of the returns that I have received and found that typically they weigh 1.5oz or slightly less. Most of the packages I get have the following stamps on them:  I assume that the stamps with values ended in a "P" (25p, 50p, 100p) are all fractions of 100 and the 4.00 is equivalent to 400p. Is that correct? That would mean that the postage on this envelope totals 5.75p. Is that correct? Of course, I also received an envelope from Star City the other day, same size envelope with cardboard backing containing four signed 5x7 photos (it always amazes me that they batch the photos from different letters into one return) with the following postage. This seems like a lot less. Or, am I misunderstanding the values?  I want to make sure that I am adding the proper amount of postage to my return envelope to make sure I get it back. Honestly, I don't mind if I use a little too much just to be safe. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. |
fimych
Member Posts: 228
From: Boston MA, USA
Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-09-2017 06:13 AM
I will try to help a bit. These all are Russian 2009 definitive stamps so-called "Kremlins" of 100, 25, 50, 4 RUBs (not fractions). So the postage is calculated upon 2017 tariffs — for example the regular letter (up-to 20 gr) to USA is 39 RUBs, if I am not mistaken — just sent a couple a month ago. Of course like in any place the cost depends on the type of service and weight. The best thing to estimate the charge is to consult with somebody in Russia based on the type of package you would like to receive and add some more. |
Apollo-Soyuz
Member Posts: 1205
From: Shady Side, Md
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 06-09-2017 07:32 AM
Sometimes cosmonauts who work outside Star City bring their mail to Star City for mailing; hence no postage being required. I have sent for cosmonaut autographs from locations other than Star City and the return envelope had stamps on them. Years ago when I started to send for cosmonaut autographs, the return envelope from Star City had a meter cancel on it. Of course this was before 1991. It is a very interesting area of collecting cosmonaut autographs. |
eurospace
Member Posts: 2610
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 06-12-2017 02:20 AM
The question is weight and size. The 39 R standard letter fee covers a letter weighing up to 20 grams within standard size. Heavier and larger envelopes require more postage. It is now a couple of years that the Star City post office no longer uses a meter cancel. They are stamping their mail usually with definitive stamps of the current Kremlin (not Gremlin) series.
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RichieB16
Member Posts: 552
From: Oregon
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-12-2017 09:25 AM
I guess what it comes down to is this. How much postage do I need for the return envelope if it is 6x9" (15.2x22.8 cm) and weighs at the absolute most 2oz (57g) for international shipping from Russia to USA? |
eurospace
Member Posts: 2610
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 06-14-2017 05:21 AM
I only know that a letter up to 100 grams of weight to Europe (!) costs 75 Rubel. That is what the guy who sells me Russian stamps for return postage tells me.I can give you his contact details if interested; the guy lives in Germany. |
fimych
Member Posts: 228
From: Boston MA, USA
Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-15-2017 09:01 AM
Asked my contact in Star City. It will be treated as a parcel (not standard letter): 350 RUB registered and 250 regular. |
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