PTT Posta tracking

What is PTT Posta?

PTT Posta, also known as Turkish Post or Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı in Turkish, is Turkey's national postal operator. This historic institution handles the collection, transport and distribution of mail and parcels across the entire Turkish territory, as well as international postal exchanges. As a pillar of communications in Turkey, PTT Posta combines a public service mission with a diversified commercial offering, ranging from simple letters to complex logistics services.

The origins of PTT Posta date back to October 23, 1840, when the Ottoman Empire established its first regular postal service, known as Postahane-i Amire (Ministry of Posts). The first post office opened its doors in the courtyard of the Yeni Cami mosque in Istanbul, marking the beginning of a long postal history. During the second half of the 19th century, the Ottoman postal service developed rapidly with the establishment of a Telegraph Directorate in 1855, followed by the merger of postal and telegraph services in 1871.

In 1909, with the inauguration of telephone service in Istanbul, the administration took the name Posta Telgraf Telefon (PTT), meaning "Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones". This acronym remained in use for over 80 years and remains today the emblematic brand of Turkish post. Following the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, PTT became a general directorate of the Turkish state, continuing its expansion throughout the entire national territory.

• Date of establishment: October 23, 1840, under the Ottoman Empire with the establishment of the first regular postal service in Istanbul
• Official name: Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı A.Ş. (joint-stock company since 2013)
• Headquarters: Ankara, capital of Turkey
• Legal status: Public enterprise under the Turkish Sovereign Wealth Fund since 2017
• Workforce: Over 16,000 employees distributed across the entire territory
• Network: Over 4,000 post offices and agencies across Turkey's 81 provinces

Major reforms have shaped PTT's evolution over the decades. In 1995, telephone and telecommunications services were separated to form Türk Telekom, allowing PTT to refocus its activities on mail, parcels and financial services. In 2013, new legislation transformed Turkish Post into a joint-stock company to modernize its management while maintaining its status as a strategic public enterprise. PTT Posta has been a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1875, fully integrating it into the global postal network for the distribution of international mail and parcels.

Beyond its traditional postal activities, PTT has diversified its services by developing PTTBank, a financial services offering including postal money orders, bill payment, money transfers and savings. The company also launched PttCell, a mobile virtual network operator, and PttAVM, an e-commerce platform that has become one of the country's leading marketplaces with over 50,000 active merchants and a catalog of over 50 million products.

Which countries does PTT Posta deliver to?

PTT Posta ensures particularly extensive geographical coverage, both on national territory and at international level. In Turkey, the carrier serves all 81 provinces of the country, from major metropolises like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir to the most remote villages of Anatolia. This widespread presence makes PTT an essential player in Turkish social and economic connections, offering citizens proximity access to postal and financial services.

PTT Posta's national network comprises several thousand service points strategically distributed throughout the territory. The main post offices in urban centers are complemented by local branches and partners in small towns, ensuring no region is left behind. This infrastructure allows the carrier to guarantee reliable delivery times across the entire territory, including in rural and mountainous areas.

• Metropolitan Turkey: Complete coverage of all 81 provinces, including all major cities and rural areas
• Europe: Delivery to all European Union countries as well as non-EU European countries such as Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom
• Middle East: Full coverage of Gulf and Levant countries with optimized delivery times thanks to geographical proximity
• Asia: Coverage of the entire Asian continent, from China to Japan including India and Southeast Asia
• North America: Delivery to the United States and Canada with standard and express options
• Africa and Oceania: Coverage of over 50 African countries and major destinations in Oceania

Internationally, PTT Posta relies on Universal Postal Union agreements and partnerships with national postal operators in each destination country. Through the IPS (International Postal Systems) program, electronic tracking of parcels is ensured with 124 countries, allowing senders and recipients to track their shipments in real time even after they leave Turkish territory. A parcel sent to the United States will thus be handled by USPS for final delivery, while a shipment to France will pass through La Poste.

Turkey occupies a strategically important position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, giving PTT Posta a significant logistical advantage for international shipments. PTT's International Exchange Center located at Istanbul Airport is the hub for international shipments, from where mail and parcels are routed by air to worldwide destinations, often via flights operated by Turkish Airlines.

What are PTT Posta's delivery services and timeframes?

PTT Posta offers a complete range of delivery services adapted to the different needs of individuals and businesses. Whether you wish to send a simple letter, a standard parcel or benefit from express delivery, the Turkish carrier has a diversified offering to meet all situations. Delivery times vary depending on the type of service chosen and the destination of the shipment.

For domestic shipments within Turkey, PTT Posta guarantees competitive delivery times thanks to its dense network of post offices and distribution centers. Regular mail is generally delivered within 1 to 3 business days for local or regional shipments, and can take up to a week for the longest distances. Parcels benefit from priority handling with average delivery times of 1 to 2 business days depending on the distance between origin and destination.

• Domestic standard mail: Economical service for sending letters and small documents, with delivery time of 1 to 7 business days depending on distance
• PTT Kargo (standard parcel): Parcel and courier service for items and merchandise, delivery in 1 to 2 business days across Turkish territory
• Domestic express service (PTT Kurye): Priority delivery guaranteed within 24 hours to most urban destinations, ideal for urgent documents
• Same-day delivery: Available in major metropolises such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Bursa for parcels deposited before 11:00 AM
• Standard international postal service: Delivery time from a few days for neighboring countries to 2-3 weeks for distant destinations
• EMS (Express Mail Service): International express service with delivery times of 2 to 7 business days depending on destination
• PTT DHL International Express: Premium partnership offering delivery times of 1 to 3 business days to major destinations worldwide

International delivery times vary considerably depending on the destination region. For Europe, parcels generally arrive within 5 to 7 business days after departure from Istanbul's exchange center, with an express option allowing delivery within 3 to 5 days to Germany, France or the United Kingdom. Shipments to North America require 7 to 10 business days in standard service, including customs clearance, or 5 to 7 days in express. For the Middle East and Gulf countries, geographical proximity allows delivery times of 4 to 6 days in standard and 2 to 3 days in express.

PTT Posta also offers logistics solutions for transporting large or bulk items across the national territory. These services include secure transport of pallets or cargo via special agreements for businesses. The carrier ensures the handling of large items with adapted terms, whether by road or domestic air transport. It is important to note that delivery times may be extended by 1 to 3 days during peak activity periods such as Ramadan, Black Friday or year-end holidays.

What are PTT Posta's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

PTT Posta applies a structured tariff schedule based on weight, dimensions, destination and the type of service chosen. Like most carriers, the company takes into account both the actual weight and the volumetric weight of the shipment, charging on the basis of the higher of the two. This calculation method encourages senders to optimize their packaging to reduce shipping costs.

For domestic shipments, PTT offers particularly competitive rates that make it one of the most economical options on the Turkish market. The cost of a parcel depends on its weight in kilograms or its volume in cubic decimeters (desi), as well as the distance between the cities of origin and destination. For example, the price of a 1 desi parcel sent from Istanbul to Ankara differs from that of an identical parcel sent from Istanbul to Kars due to the additional distance.

• Books and printed matter (preferential rate): 5.00 TL for 0-250 g, 7.00 TL for 251-500 g, 9.00 TL for 501-1000 g, with a 30% reduction above 1 kg
• Domestic standard parcel: Rate calculated based on weight/volume and distance, available via the calculator on ptt.gov.tr
• Domestic express shipment: Surcharge applied to standard rate to guarantee priority delivery
• Cash on delivery: Additional service fees for collecting payment on delivery
• Insurance (declared value shipment): Paid option allowing you to declare the value of contents and receive compensation in case of loss or damage
• International standard: Variable rate depending on geographical destination zone and shipment weight
• International EMS: Premium pricing for express service, calculable via the TURPEX tool on the PTT website

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, PTT Posta applies different limits depending on the type of shipment. For standard letters and small parcels, the combined length, width and depth must not exceed 90 cm, with the largest dimension limited to 60 cm. The maximum weight for this type of shipment is 2 kg, although official documents from Turkish government agencies are accepted up to 5 kg. For roll-shaped shipments, the length plus twice the diameter must be at least 17 cm.

Minimum dimensions require that each parcel has a face of at least 14 x 9 cm (with a 2 mm tolerance). Items exceeding 30 kg or a volume of 300 cubic decimeters are classified as "Cargo" or "Postal Cargo" and are subject to specific pricing and handling. For e-commerce products shipped under indirect representation and simplified procedure, PTT accepts shipments with a value not exceeding 7,500 euros without additional charges.

It is recommended to use the rate calculator available on the official website ptt.gov.tr to obtain an accurate estimate of shipping costs. This simulator takes into account all parameters (weight, dimensions, destination, additional services) and provides an updated quote according to current pricing schedules. Rates are regularly updated and may vary depending on economic developments and the company's commercial policies.

What are PTT Posta's delivery options?

PTT Posta has developed a range of flexible delivery options to suit different lifestyles and constraints of its customers. Beyond standard home delivery, the Turkish carrier offers several alternatives allowing recipients to pick up their parcels according to their preferences and availability. These modern options demonstrate PTT's commitment to adapting to changing consumer expectations.

Home delivery remains the most commonly used option. PTT drivers and delivery personnel conduct their rounds Monday to Saturday, with varying schedules depending on the region. If the recipient is absent, a delivery notice is left indicating the post office where to pick up the parcel or the possibility of rescheduling delivery. For shipments requiring a signature, the recipient must be present or have designated an authorized representative to receive the parcel on their behalf.

• Standard home delivery: Distribution to the address provided by the sender, Monday to Saturday according to zones
• Kargomat 24/7: Automated lockers accessible 24 hours a day for self-service parcel pickup or deposit
• Post office pickup: Possibility to collect your parcel at one of 4,000 PTT offices throughout Turkey
• Same-day express delivery: Available in major cities for parcels deposited before the 11:00 AM cutoff time
• Delivery rescheduling: Option to choose a new date or time slot that better suits you
• SMS notifications: Proactive alerts informing the recipient of the imminent arrival of their parcel

The Kargomat system is one of PTT Posta's major innovations in recent years. Launched in 2019, these automated lockers allow customers to pick up or deposit parcels at any time of day or night, without relying on post office opening hours. The Kargomat network has approximately 360 locations distributed in major Turkish cities, mainly in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Izmir and Kocaeli. Users can locate the nearest Kargomat via the "En Yakın PTT" (Nearest PTT) mobile application.

The operation of Kargomats is simple and secure. When a parcel is deposited in a locker, the recipient receives a unique code or barcode via SMS or through the PTT Mobil application. They simply need to go to the indicated Kargomat, scan their barcode or enter their password on the machine screen, and the locker containing their parcel opens automatically. This option is particularly appreciated by people with demanding work schedules or living in buildings without a concierge.

The PTT Mobil mobile application centralizes all parcel tracking and delivery management features. Users can track the progress of their parcels, create a route to the delivery Kargomat, manage their notification preferences and even perform pre-acceptance operations without visiting a post office. The application also allows you to calculate estimated shipping costs and forecast delivery times to plan your shipments. For registered shipments requiring receipt confirmation, PTT delivery personnel have mobile terminals allowing recipients to sign electronically, avoiding paper forms.

What should I do if my PTT Posta parcel is lost or damaged?

If you experience a problem with a PTT Posta parcel, whether it's a loss, damage or abnormal delay, it is essential to know the procedures to follow to assert your rights. PTT Posta has a structured complaint process, in compliance with Universal Postal Union regulations for international shipments, allowing customers to obtain redress within the limits set by the terms and conditions of service.

The first step is to check the status of your shipment via the online tracking system on ptt.gov.tr website or the PTT Mobil application. If no update appears for several days, it may simply be a delay due to logistics congestion or a scanning issue. For domestic shipments, it is recommended to wait 7 to 10 business days without new updates before filing a complaint. For international shipments, this period is extended to 14 to 21 business days due to longer transit times and customs clearance.

• Time limit for filing a complaint: 6 months from the day after the shipment was deposited
• Place of filing: Post office where the shipment was originally deposited or nearest office to sender's address
• Required documents: Original deposit receipt, identification document, detailed description of contents and their value
• Standard compensation: According to limits set by Universal Postal Union Acts for international shipments
• Declared value shipment: Compensation up to the declared amount, provided it does not exceed the actual value of the contents
• International coordination: For shipments abroad, PTT coordinates the search with partner postal services

For a damaged parcel, it is crucial to assess the damage upon receipt and report it immediately to the delivery person or post office. If possible, take photos of the outer packaging and damaged contents before removing anything from the parcel. This evidence will be essential to support your claim. If the parcel was delivered in your absence and you discover damage afterward, report it as soon as possible to PTT customer service with photographic evidence attached.

PTT's "declared value shipment" (Değerli Gönderi) service protects senders against losses or damage occurring during transport. By subscribing to this option at the time of deposit, you can declare a specific value for your shipment, provided the declared amount does not exceed the actual value of the contents. This service is only available for destinations accepting insured parcels. In case of proven loss, compensation will be paid according to the declared value and service conditions.

To contact PTT Posta customer service, several channels are available. The call center is reachable at 444 1 788 (from Turkey) during business hours, Monday to Friday. You can also visit a post office directly where staff can escalate complex cases to regional centers or customs services. PTT also has official accounts on social media allowing you to ask questions or report problems. Post offices are generally open Monday to Saturday, with varying hours depending on location.

Does PTT Posta handle international shipments and customs procedures?

PTT Posta plays a central role in the international routing of mail and parcels from Turkey to the rest of the world, and vice versa. As a founding member of the global postal network through the Universal Postal Union since 1875, the Turkish carrier has in-depth expertise in managing cross-border shipments and handling customs procedures. This expertise is particularly valuable for individuals and businesses wishing to send or receive goods from abroad.

Turkish customs authorities have authorized PTT to conduct customs clearance of postal shipments and express cargo, which significantly simplifies procedures for senders and recipients. PTT can thus handle all customs procedures, including the submission of customs declarations for several merchandise categories. This authorization covers in particular documents, samples and models for research or analysis, books and publications provided by public institutions, and non-commercial import goods.

• Customs declaration: Forms to be completed mandatory for all international shipments containing merchandise
• Description of contents: Precise details on the nature of articles, their value and recipient's contact information
• Category 1 (documents): Exempt from customs duties and VAT
• Category 6 (non-commercial merchandise up to 22 €): Fixed rate of 30% for EU shipments, 60% for other origins
• Simplified B2C threshold: 150 € maximum for simplified procedure, with 18% rate (EU) or 30% (non-EU)
• Above 150 €: Customs clearance by broker required with complete documentation

One of the essential aspects for sending international mail from Turkey is correctly completing customs declaration forms. These forms must include a detailed description of the contents, the declared value of the articles and complete information on the recipient. The declaration is made before shipping items abroad and, upon customer request, the customs declaration number can be transmitted by email to facilitate tracking.

Since May 2022, Turkish authorities have lowered the value threshold for simplified customs clearance of B2C imports from 1,500 € to 150 € (with a maximum weight of 30 kg, medications excluded). This change impacts shipments received in Turkey from abroad, with taxation rates of 18% for merchandise from EU member countries and 30% for other origins. Shipments exceeding the 150 € threshold require customs clearance by an authorized broker with presentation of complete documentation.

For exports from Turkey, Turkish documentation procedures require that a commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list and certificate of origin accompany all commercial shipments. These documents must be obtained from the competent authorities of the country of origin and submitted to Turkish customs with other required documents. Control certificates must also be presented upon import.

Certain items are prohibited or restricted for international postal shipment. Delivery by mail or express shipment of cosmetics, mobile phones, alcohol, tobacco products, products of animal origin and non-prescription medicines is prohibited under PTT customs clearance authorization. Each destination country has its own regulations on permitted merchandise, and certain items such as perishable goods, liquids or certain electronic devices may be restricted or completely prohibited. It is crucial to check the customs regulations of the destination country before preparing your shipment to avoid any legal complications or parcel return.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a PTT Posta parcel online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment through the logistics network. These statuses are updated at each processing stage, from initial deposit to final delivery. Understanding their meaning allows you to know exactly where your parcel is and anticipate its arrival date. Here are the main statuses used by PTT Posta and their descriptions: