Postcrossing

Postcrossing is a free online project that connects people through the exchange of physical postcards. Launched in 2005 by Paulo Magalhães in Portugal, it has grown into a large international community where participants send and receive postcards from random members around the world. The project emphasizes intercultural contact and the tangible experience of mail, providing a global alternative to digital communication.

Participants join the site and request to send a postcard. The system assigns a random recipient’s address. The sender writes the postcard and includes a unique Postcard ID, then mails it. When the recipient registers the card on the site by entering the ID, the sender becomes eligible to receive another address and continue sending postcards. The platform encourages steady activity by limiting the number of active postcards and by outlining posting guidelines.

Card content is subject to community rules. Postcards should be suitable for general audiences and comply with postal service standards. Political, violent, or explicit advertising content is discouraged. Cards may depict landscapes, art, culture, or everyday scenes, and can be store-bought or handmade. The site provides features such as user profiles, send/receive tracking, statistics, forums, and groups to support communication and exchange among members.

Impact and reception of postcrossing center on its role as a form of global connectivity and cultural exchange. It offers a low-cost, offline hobby that can foster writing practice, curiosity about other places, and cross-cultural understanding. The project is maintained by volunteers and operates as a community-driven platform rather than a commercial service.