Postcrossing

Postcrossing is a postcard exchange project that was created in 2005 by Portuguese programmer Paulo Magalhães. The goal of the project is to connect people from all over the world through postcards.

To participate, users register on the Postcrossing website and request to send a postcard to a randomly selected user from a different country. Once the postcard is received and registered by the recipient, the sender becomes eligible to receive a postcard from another random user. The process repeats itself, creating a chain of postcard exchanges that can potentially reach any corner of the world.

Postcrossing has become a popular hobby for people who enjoy collecting postcards and learning about different cultures. It also offers a way to connect with people from different countries and build friendships across borders.

How does it work? Request an address and a Postcard ID Mail a postcard to that address Receive a postcard from another postcrosser! Register the Postcard ID you have received Go to number 1 to receive more postcards!

Paulo Magalhães

Paulo Magalhães is a Portuguese programmer and the creator of Postcrossing, a postcard exchange project that connects people from around the world through postcards. He was born on December 28, 1976, in Portugal and graduated from the University of Porto with a degree in Computer Science.

Magalhães created Postcrossing in 2005 as a personal project, with the goal of sharing his passion for postcards with others. The project quickly gained popularity and has since grown into a global community of postcard enthusiasts, with hundreds of thousands of members from over 200 countries.

Magalhães has received several awards for his work on Postcrossing, including the 2010 National Youth Award for Innovation and the 2011 European Enterprise Award. He continues to oversee the project and work on new features to improve the user experience.

The History of Postcards

The history of postcards can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when the first postal services were established in various countries. In 1840, the world’s first postage stamp was issued in the United Kingdom, which allowed for the easy and affordable transport of mail.

The first postcards were produced in Austria in 1869, and featured a pre-printed stamp and a simple image on one side, with space for a message and address on the other. The idea quickly caught on, and postcards were soon produced in other countries around the world.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, postcards became increasingly popular as a means of communication and a way to share images of famous landmarks and tourist attractions. The so-called „golden age of postcards“ lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, and saw the production of millions of postcards depicting a wide range of subjects, from scenic views and famous people to humorous cartoons and works of art.

During World War I and II, postcards were often used to send messages to soldiers and loved ones. In the postwar period, postcards continued to be popular, and new printing techniques and technologies made it possible to produce high-quality postcards with vivid colors and detailed images.

Today, postcards remain a popular way to share messages and images with friends and family, and are also collected as a hobby by many enthusiasts around the world.

There are several places where you can buy postcards:

1. Tourist shops: These shops are usually found in popular tourist destinations and offer a wide selection of postcards featuring local landmarks, attractions, and scenery.
2. Museums and galleries: Many museums and art galleries sell postcards featuring their collections, which can be a great way to bring home a piece of art or history.
3. Stationery stores: Stationery stores often sell postcards as part of their range of paper products. They may have a selection of local and international postcards, as well as blank postcards that can be customized with your own design or message.
4. Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in postcards, including Etsy, Amazon, and PostcardsMarket. These websites offer a wide selection of postcards from around the world, including vintage and rare postcards.
5. Post offices: Many post offices also sell postcards, particularly those located in tourist areas. You can often find postcards featuring local landmarks and attractions, as well as blank postcards that can be customized with your own design or message.

No matter where you choose to buy your postcards, they are a great way to share your travels and connect with friends and family around the world.