Stuttgart
Post Offices
Details on accessing postal services, sending mail, and package delivery within Stuttgart.
Sections
1. Overview of Post Office Services in Stuttgart
Deutsche Post provides the following services at its branches in Stuttgart:
Mail Services
- Sending Letters: Domestic and international letter delivery.
- Postcards: Sending postcards domestically or internationally.
- Registered Mail (Einschreiben): For important documents or items requiring proof of delivery.
- Express Mail (Expressversand): For urgent deliveries, both domestic and international.
Parcel Services
- Domestic Parcels: Delivery within Germany.
- International Parcels: Delivery to other countries.
- DHL Services: Deutsche Post operates DHL for parcel delivery, including express and tracked services.
- Packstation: Self-service parcel lockers for sending and receiving parcels.
Financial Services
- Money Transfers: Western Union services are available at some branches.
- Postbank Services: Many post offices double as Postbank branches, offering banking services such as opening accounts, withdrawing cash, and paying bills.
- Payment of Bills: Utility bills and other payments can often be made at the post office.
Other Services
- Stamps: Purchase stamps for letters and parcels.
- Post Office Boxes (Postfรคcher): Rentable for receiving mail securely.
- Document Verification: Some branches offer ID verification services for online applications (PostIdent).
2. Costs for Sending Mail or Packages
The costs for sending mail or packages depend on the size, weight, and destination. Below are the approximate prices as of 2023:
Domestic Mail (Germany)
- Standard Letter (up to 20g): โฌ0.85
- Compact Letter (up to 50g): โฌ1.00
- Large Letter (up to 500g): โฌ1.60
- Maxi Letter (up to 1kg): โฌ2.75
- Postcard: โฌ0.85
International Mail
- Standard Letter (up to 20g): โฌ1.10
- Postcard: โฌ1.10
- Large Letter (up to 500g): โฌ3.70
- Maxi Letter (up to 1kg): โฌ7.00
Domestic Parcels
- Small Parcel (up to 2kg): โฌ4.79 (online) / โฌ5.49 (at the counter)
- Medium Parcel (up to 5kg): โฌ6.99 (online) / โฌ7.49 (at the counter)
- Large Parcel (up to 10kg): โฌ9.99 (online) / โฌ10.49 (at the counter)
International Parcels
- Small Parcel (up to 2kg): Starting at โฌ9.00 (Europe) or โฌ16.00 (worldwide).
- Larger Parcels: Prices vary based on weight and destination. Use the Deutsche Post/DHL online calculator for exact costs.
3. Operating Hours
Post office hours in Stuttgart vary by location, but most branches follow these general hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM โ 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM โ 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Some larger branches or those located in shopping centers may have extended hours. Always check the specific branch's hours online before visiting.
4. Locations of Major Post Offices in Stuttgart
Here are some key post office locations in Stuttgart:
-
Postfiliale Stuttgart-Mitte
- Address: Kรถnigstraรe 1A, 70173 Stuttgart
- Services: Full range of postal and financial services.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM โ 6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM โ 1:00 PM.
-
Postfiliale Stuttgart-West
- Address: Rotebรผhlstraรe 121, 70178 Stuttgart
- Services: Mail, parcels, and banking services.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM โ 6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM โ 1:00 PM.
-
Postfiliale Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt
- Address: Marktstraรe 57, 70372 Stuttgart
- Services: Mail, parcels, and financial services.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM โ 6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM โ 1:00 PM.
-
DHL Paketshop Stuttgart
- Address: Various locations across the city.
- Services: Parcel drop-off and pick-up.
- Hours: Vary by location.
For a complete list of post offices and their services, visit the Deutsche Post website or use their branch locator tool.
5. Procedures for Using Post Office Services
Hereโs a step-by-step guide for common tasks:
Sending a Letter or Parcel
- Prepare Your Item: Ensure your letter or parcel is properly packed and addressed.
- Weigh and Measure: Use the self-service machines or counters to determine the weight and size.
- Purchase Stamps: Buy stamps at the counter, self-service machines, or online.
- Drop Off: Place letters in yellow post boxes or hand parcels to the counter staff.
Using Packstation
- Register for a Packstation account online (requires a German address and mobile number).
- Receive a customer card and PIN.
- Use the Packstation to send or receive parcels.
Money Transfers
- Visit a branch offering Western Union services.
- Provide identification (passport or ID card).
- Fill out the transfer form and pay the fee.
6. Cultural Considerations
- Queueing: Germans value order, so always wait your turn in line.
- Language: Staff may not always speak fluent English. Learn basic German phrases like "Briefmarken" (stamps) or "Paket" (parcel).
- Cash Payments: While card payments are accepted, cash is still widely used for small transactions.
- Efficiency: Be prepared with all necessary documents and items to ensure a smooth transaction.
7. Tips for Using Post Offices in Stuttgart
- Online Services: Use Deutsche Postโs website or app to calculate postage, print labels, and track parcels.
- Self-Service Machines: Many branches have machines for buying stamps and sending parcels, which can save time.
- Peak Hours: Avoid visiting during lunch hours (12:00 PM โ 2:00 PM) or just before closing to avoid long queues.
- Packstation Convenience: If you frequently send or receive parcels, consider registering for Packstation services.
8. Useful Resources
- Deutsche Post Website: www.deutschepost.de
- Branch Locator: Use the online tool to find the nearest post office.
- Customer Service: Call Deutsche Post at 0228 4333112 for assistance (English support available).
By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating the post office system in Stuttgart. Let me know if you need further assistance!