General

Using Kiosks in Aachen:

A Guide for Expats

Using Kiosks in Aachen:

1. What Are Kiosks?

Kiosks in Aachen are small convenience stores that offer a variety of services, including snacks, drinks, newspapers, small gifts, and postal services. They are a vital part of daily life for expats and locals alike, providing quick and accessible solutions for everyday needs. Some kiosks operate as DHL or Hermes Paketshops, allowing you to send and receive packages conveniently.

2. Types of Kiosks in Aachen

  • Traditional Convenience Kiosks: These kiosks sell snacks, beverages, cigarettes, and newspapers. Many are open late into the night or even 24 hours, catering to diverse customer groups like students, tourists, and commuters.

  • Postal Service Kiosks: Locations such as the DHL Paketshop at Kapuzinergraben 24 offer package drop-off and pickup services alongside standard kiosk items. These kiosks are often open from early morning until midnight.

  • Health Kiosks: Unique to Aachen, health kiosks provide low-threshold health counseling, basic diagnostics (e.g., blood tests), and referrals to specialists. They serve as an interface between medical care and the social environment.

  • Specialized Kiosks: Some kiosks adapt their offerings based on location and clientele. For example:

    • Near tourist zones like Elisenbrunnen: Focus on souvenirs, coffee, and quick snacks.
    • In residential areas: Cater to locals with newspapers, lottery tickets, and groceries.

3. Finding Kiosks in Aachen

Use the KioskKollektiv Verortungskarte, an interactive map showing kiosk locations across Aachen’s city center. The map provides detailed profiles of each kiosk, including services offered and typical customer groups.

4. Services Offered by Kiosks

  • Snacks and beverages.
  • Newspapers and magazines.
  • Cigarettes and lottery tickets.
  • Package services (DHL/Hermes drop-off or pickup).
  • Stamps (available at kiosks like those in RWTH Aachen University Hospital).
  • Health advice and referrals (at health kiosks).

5. Opening Hours

Many kiosks in Aachen operate with extended hours to accommodate different lifestyles:

  • Standard convenience kiosks: Often open late into the night or 24/7.

  • Health kiosks: Typically open during regular business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday).

  • Specialized kiosks like those at RWTH Aachen University Hospital: Open from early morning until evening on weekdays; reduced hours on weekends.#

6. Why Use Kiosks?

Kiosks are ideal for:

  • Quick purchases without visiting larger supermarkets.

  • Sending or receiving packages when the post offices are closed.

  • Accessing health-related advice without needing a doctor’s appointment.

  • Finding last-minute gifts or essentials.

7. Tips for Expats

  • Language: While most kiosk staff speak German, many in tourist-heavy areas may have basic English skills.

  • Payment Methods: Some kiosks accept card payments, but cash is still widely used.

  • Location Adaptability: Kiosks near bus stops or train stations often cater to commuters with coffee and snacks; those in residential areas may focus on groceries or lottery tickets.