Although the government began allowing competitors into the postal market at the start of 2008, it’s still dominated by once government-owned Deutsche Post. Die Post, as it’s known, is very efficient and has offices for buying stamps and shipping packages in every neighbourhood.

Letter boxes are always around a corner or two. Die Post’s opening hours are even reasonable – for Germany – 09:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday with a shortened day on Saturday to 13:00. They’re closed Sunday like everyone else.

Letters within Germany shouldn’t take longer than two days to arrive, with an additional day if they’re going somewhere in Europe. Letters sent airmail to the US take four days to a week, while those to Australia take at least seven days. A standard letter mailed within Germany costs €0.55, while airmail postage for a letter anywhere in the world costs €1.70. Delivery by surface mail is significantly cheaper, but takes proportionately longer – a month or so.

If you need to order a gift, www.amazon.de will wrap anything and www.gourmondo.de will help please your foodie friends.