How long to get surface mail from Italy to US?

[Jon_King]

I just started some business in Italy from the US. I was wondering the average time it takes to "trade letters" and my search turned up this:

"Surface mail is by far the cheapest and slowest way to send mail. It takes one to three months to cross the Atlantic and two to four to cross the Pacific---good for items you won't need to see for a while..."

Can it possibly take 3 months to get mail from Italy?

[Essex_boy]

The Royal mail state the same from the UK via surface, it takes on average 6 weeks about half teh time they say.

[Jon_King]

Thanks Essex_boy.

[JonR28]

Isn't there a cheap priority-type mail? I know my mail goes to the UK from the US in 4-6 days for $8/Ibs, I guess thats pretty expensive but I turn the cost over to my customer who are willing to pay $8 to see their item sooner.

[Essex_boy]

There is a swift air option for a further $1.85, but your talking surface here and not airmail.