The Swiss PTT (Post, Telegramm, Telegraph) was divided into the Swiss Post (postal services) and Swisscom (telecommunications) in 1997. Both companies are now organized as limited public companies, but the government still holds the majority of the shares.
The mighty Swiss postal system continues to reign as the largest transport company in Switzerland, conveying letters, express items and parcels, it also offers delivery services, passenger transport (Postbus) and financial services (Postfinance, Yellow Funds) similar to a bank. The Swiss Post has a reputation for its reliability. One remarkable service is the guaranteed delivery (within Switzerland) of a first-class letter (priority or A-Post) on the very next day.
The Post is the market leader for payments and it currently operates 3500 post offices nationwide, which makes it the densest post office network in the world.
Post Offices
The Main Post Office of Zurich is the Sihlpost near the Main Station (Kasernenstrasse 95-99, 0848 84 84 42 ). Its hours are Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10.30pm, Saturday 6.30am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 10.30pm.
Zurich Main Station also has a post office that offers full postal services excluding parcels weighing over 1kg (unless sent express).
There are post offices conveniently located throughout Zurich, close to Paradeplatz, Bellevue, Central and in the districts of the city.
Post office hours are, in general, Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm and Saturday 7.30am to 11am. Smaller post offices are closed during lunchtime and have individual opening hours.
Letterboxes are bright yellow and the time of the next pick up is always indicated on the box.
Postal Rates within Switzerland
The Swiss Post has a two-tier system for mail:
– All letters and postcards sent within Switzerland can be sent first class mail by placing the letter A next to the stamp. These letters will be received the following day (except Sunday).
– All other letters, known as B post should arrive within 2 or 3 working days.
Stamps can be purchased either in the post office or from stamp machines. Stamps are also available from shops or kiosks that sell postcards.
Packages up to 30 kg can be sent within Switzerland registered or unregistered.
Letters, postcards and parcels can also be sent express within Switzerland.
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