Postal Services

Deutsche Post AG is the German postal service provider that delivers letters and packages throughout Germany as well as to other countries around the world. Post offices in Germany are painted yellow with a black postal horn emblem. You can go directly to a post office or use the express services available.

Easy Ways to Send Mail

• Kiosk: a small grocery store where you can buy snacks and drinks, and which also offers postal services.
• Mailbox: if you choose this option, don't forget to check the collection schedule on the box to know the time of the last pickup.
• Packstationen (parcel stations): if you're short on time, use one of these self-service stations to send and receive your packages.

Cost

The post office staff will tell you how much delivering your letters and packages will cost, but you can also find out the postage amount by using the online rate calculator. Fees vary depending on the size and weight of your shipment as well as the destination. It costs 60 cents to send a letter weighing less than 20g and 45 cents to send postcards. For international delivery, the initial postal fees for any larger package under 500g are around 3.50 euros. You can buy stamps at the post office, from stamp vending machines, or on the Deutsche Post website.

International Postal Services

It's also easy to send mail internationally. You can first check the rates online on the Deutsche Post website, then buy a stamp to stick on your mail. To find out how long it will take for your package to reach its destination, check the Deutsche Post information page. You can also drop off your packages at "Packstationen," but don't forget to pay the shipping fees online beforehand, as you can't do it on the spot.

Other Delivery Options

Besides Deutsche Post AG, there are other well-known providers such as DHL, Hermes, GLS, DPD, UPS, or Amazon delivery services. You can compare their rates to decide on the best option for you!

What You Need to Know About German Post

Do You Know What "Einschreiben" Is?

If you go to the post office or kiosk to send a letter or package, you can choose whether you want your letter to be "einschreiben" (registered). Once your mail is registered, your shipment will be more secure and easier to track. After registering your package, you'll always receive a tracking number, which allows you to track your shipment at any time.

How Long Does It Take to Send a Package by Post in Germany?

Generally, it takes one or two business days to receive a letter in Germany. However, this depends on the season. For example, when Christmas approaches, the post office is particularly busy, which can take up to 2 to 3 business days.

A regular package doesn't have a standard delivery time. Generally, it can take 1 business day or well 1 or 2 weeks. The post office always offers some kind of express delivery service, with which packages are delivered the next day.

Delivery time in Europe and the rest of the world: there's a big difference. If you want to send documents or other important items by post, we strongly recommend using insured shipping services or sending directly using registered mail.

Letters to Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann)

Letters to Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann): The German post offers a nice service for children who want to send their wish list to Santa Claus. You can find Santa Claus's address by clicking on the following link! Would you like to try it too? Then, click here!