My parcel was marked as delivered but I never received it. What should I do?

File a complaint with DHL within 7 days via the app or dhl.de. Also check your nearest post office — the parcel may be held there. Bring your ID and the tracking number.

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Mail & Packages in Germany
DHL, Hermes, Packstation & Customs for International Students

Q: Where is my nearest Packstation?

Open the DHL app or go to dhl.de/packstation and enter your address or postcode. The map shows all nearby Packstations with real-time availability.

Q: Can I have parcels delivered to my TU Darmstadt address?

Yes, if your department or institute agrees to accept deliveries. The easier option is a free DHL Packstation account — available 24/7, no permission needed.

Q: How much does a standard letter to China cost?

Around €3.70 for an airmail standard letter (Standardbrief International Prioritaire). Buy the stamp at any DHL post office counter. Delivery takes approximately 7–14 business days.

Foto: Pexels / Kindel Media

Receiving parcels in Germany is significantly more complicated than in Asia. There are no 24/7 parcel lockers outside your door and no courier waiting for you — but with the right setup, everything runs smoothly.

📦 The Major Parcel Carriers

Germany has several parcel services, each with different pricing, availability and customer features:

DHL (Deutsche Post)

The market leader in Germany. Most parcels from German online shops are shipped via DHL. App: “Post & DHL”. The key feature: the Packstation — a free, 24/7 automated parcel locker system you can register for at no cost.

Hermes

A budget-friendly carrier often used by fashion retailers like About You, Zalando, and H&M. Collection points are usually located in newsagents and supermarkets. App: Hermes.

DPD

Known for precise real-time tracking with a live map. App: DPD. Preferred by many mid-sized online retailers.

GLS

Primarily B2B-focused — less common for private recipients. If you expect a GLS parcel, use the GLS app or track at gls-group.com.

UPS & FedEx

Mainly used for international shipments and express deliveries. More expensive but faster — often next business day from the US or UK.

Setting up a Packstation is essential! Go to dhl.de → “Packstation” → “Register now”. It’s free. Parcels are automatically redirected there when you’re not home. You receive an SMS or push notification when your parcel arrives — then collect it any time, day or night.

🔒 What Happens If I’m Not Home?

The courier rings once. Nobody answers? Here’s what happens depending on the carrier:

DHL without Packstation: The courier leaves a notification card — your parcel is held at the nearest post branch for 7 days.
DHL with Packstation account: The parcel is automatically redirected to your chosen Packstation. You get a notification and can collect it 24/7.
Neighbour delivery: DHL can leave the parcel with a neighbour (they sign for it). Risky if you don’t know your neighbour — you can disable this option in the app.
Mind the collection deadline: After 7 days the parcel is returned to the sender. You would then need to request redelivery.

Don’t throw away notification cards! The card shows the tracking number and the branch where your parcel is held. Without it, bring a photo ID and your tracking number from the shipping confirmation email.

🌎 Parcels from China/Asia — Customs

If you regularly order from China, Asia or other non-EU countries, you need to understand German customs rules:

Order value up to €150

The parcel is customs-duty free. However, German import VAT (19 %) may still apply depending on how the sender declares the value. Many Chinese sellers under-declare, which is legally problematic.

Over €150

A customs declaration is mandatory. The customs office in Darmstadt (or the responsible parcel customs post) may hold the shipment and ask you to submit a declaration. This can take weeks.

AliExpress & Taobao

Delivery times: 2–6 weeks. Customs declarations are often unclear — you may unexpectedly receive a customs notice by post and face additional charges.

What is a customs notice (Zollbescheid)?

A letter from the customs office with a payment demand for customs duties and/or import VAT. You have a deadline (usually 10 days) to respond and pay — otherwise the parcel is returned or destroyed.

Tip: Prefer shops in Germany/EU. Amazon.de, Zalando, otto.de — delivery in 1–3 days, no customs hassle, free returns. Saves time, stress and potential extra costs.

✉ Sending Letters and Registered Mail

When you need to send a letter in Germany, here are your options:

Stamps

A standard letter within Germany costs €0.95. For letters to EU countries or abroad you need a Prioritaire International sticker and a higher-value stamp. Buy stamps at any post office counter, DHL shop, or online via the DHL app.

Registered Mail (Einschreiben)

Insured delivery with a signature upon receipt. Important for official letters, notice of termination, or contracts — you receive proof of delivery. Surcharge: approx. €2.65 on top of regular postage.

Cash on Delivery (Nachnahme)

Payment upon receipt of the parcel. Very rare in Germany today — almost never offered by modern retailers.

Find your nearest post office

All DHL branches and parcel shops: dhl.de/de/privatkunden/pakete/filialfinder.html

♻️ Returns & Refunds

German online shops have a statutory 14-day right of return (many offer 30 days or more). Returns are usually free:

Print a return label: Download from your order account — print, stick on the parcel — drop off at a post branch or Packstation.
QR code without a printer: DHL Packstations offer a “label-free” option. Just show the QR code on your phone — the machine prints the label itself.
Mind the deadline: Usually 14 or 30 days after receiving the parcel. Check your shop account for details.

Good to know: For Amazon.de returns you can drop off almost any parcel at DHL or Hermes collection points without a printer — just show the QR code from the Amazon app.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my nearest Packstation?

Open the DHL app or visit dhl.de/packstation, enter your address and find the nearest available station on the map. There are many, including in supermarkets and petrol stations.

Can I have parcels delivered to my TU Darmstadt address?

Yes, if your department or institute agrees. The better solution is a Packstation: free, available 24/7, and no need to ask anyone for permission.

My parcel was marked as “delivered” but I never received it.

File a complaint with DHL within 7 days via the app or dhl.de. Also check your nearest post branch — the parcel may be held there. Bring your ID and the tracking number.

How much does a standard letter to China cost?

Around €3.70 by airmail (Standardbrief International Prioritaire). Buy the stamp at a DHL post office counter. Delivery takes about 7–14 business days.

Can I use a Packstation without a German bank account?

Yes. You only need a free DHL account on dhl.de — no German bank account required. Registration takes about 5 minutes.

Looking for accommodation in Darmstadt?

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Mail & Packages in GermanyDHL, Hermes, Packstation & Customs for International Students