Hangzhou

1. Utility Costs in Hangzhou

The cost of utilities in Hangzhou is relatively affordable compared to many Western cities, but it can vary depending on your lifestyle, the size of your residence, and your consumption habits. Below is a breakdown of typical utility costs:

Electricity

• Cost: Electricity is billed on a tiered system, with higher rates for higher consumption.
  • Tier 1: ¥0.53 per kWh (up to 200 kWh/month)
  • Tier 2: ¥0.58 per kWh (201–400 kWh/month)
  • Tier 3: ¥0.83 per kWh (above 400 kWh/month)
• Seasonal Considerations: Electricity usage tends to spike in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating), so plan accordingly.

Water

• Cost: Water is also billed on a tiered system.
  • Tier 1: ¥2.85 per cubic meter (up to 220 cubic meters/year)
  • Tier 2: ¥3.35 per cubic meter (221–300 cubic meters/year)
  • Tier 3: ¥4.85 per cubic meter (above 300 cubic meters/year)
• Additional Fees: A small sewage treatment fee is included in the bill.

Gas (Natural Gas)

• Cost: ¥2.80–¥3.00 per cubic meter, depending on the supplier and usage.
• Usage: Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water.

Internet

• Cost: Internet services are provided by major telecom companies like China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile.
  • Basic broadband plans: ¥100–¥200 per month for speeds of 100–300 Mbps.
  • Bundled packages (internet + mobile): ¥150–¥300 per month, depending on the provider and plan.

Mobile Phone Plans

• Cost: Mobile plans typically range from ¥50–¥200 per month, depending on data and call allowances.
• Tip: Many internet providers offer discounts if you bundle your mobile and internet services.

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2. Setting Up Utilities in Hangzhou

As a visitor or immigrant, setting up utilities in Hangzhou requires some preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each utility:

Electricity, Water, and Gas

1. When Renting a Property:

   • Most rental agreements in Hangzhou include pre-existing utility connections. The landlord typically handles the initial setup.
   • Confirm with your landlord whether utilities are included in the rent or if you need to pay separately.
   • If utilities are not included, ask for the account numbers for electricity, water, and gas to ensure you can pay bills directly.

2. For New Connections:

   • If you’re moving into a new property, you’ll need to visit the respective utility company’s office (e.g., State Grid for electricity, Hangzhou Water Group for water, and the local gas company for gas).
   • Required documents: Passport, residence permit, rental agreement, and property ownership certificate (if applicable).
   • Deposit: Some companies may require a deposit for new accounts (e.g., ¥500–¥1,000).

3. Payment Methods:

   • Online: Use apps like Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付) to pay utility bills. These apps are widely used in China and support English interfaces.
   • In-Person: Pay at convenience stores (e.g., FamilyMart, Lawson) or at the utility company’s office.
   • Bank Transfer: Set up automatic payments through a Chinese bank account.

Internet

1. Choosing a Provider:

   • Visit a local branch of China Telecom, China Unicom, or China Mobile.
   • Compare plans based on speed, price, and whether you need a bundled package (e.g., internet + mobile).
   • Required documents: Passport and residence permit.

2. Installation:

   • Installation is usually completed within 2–3 days of signing up.
   • Installation fees may apply (¥100–¥200), but some providers waive this fee during promotions.

3. Payment:

   • Monthly payments can be made via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or through the provider’s app.

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3. Payment Procedures

Paying for utilities in Hangzhou is straightforward, thanks to the widespread use of digital payment platforms. Here’s how you can manage your bills:

Alipay and WeChat Pay

• These apps are the most convenient way to pay for utilities in Hangzhou.
• Steps:
  1. Open the app and navigate to the “Utilities” or “Life Services” section.
  2. Select the type of utility (electricity, water, gas, or internet).
  3. Enter your account number (provided by your landlord or utility company).
  4. Review the bill and confirm payment.

Bank Apps

• If you have a Chinese bank account, you can use the bank’s mobile app to pay bills.
• Popular banks include ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank.

In-Person Payments

• Visit a convenience store or the utility company’s office with your account number to pay in cash or by card.

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4. Local Considerations and Tips

1. Language Barrier:

   • Most utility company staff and apps operate in Chinese. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a Chinese-speaking friend or colleague for assistance.
   • Alternatively, use translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate.

2. Digital Payment Setup:

   • Alipay and WeChat Pay require a Chinese bank account for full functionality. Set this up as soon as possible after arriving in Hangzhou.

3. Monitor Usage:

   • Use the utility company’s app or website to track your consumption and avoid unexpected high bills.
   • Some landlords provide pre-paid meters for electricity and water. In this case, you’ll need to top up the balance regularly.

4. Energy Efficiency:

   • To save on electricity, consider using energy-efficient appliances and turning off air conditioning or heating when not in use.
   • Gas-powered water heaters are more cost-effective than electric ones.

5. Internet Speed:

   • Internet speeds in Hangzhou are generally good, but speeds may vary during peak hours. If you work from home, consider a higher-speed plan.

6. Emergency Contacts:

   • Electricity: State Grid customer service (95598)
   • Water: Hangzhou Water Group (967050)
   • Gas: Check with your local gas provider for their hotline.

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5. Summary of Costs

| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost (Average) | |---------------|-----------------------------------| | Electricity | ¥100–¥300 | | Water | ¥30–¥50 | | Gas | ¥50–¥100 | | Internet | ¥100–¥200 | | Mobile Plan | ¥50–¥200 |

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to manage public utilities in Hangzhou efficiently. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific services, feel free to ask!