Tips for Receiving a Package in Copenhagen
Here are two key tips to keep in mind when you are expecting a package in the mail:
- Make sure the sender of the package always lists your Danish phone number and your email in the contact information, as that is what the local courier will use to communicate with you should they need to
- Keep an eye out for texts and emails from the courier. If they are in Danish, use Google Translate to read them. If they send you texts or emails, it is because they are important, so do not ignore them. Call the courier’s customer service if you are in doubt about what the text says
Writing Your Address
Double check that you/the sender write your address in the correct format, and always include your room number.
Example:
- Building name (if applicable i.e. Nimbus Kollegium)
- Your name
- Street address, number, and floor
- Room number
- Zip code and city
- Denmark
If you leave out any of this information, you risk that your packages may return to sender.
How Danish Customs Work
When you buy something online from outside the EU or receive a package sent from the U.S., the value of the package and its contents determine whether Danish customs charges you with a tax. To find details about this, refer to the official Danish tax website here (in English).
Students are not required to pay 25% in VAT if they are sent items that are needed for their time while studying abroad in Denmark. For these items, students can use the following Customs Procedure Code (CPC): 40-00-C06. The code needs to be written clearly on the package.
Which Courier Should You Choose?
Various couriers deliver packages in Denmark and Copenhagen. While you may recognize some of them from the U.S., others may be new to you. It is not always possible to choose who delivers your package.
DIS recommends the sender uses the U.S. Postal Service to ship items, as these packages are received by PostNord (the Danish equivalent to USPS) and students can easily pick them up at a package delivery site, if not at their housing.
Note that FedEx does not have pick-up locations in the city, therefore it can be difficult to obtain packages/mail if sent via FedEx.
Did You Miss a Delivery?
Many of these couriers have local pick up locations where they will leave your package if you are not home to sign for it. However, FedEx does not have any local pick up locations, so if you miss a delivery, you may have to go to one of their distribution locations, such as Kastrup, to pick it up.
Pick up locations vary. Sometimes you can pick up a package in your local supermarket, a kiosk, or 7-Eleven. Other times, you have to go to a post office (which may be based at your local supermarket). Some couriers use pakkebokse (package pick up boxes) where they text you a PIN that you need to retrieve your package.
Example of a text from PostNord, regarding pick up in a pakkebokse:
Example of a text from PostNord, regarding pick up in a supermarket or kiosk:
Receiving Info About Package Pickup
If you missed a delivery, you receive information from the courier on how to locate/pick up your package.
PostNord, for example, leaves you a paper note in your mailbox telling you where you can pick up your package. Some couriers might send you a text or email with this information, while others give you the option of choosing a pickup location if you know you will not be home when they plan on delivering. For example, if you receive a delivery from UPS, UPSInfoNotice might give you the option of choosing a different delivery day or having your package shipped to a UPS Access Point where you can pick it up instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving Packages
Q / Can I have medication shipped?
No, it is illegal to have medication shipped to Denmark from the U.S. If you do so, the medication will be confiscated by the authorities.
Read more about taking medication to Denmark here
Q / Can I have packages sent to DIS?
No. DIS does not accept flowers, chocolates, or any other deliveries for students. However, if you are receiving important legal documents (like a passport or credit cards) it is possible to make an exemption and have it sent to DIS.
Contact studenthub@dis.dk for more information about having your package sent to DIS.