Using Kiosks in Aachen

1. What Are Kiosks?

If you've just arrived here and taken a brief walk in the city, you must have noticed these scattered all around. Kiosks are small convenience stores that offer a variety of services, including snacks, drinks, newspapers, small gifts, and postal services.

2. Types of Kiosks in Aachen

• Traditional Convenience Kiosks: These kiosks sell snacks, drinks, cigarettes, and newspapers.
• Postal Service Kiosks: These kiosks offer package drop-off and pickup services alongside standard kiosk items.
• Specialized Kiosks: They adapt their offerings to location and clientele. For example, near tourist zones like Elisenbrunnen: souvenirs, coffee, and quick snacks.

3. Finding Kiosks in Aachen

Use the Kiosk Kollektiv Verortungskarte, an interactive map showing kiosk locations across the city center of Aachen. The map provides detailed profiles of each kiosk.

4. Opening Hours

Many kiosks in Aachen operate with extended hours:

• Standard convenience kiosks are often open late into the night.
• Like all other stores, kiosks are closed on Sundays, except the ones with only vending machines.

5. Tips for Expats

• Language: In general, kiosk staff speak German. However, in tourist-heavy areas, kiosk staff may have basic English skills.
• Payment Methods: Most kiosks accept card payments, but cash is always a safe bet (this applies to Germany in general).
• Pricing: Kiosks are good when you need to get something while other stores are closed. However, their prices might be higher, so check the price before buying.