Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Overview of Utilities in Xi’an

When renting or owning a property in Xi’an, you will need to manage several essential utilities and services. These typically include:

Electricity
Water
Gas
Internet and Cable TV
Heating (seasonal)

In most cases, landlords will assist with the initial setup of utilities, especially for rental properties. However, it’s important to understand how these services work, their costs, and how to manage payments.

2. Utility Categories and Typical Costs

a. Electricity (电费 - Diànfèi)

Provider: Electricity in Xi’an is managed by the State Grid Corporation of China (国家电网).
Cost: Electricity is charged on a tiered system:
- First tier: ~¥0.56 per kWh (for usage under 180 kWh/month).
- Second tier: ~¥0.61 per kWh (for usage between 181–400 kWh/month).
- Third tier: ~¥0.87 per kWh (for usage above 400 kWh/month).
Setup: Most apartments already have electricity connected. If not, the landlord or property management office can assist.
Payment: Prepaid or postpaid. Payments can be made via:
- Mobile apps like Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat (微信).
- At convenience stores or banks.
- Through the State Grid app or website.

b. Water (水费 - Shuǐfèi)

Provider: Xi’an’s water supply is managed by the Xi’an Water Supply Company (西安市自来水公司).
Cost: Water is relatively inexpensive:
- Residential rate: ~¥3–¥5 per cubic meter.
Setup: Water is usually already connected in rental properties. If not, contact the landlord or property management.
Payment: Payments are typically monthly or bimonthly and can be made via:
- Alipay or WeChat.
- At the property management office.

c. Gas (燃气费 - Ránqìfèi)

Provider: Gas in Xi’an is supplied by the Xi’an Gas Group (西安燃气集团).
Cost: Gas is charged per cubic meter:
- Residential rate: ~¥2.5–¥3 per cubic meter.
Usage: Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water. In winter, some homes may use gas for heating.
Setup: Gas meters are typically installed in apartments. If not, the landlord will arrange this.
Payment: Prepaid or postpaid. Payments can be made via:
- Alipay or WeChat.
- At gas company offices or convenience stores.

d. Internet and Cable TV (宽带和电视 - Kuāndài hé Diànshì)

Providers: Major internet providers in Xi’an include:
- China Telecom (中国电信)
- China Unicom (中国联通)
- China Mobile (中国移动)
Cost:
- Internet: ~¥100–¥200 per month for high-speed broadband (100–300 Mbps).
- Cable TV: Often bundled with internet for an additional ~¥20–¥50 per month.
Setup: Internet and cable TV are not always included in rental agreements. You may need to contact a provider to set up service. Some landlords may assist with this.
Payment: Payments are typically made monthly or annually via:
- Alipay or WeChat.
- At the provider’s office.

e. Heating (供暖 - Gōngnuǎn)

Provider: Centralized heating is provided by the Xi’an Heating Company (西安热力公司) in many apartment complexes.
Cost: Heating is charged based on the size of your apartment:
- ~¥20–¥30 per square meter for the winter season (November to March).
Setup: Centralized heating is usually managed by the property management office. If your apartment does not have centralized heating, you may need to use electric or gas heaters.
Payment: Payments are made seasonally, often through the property management office.

3. How to Set Up Utilities

For most rental properties in Xi’an, utilities are already set up, and you will only need to manage payments. However, if you need to set up utilities yourself:

Electricity, Water, and Gas:
- Contact the relevant provider (or ask your landlord for assistance).
- Provide your rental agreement and identification (passport for foreigners).
- Pay a deposit (if required).
Internet and Cable TV:
- Visit a provider’s office or contact them online.
- Choose a plan and provide your address and identification.
- Installation usually takes 1–3 days.

4. Payment Methods

In Xi’an, utility payments are highly digitized and convenient. Common payment methods include:

Mobile Apps:
- Alipay: Use the “Utilities” (生活缴费) section to pay for electricity, water, gas, and internet.
- WeChat: Similar to Alipay, go to the “Utilities” section.
Provider Apps:
- State Grid, Xi’an Water Supply, and Xi’an Gas Group have their own apps for payments.
In-Person:
- Payments can also be made at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) or banks.
Property Management Office:
- For heating and some water bills, payments are made directly to the property management office.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Prepaid vs. Postpaid

Many apartments in Xi’an use prepaid meters for electricity and gas. You will need to top up your account regularly to avoid service interruptions.
Check your meter readings frequently to ensure you don’t run out of credit.

b. Seasonal Heating

Centralized heating is only available during the winter months (November to March). If your apartment lacks centralized heating, consider purchasing an electric heater or air conditioner with a heating function.

c. Internet Speeds

Internet speeds in Xi’an are generally good, but service quality can vary by provider. China Telecom is often considered the most reliable.

d. Language Barrier

Most utility providers and apps are in Chinese. If you don’t speak or read Chinese, ask your landlord or a local friend for assistance. Alternatively, use translation apps like Google Translate.

e. Bundled Services

Some landlords include utilities (especially water and internet) in the rent. Confirm this when signing your rental agreement.

f. Emergency Contacts

Keep the emergency hotlines for utility providers handy:
- Electricity: 95598
- Water: 96789
- Gas: 96777

6. Summary of Costs

| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost | |--------------------|--------------------------| | Electricity | ¥50–¥200 | | Water | ¥20–¥50 | | Gas | ¥30–¥100 | | Internet | ¥100–¥200 | | Heating (seasonal) | ¥500–¥1,500 (per season)|

By understanding how utilities and services work in Xi’an, you can manage your housing expenses effectively and avoid any surprises. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!

Xi'an

Utilities and Services