Hangzhou

1. Electricity (电费 - Diànfèi)

Provider

• Electricity in Hangzhou is managed by the State Grid Corporation of China (国家电网 - Guójiā Diànwǎng).

Average Costs

• Residential electricity rates in Hangzhou are tiered based on usage:
  • First Tier: ¥0.53 per kWh (for monthly usage up to 200 kWh).
  • Second Tier: ¥0.58 per kWh (for monthly usage between 201–400 kWh).
  • Third Tier: ¥0.83 per kWh (for monthly usage above 400 kWh).
• Monthly electricity bills for a small apartment (1-2 bedrooms) typically range from ¥100–¥300, depending on air conditioning and heating usage.

Setup

• If you are renting, electricity is usually already set up by the landlord. You will either:
  • Pay the landlord directly (common for short-term rentals).
  • Pay the utility company yourself (common for long-term rentals).
• For new properties, you’ll need to contact the State Grid office to set up an account. Bring your passport, rental agreement, and property ownership certificate (if applicable).

Payment Methods

• Online: Use apps like Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat (微信). Search for "State Grid" (国家电网) in the app.
• In-person: Pay at convenience stores (e.g., FamilyMart, Lawson) or at State Grid offices.
• Prepaid Meters: Some apartments use prepaid electricity meters. You’ll need to top up the balance using a card or app.

Tips

• Monitor your electricity usage, especially in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating).
• If you’re unsure how to check your meter, ask your landlord or property manager for guidance.

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2. Water (水费 - Shuǐfèi)

Provider

• Water services in Hangzhou are managed by the Hangzhou Water Supply Group (杭州市水务集团).

Average Costs

• Water is relatively inexpensive in Hangzhou:
  • Residential Rate: ¥2.85 per cubic meter for the first 300 cubic meters annually.
  • Higher Tiers: Rates increase slightly for higher usage.
• Monthly water bills for a small apartment typically range from ¥20–¥50.

Setup

• Water is usually set up by the landlord. If not, you’ll need to contact the Hangzhou Water Supply Group to register for service. Bring your passport, rental agreement, and property ownership certificate.

Payment Methods

• Online: Pay via Alipay or WeChat by searching for "Hangzhou Water" (杭州市水务集团).
• In-person: Payments can be made at convenience stores or water company offices.

Tips

• Tap water in Hangzhou is treated but not typically consumed directly. Most residents boil water or use a water purifier for drinking.
• Check for leaks or dripping faucets, as water bills can increase unexpectedly.

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3. Gas (燃气 - Ránqì)

Provider

• Gas services in Hangzhou are provided by the Hangzhou Gas Group (杭州市燃气集团).

Average Costs

• Gas is charged based on usage:
  • Residential Rate: ¥3.10–¥3.50 per cubic meter.
• Monthly gas bills for cooking and water heating typically range from ¥50–¥150.

Setup

• Gas is usually set up by the landlord. If not, you’ll need to contact the Hangzhou Gas Group to register for service. Bring your passport, rental agreement, and property ownership certificate.
• For safety, gas companies may require an inspection before activating service.

Payment Methods

• Online: Pay via Alipay or WeChat by searching for "Hangzhou Gas" (杭州市燃气集团).
• In-person: Payments can be made at convenience stores or gas company offices.

Tips

• Always check for gas leaks and ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen.
• If you smell gas, immediately turn off the supply and contact the gas company’s emergency hotline.

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4. Internet (宽带 - Kuāndài)

Providers

• Major internet service providers in Hangzhou include:
  • China Telecom (中国电信)
  • China Unicom (中国联通)
  • China Mobile (中国移动)

Average Costs

• Internet packages vary based on speed and provider:
  • 100 Mbps: ¥100–¥150 per month.
  • 300 Mbps or higher: ¥150–¥300 per month.
• Many providers offer bundled packages with mobile phone plans, which can reduce costs.

Setup

• To set up internet service, visit a provider’s office or contact them online. You’ll need:
  • Passport
  • Rental agreement
  • Landlord’s contact information (sometimes required for verification).
• Installation usually takes 1–3 days.

Payment Methods

• Online: Pay via the provider’s app, Alipay, or WeChat.
• In-person: Pay at the provider’s office or authorized payment centers.

Tips

• Compare providers for the best deals and speeds in your area.
• If you’re staying short-term, ask your landlord if the apartment already has internet service.

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5. Other Considerations

Heating and Cooling

• Hangzhou has hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most apartments rely on air conditioning for cooling and electric or gas heaters for warmth. Central heating is uncommon in southern China, so factor in additional electricity or gas costs during winter.

Trash and Recycling

• Hangzhou has a strict waste sorting system. Trash is divided into categories such as:
  • Recyclables (可回收物)
  • Kitchen Waste (厨余垃圾)
  • Hazardous Waste (有害垃圾)
  • Other Waste (其他垃圾)
• Check with your landlord or property manager for the specific schedule and rules in your neighborhood.

Language Barrier

• Most utility company staff speak limited English. If you don’t speak Mandarin, consider asking your landlord or a Chinese-speaking friend to assist with setup and inquiries.

Emergency Numbers

• Electricity: 95598
• Water: 967050
• Gas: 967266
• General Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (fire), 120 (ambulance)

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Summary of Monthly Utility Costs

| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (¥) | |---------------|---------------------------| | Electricity | 100–300 | | Water | 20–50 | | Gas | 50–150 | | Internet | 100–300 | | Total | 270–800 |

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By understanding these utilities and services, you’ll be better prepared to manage your housing and accommodation needs in Hangzhou. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!