Arranging Utilities and Other Services When Renting in Bangkok

Utilities and Services in Bangkok

Review your rental agreement to determine which utilities and services are included in your rent and which ones you need to set up and pay for separately yourself. Common utilities and services in Bangkok include electricity, water, internet, cable TV. drinking water delivery, maid service, gas cylinders and gardening service.

Setting up utilities and other bill payments for other services when renting a property in Bangkok is an essential part of settling into your new home.

Electricity (Metropolitan Electricity Authority – MEA )

For most rental properties, the electricity account is already set up. It will almost certainly be in the name of the Landlord as it is tied with the ownership of the property. As a tenant the bill will go to your mailbox monthly and in most cases you can pay it directly to the utility company. You can pay online through your bank account or directly at the electricity company office or at any 7-11 store. To pay at 7-11 just take along the bill and they will scan it and charge a small fee for the service but you can only pay here before the due payment date. Failure to pay the bill on time can mean disconnection (after a warning) and it is quite costly and time-consuming to be reconnected! You can check your outstanding bills or electricity usage using the MEASmartLife App.

Some apartment and condominium buildings will give you the electricity bill for your usage and handle the payment on your behalf. Condominium buildings and private houses charge for electricity based on the direct rate from the electricity company. Some apartments charge at a higher rate per unit.It is worth checking with the landlord what rate you are being charged!

  • Typically, the electricity account for most rental properties is already established.
  • As a tenant, you will receive the electricity bill in your mailbox on a monthly basis.
  • Condominiums and private houses charge a direct rate from the electricity company
  • Some Apartments charge a higher rate per unit
  • You can pay the electricity bill online through your bank account
  • Payment is also possible at any 7-11 store. They will scan the bill and charge a small fee for the service. Payment at 7-11 can only be made before the due date.
  • Failure to pay the bill on time may result in disconnection after a warning.
  • Use the MEASmartLife App to check outstanding bills and to monitor electricity usage.

Water (Metropolitan Waterworks Authority – MWA)

For most rental properties, the water account is already set up. It will almost certainly be in the name of the Landlord as it is tied with the ownership of the property. You will receive the bill monthly in your mailbox. Typically payment can be made at the management office of the apartment or condominium building. However, if for some reason you don’t have that option or you live in a house or townhouse you can pay the bill at the water company office, online through your bank account or at any 7-11 store by taking the bill along before the due payment date.

  • For most rental properties, the water account is pre-established.
  • The account is generally in the landlord’s name, linked to property ownership.
  • Water bills are typically sent monthly and delivered to your mailbox.
  • Payment can often be made at the management office of the apartment or condo building.
  • Otherwise use your bank account for online payments.
  • Bills can also be paid at any 7-11 store but should be made before the due date.

Internet and Cable TV

Bangkok has several internet and cable TV providers. Research and choose a provider that suits your needs. Common options include True, AIS, and 3BB.  Contact your chosen provider to arrange installation and monthly payments. True and AIS have shops in most major shopping malls around Bangkok. The DTAC company merged with the True Company and can now supply both internet and Cable TV services. Be aware that not every provider can supply to every home, apartment and condominium building. The choice may be limited depending on location and arrangements that each company will have with individual apartment, condominium building or housing compound. You will need to check with the management at the building or housing compound which provider(s) are able to supply to them!

  • AIS (Advanced Information Services) offers high-speed fiber-optic internet services for residential and business customers. It also has AIS PLAY: A digital content platform that includes streaming services for movies, series, and music. and AIS Playbox: A set-top box for accessing digital content on your television.
  • True Company: True offers high-speed internet services, including fiber-optic connections, for residential and business customers. TrueVisions Cable TV offers a comprehensive cable TV service with a variety of channels and packages. TrueID provides a digital platform for streaming movies, series, and other content. True also offers converged services, combining mobile, internet, and entertainment services in bundled packages which may work out cheaper than purchasing them separately!
  • 3BB (Triple T Broadband) offers a range of telecommunications services, primarily focusing on broadband internet for residential and business customers including both ADSL and fiber-optic connections. Different internet plans are available, allowing customers to choose based on their speed and data requirements.

Mobile Phone Service

You may also want to set up a mobile phone plan if you haven’t already. Providers like AIS, TrueMove and dtac offer various plans, including prepaid and postpaid options. They have shops in most major shopping malls throughout Bangkok.

  • AIS offers a range of mobile plans catering to different needs, including prepaid and postpaid options.
  • DTAC (Total Access Communication) provides mobile services such as voice, data, and messaging including both prepaid and postpaid plans. They also offer a selection of smartphones and mobile devices for purchase and international roaming services, allowing customers to use their mobile phones abroad.
  • True Company Truemove is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on the TrueMove H network. It offers a variety of mobile services and plans.

Gas Cylinders (if applicable)

Some apartments use gas for cooking (mainly older apartment buildings and houses). The majority of newer buildings do not allow gas cylinders in the building for safety reasons. Check with your landlord or property management if gas is included in the rent. If not, they can guide you on how to set up a gas cylinder delivery account. However, if you are renting privately in a house or townhouse you may need to order a cylinder yourself. There are several companies that provide LPG cylinders in Bangkok. Just check online and find the one closest to you. The gas supplier will arrange for the delivery of the gas cylinder to your specified address usually within 24 hours. They will also handle the installation process. If you are not familiar with the use of gas cylinders, ask the installer for instructions on how to safely use and handle the gas cylinder. Payment methods may vary, so check with the supplier for their accepted forms of payment.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Bangkok may not be drinkable unless a water filter is fitted to the supply. Many people therefore buy bottled water which they can carry or have it delivered from the supermarket. Alternatively, the Sprinkle Company and Nestle Pure Life Company can deliver various sized bottles and water dispensers to apartments, condominiums and housing compounds usually on a weekly basis. Customers can place orders for drinking water either through the company’s website, a mobile app, or by calling their customer service.

  • Choose Water Quantity and Type:
    • Customers specify the quantity of water they need (e.g., 5-gallon bottles) and the type of water (e.g., purified, mineral, or spring water).
  • Delivery Address:
    • Provide the delivery address where you want the drinking water delivered. Water delivery services often operate on regular schedules, with specific days assigned to different areas. Some companies may offer same-day or next-day delivery options.
  • Delivery Confirmation:
    • Customers receive a confirmation of their order along with an estimated delivery time.
  • Delivery and Installation:
    • The delivery personnel bring the ordered water to the specified location. If it involves water coolers, they may also help with the installation.
  • Payment:
    • Customers are informed about the total cost of the water and any additional charges for delivery. Payment can be made online, over the phone, or in person upon delivery.
  • Quality Assurance:
    • Reputable water delivery services ensure that the water provided meets quality and safety standards. Some may offer certificates of water purity.
  • Subscription Services:
    • Some water delivery companies offer subscription membership services, allowing customers to receive regular deliveries of large bottles and refills without the need to place individual orders each time.

Garbage Collection

In many areas of Bangkok, garbage collection is included in the property taxes or common area fees for the apartment, condominium or housing compound. The landlord or property management company will be liable for these taxes and fees but it is best to confirm this when renting the property!

Bank Account

You’ll need a local bank account to make utility payments. Visit a nearby bank branch and provide the necessary documentation, including your passport and a proof of address, which could be a signed copy of your rental agreement. Set up automatic payments for your rent and utilities through your bank account. This ensures that you don’t miss any payments and helps you maintain a good payment history.

Compare listings

Compare