When I was in South America last year I was shocked at the price for even a post card. I've read that the internet has replaced so much mail that the handling charges for individual pieces has become really high, and that has been refected in increased costs. That, of course, will force more people to use e-mail, and it will continue to escalate.

There used to be special rates for small packages, but those seem to have disappeared, since the major cost now is in the handling.

You should ask about international express mail. That sometimes has a fairly high weight limit, a couple of pounds, and I think you can use it for anything. I sent a package home express mail from India a couple of years ago because it was cheaper than the package rate, which had a high minimum.