Greece – Postal Service

What is the postal service in Greece and who are the main providers?

Hellenic Post S.A. — known in Greek as Ελληνικά Ταχυδρομεία and abbreviated as ELTA — is the state-owned provider of postal services in Greece. It traces its roots to the founding of the modern Greek state in 1828, when a formal postal service was first established. Since 1996, the organisation has functioned as a publicly owned limited company.

Under Law 4053/2012 on Postal Services, Electronic Communications and Other Provisions, ELTA holds the designation of Universal Service Provider through to 31 December 2028. This legal obligation requires it to collect, sort, transport, and deliver postal items to every corner of Greece at a regulated standard — a role broadly analogous to that of Royal Mail in the United Kingdom or An Post in Ireland, where a state-owned entity retains the universal service mandate while competing within an open market against private operators.

ELTA’s portfolio of services covers letter mail, parcel delivery, deposit accounts, Swiftpost (a next-day nationwide delivery product), and the EMS international express mail service. Many ELTA branches also handle electronic money transfers, utility bill payments, and e-commerce logistics.

International courier companies including DHL, UPS, and FedEx maintain a strong presence in Greece, offering both domestic and cross-border solutions that are frequently chosen for their speed, dependability, and tracking capabilities. Domestically focused operators such as ACS Courier, ELTA Courier (a delivery arm of ELTA itself), and Speedex provide competitive rates and locally tailored services. The market is therefore fully liberalised: ELTA bears the universal service responsibility but contends with direct competition from private operators across virtually every service category.

In 2025, ELTA’s management unveiled a wide-ranging reorganisation that includes the closure of 204 branches across the country. Following intense public and political opposition, the government signalled a revised approach, acknowledging that access to postal infrastructure remains vital for local communities and territorial cohesion. Expats are advised to consult the ELTA official website for the most current information on branch locations.

How fast and reliable is postal delivery in Greece?

For domestic mail, the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) sets a standard of delivery within up to three working days. ELTA Courier, the dedicated parcel arm, typically achieves delivery within one to two working days for city-to-city shipments, with service beginning from the next working day following despatch. This is broadly on a par with standard second-class post in many European countries, though real-world performance can differ markedly depending on location.

International deliveries through ELTA generally take between five and fifteen business days, with variation based on the destination country. ELTA’s EMS (Express Mail Service) targets delivery within two to three days for selected destinations, while the SPM (Special Priority Mail) product aims for next business day arrival across most of Europe and the United States.

Greece’s postal network has been struggling to meet its performance benchmarks, with delivery times extending and complaints from users increasing. Data published by the EETT for 2024 recorded 1,238 formal complaints, up from 988 in 2023. Close to 47% of these concerned delivery delays, 37% related to difficulties communicating with the provider, and 7% involved items that were lost or damaged.

ELTA is formally required to deliver 90% of A-Priority mail within three working days and 98% within five. In practice, however, priority mail has been averaging close to six days in transit (as of 2024), meaning the operator is falling short of both targets. Expats who have relocated from countries with consistently high-performing postal systems may find service quality uneven, especially beyond major urban centres.

ELTA’s “porta porta” scheme provides next-day domestic delivery for certain cities and same-day delivery for parcels being sent within the same city. Tracking is offered for registered and courier shipments via the ELTA website, although updates can occasionally be delayed owing to technical difficulties, scanning gaps at transit points, or data transmission lags.

What additional services are available at post offices in Greece?

Greek post offices — referred to as Ταχυδρομείο (tachydromeio) — serve as multipurpose public service hubs, comparable in their broader role to La Poste in France or Poste Italiane. Well beyond basic mail handling, they offer a range of financial and government-related services that many expats will find genuinely useful.

Among the core services available at Greek post offices are utility bill payments — covering electricity, telephone, and similar household bills — as well as payments for fines including parking penalties. Deposit accounts operated through ELTA mean that branches can double as accessible points for simple financial transactions, particularly in communities where bank branches are scarce.

ELTA facilitates electronic money transfers and e-commerce logistics from many of its outlets, and money orders can be processed for both domestic and international recipients. Postal savings accounts are available and have historically offered more attractive interest rates than certain bank account products.

Customers can also arrange home visits by contacting ELTA’s dedicated service line (212 0000 700) — a provision aimed especially at rural residents and elderly customers who may have difficulty reaching a branch. As the branch network shrinks, ELTA’s restructuring strategy also includes expanding a shop-in-shop approach, placing postal service counters inside supermarkets, bookshops, press kiosks, and other retail outlets.

A mail forwarding service for up to six months is also offered; applications must be submitted in person at the local post office. It is worth noting that this service does not extend to overseas relocations. For expats who are in the process of settling into a new address within Greece, domestic mail forwarding can serve as a practical temporary arrangement.

Does the postal service deliver to every address in Greece?

As the designated universal postal service provider, ELTA is legally bound to deliver to every part of Greece — from central Athens to outlying mountain settlements and inhabited islands. This obligation extends across all fifty-one prefectures and their constituent municipalities.

In practice, however, coverage is not entirely consistent. Certain remote locations do not receive regular doorstep delivery; residents in such areas may instead need to collect their mail from the nearest post office or authorised postal agency. The planned closure of 204 branches has prompted widespread concern that islanders, people in mountainous regions, older residents, and some urban communities could lose access to fundamental postal services unless effective alternatives are established in their place.

To sustain coverage, ELTA intends to draw on a network comprising 1,400 mail carriers, 500 partners, 400 courier agents, and rural distributors already active at hundreds of collaboration points across the country. ELTA has also indicated plans to deepen its partnerships with private entrepreneurs operating under the ELTA and ELTA Courier brand names through franchise-style arrangements.

Expats living outside major population centres — particularly on smaller islands or in mountainous rural areas — should establish early on whether home delivery reaches their address, or whether collection from a local post office, an appointed agent, or a postal box is the expected arrangement. A post office box can be a practical solution where home delivery is inconsistent. The ELTA website or your nearest branch can confirm the most convenient access point for your specific location.

How do you write a postal address in Greece?

Writing addresses correctly is important for ensuring mail reaches its destination without unnecessary delays. The recipient’s address should appear in the lower right portion of the envelope or parcel, while the return address goes either on the back of the envelope or the upper left of the front. The conventional format moves from the most specific information to the most general:

1. Recipient name — e.g. Giorgos Papadopoulos
2. Street name and house number — e.g. Ermou 45
3. Postcode and city/town — e.g. 105 63 Athens
4. Country (for international mail) — e.g. GREECE or GRC

A correctly formatted Greek address would appear as follows:

The postcode appears on the same line as the city or town name, placed before it with no punctuation between them. On personal correspondence it is common to write the given name first, whereas formal paperwork and official documents typically place the surname first, followed by the given name — the latter convention being considered more formal.

Postcodes are sometimes placed beneath the area name rather than alongside it, but there is no rigid standard. When preparing addresses for international post, the safest approach is to follow the format shown above — postcode before city, and the country name written in full on the final line.

How do you find or look up a postcode in Greece?

Greek postcodes consist of five digits and are customarily written in the format XXX XX — for instance, 123 45. The opening three digits identify the city, municipality, or prefecture: codes in the range 100 to 180, for example, correspond to the city of Athens, while 180 to 199 covers the remainder of the Attica region. The closing two digits denote the specific delivery zone or neighbourhood within that area.

Even without an online lookup tool, the first three digits of a Greek postcode provide a useful indication of the general locality — a logic broadly comparable to the outward code in the UK postcode system, or the opening digits of a US ZIP code.

To look up an unknown postcode, the most direct resource is the postcode search function on the ELTA website (elta.gr), where entering a street name or locality will return the corresponding five-digit code. The postal regulator, the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), also publishes information on postal service standards and coverage.

Anyone sending mail to Greece from abroad should always include the five-digit postcode in the standard XXX XX format. Leaving it out can cause significant delays or misdirection, particularly in areas where identical or similar street names exist across different municipalities.

What should expats know about sending and receiving international mail and parcels in Greece?

Greece is a member of both the European Union and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), meaning that international postal flows follow broadly recognised global standards — though a number of practical points are worth noting for anyone based in Greece.

Sending mail and parcels internationally

ELTA ships letters and parcels to destinations across Europe and beyond, with pricing determined by weight and destination country. Letters and envelopes may be sent domestically and internationally up to a maximum weight of 2 kg.

For larger items, ELTA handles parcels of up to 35 kg. International parcel shipments are supported through ELTA’s partnership with EMS Courier. As a general guide, letter service pricing spans roughly €0.90 to €7.40 for domestic items and €1 to €26 for international post — though these figures should be verified on the ELTA website, as rates are subject to change.

When dispatching parcels to destinations outside the EU, a customs declaration form must be completed accurately, listing the contents, their declared value, and the intended purpose. Items sent to non-EU countries — including the United Kingdom following Brexit — may be liable for import duties and VAT at the receiving end.

Receiving parcels from abroad

Incoming international parcels, particularly those arriving from outside the EU, may be subject to customs clearance in Greece. Packages from non-EU senders that exceed applicable value thresholds can be held by Greek Customs (AADE) and attract import duty and VAT before being released. Always verify current thresholds with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), as rules and limits are periodically revised.

Delivery times for international parcels depend on the shipping distance involved, whether customs inspection is required, and whether weekends or public holidays fall during transit. Delays at the border are not uncommon, especially during peak shopping periods, so it is wise to factor in extra time when expecting items that must arrive by a specific date.

For those who need faster or more predictable international delivery, private couriers including DHL, UPS, and FedEx operate extensively in Greece and are frequently preferred for high-value or time-critical shipments. These providers typically manage customs clearance on the customer’s behalf, simplifying the process considerably.

How do I access and use ELTA postal services as an expat in Greece?

1. Locate your nearest ELTA branch or access point. Use the branch finder on the ELTA website to find your nearest post office, ELTA Courier outlet, or authorised agent. Be aware that the network has changed significantly following the 2025 restructuring.
2. Confirm home delivery availability. If you live in a rural area or on a smaller island, check with your local post office whether home delivery operates to your specific address, or whether you need to collect from a designated point.
3. Set up a postal box (P.O. box) if needed. If home delivery is unreliable or you are awaiting a permanent address, enquire at your nearest ELTA branch about renting a postal box (Ταχυδρομική Θυρίδα). This can be particularly useful for new arrivals.
4. Register for mail forwarding if changing address. ELTA offers a mail forwarding service for up to six months; applications should be made at the local post office. Note this service is not available when moving overseas.
5. Use tracking for registered and courier items. When sending or receiving items of value, use registered mail or ELTA Courier to access tracking. Customers can visit the official ELTA website, enter their tracking number, and receive real-time updates on the status and location of their shipment.
6. Choose the appropriate service level for international items. For important documents or parcels, consider ELTA’s EMS service or a private courier rather than standard airmail, particularly for time-sensitive items.
7. Prepare customs documentation for non-EU parcels. When sending to or receiving from non-EU countries, ensure customs declaration forms are completed accurately to avoid delays or additional charges.

Are there any known issues or practical tips for using the postal service in Greece?

ELTA has been falling short of its performance benchmarks in recent years, with delivery times lengthening and user complaints on the rise. Expats relocating from countries with highly consistent postal networks would do well to temper their expectations. The most pronounced difficulties affect standard letter mail; courier and parcel services tend to perform more dependably.

While the letter segment has struggled, parcel volumes continue to grow on the back of Greece’s expanding e-commerce sector. This means the courier and parcel side of operations is in considerably better shape than letter post, and for anything important or time-sensitive, using a dedicated courier service — whether ELTA Courier, ACS, DHL, or another provider — is generally the wiser choice.

Language can present a practical obstacle. Post office staff in smaller towns may have limited English proficiency, and official forms are almost always in Greek. Carrying a Greek translation of your address and a description of any parcel contents is helpful when visiting a branch. Familiarising yourself with a handful of key Greek postal terms — such as συστημένο (registered), δέμα (parcel), and αποστολή (shipment) — can make everyday transactions considerably smoother.

When receiving parcels, be aware that if you are absent at the time of a delivery attempt, ELTA will normally leave a notification slip and hold the item at the local post office for a specified period. A valid form of identification bearing your Greek address is required when going to collect. Postal accounts remain popular among residents in rural communities, and ELTA’s wider branch network supports access to these account services across the country.

In areas where branches are closing, nearby ELTA Courier outlets located within 100–200 metres may take on postal operations; for 113 branches, reorganisation will only proceed once an ELTA agent has been appointed and local residents have received clear and timely notification. If you are moving to a smaller town or rural location, it is advisable to check current service arrangements on the ground before assuming a post office will be within easy reach.

Finally, when ordering from international online retailers, many expats find it worthwhile to ensure their delivery address is fully and precisely formatted — complete with the five-digit postcode and the unabbreviated street name — as parcels carrying incomplete addresses are more likely to be delayed, returned, or lost at the customs or sorting stage.

Frequently asked questions about the postal service in Greece

Is ELTA (Hellenic Post) reliable for everyday mail?

ELTA covers the whole of Greece under its universal service obligation, but its performance record has deteriorated in recent years. EETT data from 2024–2025 confirms that ELTA is not meeting its official delivery targets, with priority mail routinely exceeding the mandated three-working-day window. For anything important or time-sensitive, registered mail or a courier service is strongly recommended.

How long does international mail take to arrive in Greece?

International shipments via ELTA can take anywhere from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the destination country. Express services such as EMS are faster, and private couriers such as DHL offer services in as little as 1–3 business days for express options. Customs clearance for non-EU parcels can add additional time.

Can I pay bills at a Greek post office?

Yes — Greek post offices accept payments for utility bills such as electricity and telephone charges, as well as fines including parking penalties. This broader service remit makes the post office a valuable public resource, particularly for anyone living in an area with limited banking facilities.

What postcode format does Greece use?

Greek postcodes are five digits long and are written in the format XXX XX (e.g. 105 63). The first three digits identify the city, municipality, or prefecture — for example, 100–180 relates to Athens. Always include the postcode when sending mail within or to Greece.

Where can I look up a postcode in Greece?

The official postcode lookup tool is available on the ELTA website (elta.gr). You can search by street name and locality to find the correct five-digit code for any address in Greece. International postal portals linked to the Universal Postal Union also carry Greek postcode data.

Will parcels from outside the EU be taxed when arriving in Greece?

Yes. As an EU member state, Greece applies EU customs rules to parcels arriving from non-EU countries. Items above the relevant value threshold may be subject to import duty and VAT before they are released by Greek Customs (AADE). Check the AADE website for current thresholds and rates, as these change periodically.

What happens if I miss a parcel delivery in Greece?

If no one is available to receive a delivery, ELTA will ordinarily leave a notification slip. The item can then be collected from your nearest post office or designated ELTA access point within a set timeframe. Take a valid photo ID and the notification slip when you go to collect. Failing to collect within the allotted period may result in the item being returned to the sender.

Is there mail delivery to all the Greek islands?

ELTA provides a universal postal service to all parts of Greece, including the islands. However, delivery frequencies and times to smaller or more remote islands can be less predictable than on the mainland. Expats living on smaller islands should verify delivery arrangements locally and consider using a PO box or local agent as a reliable collection point.

Are there private courier alternatives to ELTA in Greece?

Alongside ELTA, several other providers offer last-mile delivery in Greece. For domestic deliveries, companies like ACS Courier and Speedex offer reliable services, with delivery times typically ranging from 1 to 3 days. International express options from DHL, UPS, and FedEx are also widely available and often preferred for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.