Hangzhou

💡

Utilities

Sections

1. Electricity (电费 - Diànfèi)

Provider

  • The primary electricity provider in Hangzhou is the State Grid Corporation of China (国家电网 - Guójiā Diànwǎng).

Average Costs

  • Residential electricity is charged on a tiered pricing system:
    • Tier 1: ¥0.53 per kWh (for usage up to 2760 kWh/year).
    • Tier 2: ¥0.63 per kWh (for usage between 2761–4800 kWh/year).
    • Tier 3: ¥0.88 per kWh (for usage above 4800 kWh/year).
  • Monthly bills for a small apartment typically range from ¥100–¥300, depending on air conditioning and heating usage.

Setup Procedure

  1. For renters: The landlord usually sets up the electricity account. Confirm with them whether the account is prepaid or postpaid.
  2. For homeowners: Visit the local State Grid office with your ID (passport for foreigners), property ownership documents, and a deposit (usually ¥100–¥300).

Payment Methods

  • Prepaid meters: Recharge via:
    • Alipay or WeChat (search for "State Grid" or "电费").
    • State Grid app or website.
    • Recharge cards available at convenience stores.
  • Postpaid meters: Pay monthly via:
    • Alipay/WeChat.
    • Bank transfer or automatic deduction.
    • In-person at State Grid offices or kiosks.

Tips

  • Monitor your usage through the State Grid app to avoid exceeding tier limits.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances to save costs.

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 - Hángzhōu Shì Shuǐwù Jítuán).

Average Costs

  • Water is charged at a flat rate for residential use:
    • ¥2.81 per cubic meter for the first 300 cubic meters/year.
    • Higher rates apply for excessive usage.
  • Monthly bills for a small household are typically ¥20–¥50.

Setup Procedure

  1. For renters: Water accounts are usually managed by the landlord.
  2. For homeowners: Visit the Hangzhou Water Supply Group office with your ID, property documents, and a deposit (around ¥100).

Payment Methods

  • Pay via:
    • Alipay or WeChat (search for "Water Bill" or "水费").
    • Hangzhou Water Supply Group app or website.
    • In-person at water company offices or kiosks.

Tips

  • Check for leaks in faucets and pipes to avoid high bills.
  • Tap water in Hangzhou is treated but not typically consumed directly. Use a water filter or buy bottled water for drinking.

3. Gas (燃气费 - Ránqìfèi)

Provider

  • Gas services are provided by the Hangzhou Gas Group (杭州市煤气集团 - Hángzhōu Shì Méiqì Jítuán).

Average Costs

  • Gas is charged at ¥2.80–¥3.50 per cubic meter, depending on usage.
  • Monthly bills for cooking and heating water are typically ¥50–¥150.

Setup Procedure

  1. For renters: The landlord usually handles the gas account. Confirm whether it is prepaid or postpaid.
  2. For homeowners: Visit the Hangzhou Gas Group office with your ID, property documents, and a deposit (around ¥200).

Payment Methods

  • Pay via:
    • Alipay or WeChat (search for "Gas Bill" or "燃气费").
    • Hangzhou Gas Group app or website.
    • In-person at gas company offices or kiosks.

Tips

  • Regularly check for gas leaks and ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen.
  • If you smell gas, call the emergency hotline: 0571-967266.

4. Internet (宽带 - Kuāndài)

Providers

  • Major internet service providers in Hangzhou include:
    • China Telecom (中国电信 - Zhōngguó Diànxìn).
    • China Unicom (中国联通 - Zhōngguó Liántōng).
    • China Mobile (中国移动 - Zhōngguó Yídòng).

Average Costs

  • Internet plans typically cost:
    • ¥100–¥200/month for speeds of 100–500 Mbps.
    • Bundled packages with mobile plans may offer discounts.

Setup Procedure

  1. Visit a provider's office or authorized retailer with your passport and proof of residence (rental agreement or property ownership documents).
  2. Choose a plan and sign a contract (usually 12 months).
  3. Installation is usually completed within 1–3 days.

Payment Methods

  • Pay monthly via:
    • Alipay or WeChat.
    • Provider apps or websites.
    • Automatic bank deductions.

Tips

  • Compare plans from different providers to find the best deal.
  • Ensure your apartment has fiber-optic access for faster speeds.

5. Mobile Phone and Data (手机费 - Shǒujīfèi)

Providers

  • The same providers as internet services: China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile.

Average Costs

  • Mobile plans typically cost:
    • ¥50–¥150/month, depending on data and call allowances.

Setup Procedure

  1. Visit a provider's office with your passport.
  2. Choose a plan and register for a SIM card.
  3. Top up your account or set up automatic payments.

Payment Methods

  • Pay via:
    • Alipay or WeChat.
    • Provider apps or websites.

Tips

  • Use Alipay or WeChat for free Wi-Fi hotspots around the city.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Chinese networks.

6. Trash and Recycling (垃圾处理 - Lājī Chǔlǐ)

System

  • Hangzhou has a strict waste separation system:
    • Recyclables (可回收物 - Kě Huíshōu Wù).
    • Kitchen waste (厨余垃圾 - Chúyú Lājī).
    • Hazardous waste (有害垃圾 - Yǒuhài Lājī).
    • Other waste (其他垃圾 - Qítā Lājī).

Costs

  • Trash collection fees are usually included in property management fees (¥10–¥30/month).

Tips

  • Follow local waste separation rules to avoid fines.
  • Use designated bins in your residential community.

General Payment Tips

  • Alipay (支付宝 - Zhīfùbǎo) and WeChat Pay (微信支付 - Wēixìn Zhīfù) are the most convenient methods for paying utility bills.
  • Set up these apps with a Chinese bank account for seamless transactions.
  • Many utility providers offer discounts for timely or automatic payments.

Cultural Considerations

  • Utility bills are typically low in China compared to Western countries, but excessive usage can lead to higher tiered rates.
  • Landlords often manage utility accounts for renters, so clarify responsibilities in your rental agreement.
  • Be mindful of energy conservation, as it is culturally encouraged in China.

By following this guide, you should be able to set up and manage utilities in Hangzhou with ease. Let me know if you need further assistance!