[Inkscape-user] file format for printing

Hi,

I apologize for asking what I'm sure is an incredibly basic question, but internet answers seem to be too technical for my understanding or non-existant.

I don't know which file format I should use in order to send an inkscape generated document off for printing. The file that I'm working with is a fairly simple 8.5 x 11" document. In the past I'd saved a similar document as a pdf to send to the printers, but this time it doesn't seem to be appearing exactly as shown in my inkscape file. Do I need to download Cairo to fix this? I went to that site but felt fairly confused by the array of available options. Is pdf even the best option for printing? Could someone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks so much.

Julie