Navigating the Dutch Postal System: A Friendly Guide

Hey there! If you're new to the Netherlands or just curious about how things work here, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving into the world of Dutch postal services, including how to send a letter in the Netherlands and navigate the Netherlands postal service. Trust me, I've been through the confusion of figuring this out, so I'm here to make it easier for you!

Introduction to postal services in the Netherlands

Let's start with the basics. The main postal service in the Netherlands is PostNL. They're the folks responsible for getting your letters and packages from A to B. Whether you're sending a postcard to your grandma or receiving an online shopping haul, PostNL, the primary Netherlands mail provider, has got you covered.

Post offices: locations and services

You'll find PostNL offices all over the country. They're usually open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Look for the bright orange PostNL logo – you can't miss it! These offices are your one-stop-shop for all things postal, including sending letters in the Netherlands. Need to send a package? Check. Buy stamps? Double-check. Get advice on shipping? They've got you there too.

But here's a pro tip: some smaller towns might not have a dedicated post office. Instead, you'll find PostNL services in local shops or supermarkets. It's pretty convenient, actually!

Post boxes: appearance and collection times

Now, let's talk about those iconic Dutch post boxes, an essential part of the Netherlands postal service. They're usually bright orange or red, and you'll spot them on street corners or near shopping areas. Here's something cool: they have two slots! The right one is for local mail, and the left is for everything else.

Most post boxes are emptied at 5 PM on weekdays. If you pop your letter in before then, it should reach its destination within the Netherlands the next day. Pretty speedy, right? Just remember, anything posted on weekends or Mondays usually gets delivered on Tuesday.

Letter and parcel sizes

Size matters when it comes to sending mail in the Netherlands. The minimum size for a letter is 14 x 9 cm, while the maximum is 38 x 26.5 x 3.2 cm. If your item fits through the post box slot and weighs less than 2 kilos, you're good to go!

For bigger items, you'll need to head to a post office or parcel shop. Don't worry, we'll cover that in more detail later.

Postage stamps: types and costs

Dutch stamps are a bit quirky. Instead of showing a price, they often have a number. Here's the deal: a "1" stamp is for standard domestic letters, while a "1" with an international mark is for, you guessed it, international mail.

As of 2025, a "1" stamp costs €1.09, and an international "1" is €1.65. You can buy these at post offices, some supermarkets, and even online. How cool is that? This information is crucial when learning how to send post in Netherlands.

Mailing costs for domestic and international letters

Let's break down the costs for sending letters in the Netherlands in 2025:

Domestic:

- 0-20 grams: €1.09

- 20-50 grams: €2.18

- 50-350 grams: €3.70

- 350 grams - 2 kg: €4.85

International:

- 0-20 grams: €1.75

- 20-50 grams: €3.50

- 50-100 grams: €5.25

- 100-350 grams: €8.75

- 350 grams - 2 kg: €10.50

Remember, these are standard rates for sending letters in the Netherlands. If you need extra services like tracking or insurance, it'll cost a bit more.

Parcel shipping: sizes, weights, and prices

Got something bigger to send? No problem! If it fits through a standard post box slot, you can send it as a "brievenbuspakje" (letterbox package) within the Netherlands. It costs €4.25 if you pay online, or €4.55 at a PostNL shop.

For larger parcels in 2025:

- 0-10 kg: €6.95 for home delivery, €6.45 for PostNL shop delivery

- 10-23 kg: €13.90 for home delivery, €13.40 for PostNL shop delivery

The maximum size for parcels up to 10 kg is 100 x 50 x 50 cm, and for 10-23 kg, it's 176 x 78 x 58 cm. This information is handy when you're figuring out how to send post in Netherlands.

Customs clearance for international parcels

Heads up if you're receiving packages from outside the EU! Since July 2021, all imported goods are subject to VAT. The old exemption for items under €22 is gone. Also, if a gift is worth more than €45, you'll need to pay customs duties and clearance tax.

I learned this the hard way when I ordered some cool gadgets from the US. The extra costs were a bit of a shock, so be prepared!

Track & Trace services

Want to keep an eye on your package? PostNL offers a Track & Trace service for an extra fee. It's super handy – you can follow your parcel's journey online. I use this all the time, especially for important deliveries. It's a great feature of the Netherlands mail system.

Pickup points and delivery companies

Sometimes, if you're not home, your parcel might be delivered to a nearby pickup point. This could be a post office or a local shop. Don't worry – you'll get a note telling you where to find it.

While PostNL is the main player in the Netherlands postal service, there are other delivery companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. They're great options for international shipping or if you need specialized services.

Business mail services

Running a business? PostNL has got your back. They offer services like PO boxes (great for keeping your home address private), bulk mailing discounts, and international shipping solutions. If you're sending a lot of mail, it's worth checking out their business options.

Receiving mail in the Netherlands

Most mail is delivered on weekdays before 6 PM. If you're not home for a parcel delivery, the courier might leave it with a neighbor and pop a note through your door. Or they might take it to a pickup point.

Here's a tip: always have your ID handy when picking up parcels. You'll need to sign for them, and a valid ID is required. This is a standard procedure in the Netherlands mail system.

Lost or stolen parcels

Uh-oh, your package hasn't arrived? Don't panic! PostNL has a customer service team to help with lost or stolen parcels. They'll guide you through the process of filing a complaint or claim.

I once had a birthday gift go missing, and the PostNL team was super helpful in tracking it down. It turned out it had been delivered to the wrong address!

In conclusion, the Dutch postal system might seem a bit complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty efficient. Whether you're sending a letter to your neighbor or a package across the world, you've now got the know-how to navigate it like a pro. Understanding how to send a letter in the Netherlands or how to use the Netherland postal service is an essential skill for anyone living or doing business in this country.

Ready to send your first Dutch letter? Why not write a postcard to a friend and try out the system? It's a great way to practice sending letters in the Netherlands and maybe even surprise someone with a little slice of Dutch life. Happy mailing!

Remember, whether you're sending a quick note or a hefty package, the Netherlands mail system is here to help. With this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the world of Dutch postal services. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the efficiency of the Netherlands postal service firsthand!