Global Major Cities Guide

Overview of setting up essential utilities like electricity, water, internet, and mobile phone services.

Sections

1. Electricity (Strom)

Overview

Electricity in Munich is provided by several suppliers, with Stadtwerke München (SWM) being the largest and most popular. However, you can choose from a variety of private providers to find the best rates and plans.

Typical Costs

Basic tariff: €0.30–€0.45 per kWh (kilowatt-hour).
Monthly cost for a single person: €40–€60.
Monthly cost for a family of four: €80–€120.
Costs depend on your consumption and the provider you choose.

How to Set Up Electricity

Choose a provider: Compare rates and plans on comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox.
Sign a contract: Once you’ve chosen a provider, you can sign up online or by phone.
Provide meter reading: When moving into your apartment, take a photo of the electricity meter and note the reading. This will be required during the setup process.
Start date: Specify the date you want the service to begin (usually the move-in date).

Required Documents

Address of the property.
Meter number and initial meter reading.
Bank account details (IBAN) for direct debit payments.
Personal identification (passport or residence permit).

Payment Methods

Direct debit (most common).
Bank transfer.
Online payment portals (depending on the provider).

Local Tips

If you don’t choose a provider, you’ll automatically be assigned to the default provider (usually SWM) under a standard tariff, which may be more expensive.
Consider green energy (Ökostrom) options, which are widely available and environmentally friendly.

2. Water (Wasser)

Overview

Water services in Munich are managed by Stadtwerke München (SWM). The water is of excellent quality, sourced from the Bavarian Alps, and is safe to drink directly from the tap.

Typical Costs

Water consumption: €1.85–€2.00 per cubic meter.
Monthly cost for a single person: €15–€25.
Monthly cost for a family of four: €40–€60.
Water costs are usually included in the Nebenkosten (utility costs) of your rent.

How to Set Up Water

Water services are typically managed by your landlord or property management company. You don’t need to set this up separately.
The cost is included in your monthly rent under the "Nebenkosten" section.

Required Documents

None, as the landlord handles the setup.

Payment Methods

Included in your rent payments.

Local Tips

Check your rental agreement to confirm whether water costs are included in the Nebenkosten.
Be mindful of water usage, as excessive consumption may lead to additional charges during the annual utility cost reconciliation (Nebenkostenabrechnung).

3. Gas (Gas)

Overview

Gas is used primarily for heating and cooking in Munich. Stadtwerke München (SWM) is the main provider, but you can also choose from other suppliers.

Typical Costs

Basic tariff: €0.06–€0.08 per kWh.
Monthly cost for a single person: €30–€50 (heating and cooking).
Monthly cost for a family of four: €80–€150.
Costs depend on the size of your apartment, insulation, and usage.

How to Set Up Gas

Choose a provider: Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to find the best rates.
Sign a contract: Register online or by phone with your chosen provider.
Provide meter reading: Note the gas meter reading when you move in and provide it to the supplier.

Required Documents

Address of the property.
Meter number and initial meter reading.
Bank account details (IBAN).
Personal identification (passport or residence permit).

Payment Methods

Direct debit.
Bank transfer.
Online payment portals.

Local Tips

If your apartment uses district heating (Fernwärme), you may not need to set up a separate gas account. Check with your landlord.
Energy-efficient appliances and proper insulation can help reduce gas costs.

4. Internet and Telecommunications

Overview

Munich has a wide range of internet providers offering high-speed connections, including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1, and O2. Fiber-optic connections are increasingly available in the city.

Typical Costs

DSL or cable internet: €25–€50 per month for speeds of 50–250 Mbps.
Fiber-optic internet: €40–€70 per month for speeds of 500 Mbps or higher.
Bundled packages (internet + phone + TV): €40–€80 per month.

How to Set Up Internet

Choose a provider: Compare plans on websites like Check24 or directly on provider websites.
Sign a contract: Register online, by phone, or in person at a provider’s store.
Schedule installation: Some providers may require a technician to install the router and activate the connection. This can take 1–2 weeks.
Receive equipment: The provider will send you a router and setup instructions.

Required Documents

Address of the property.
Bank account details (IBAN).
Personal identification (passport or residence permit).

Payment Methods

Direct debit.
Bank transfer.
Credit card (less common).

Local Tips

Contracts typically have a minimum duration of 12 or 24 months. Check the cancellation policy before signing.
If you’re staying short-term, look for flexible, no-contract options like Congstar or prepaid mobile internet.
Test the internet speed in your area before choosing a provider, as speeds can vary by location.

General Tips for Utility Services in Munich

Nebenkosten: Many utility costs (water, heating, garbage collection) are included in your rent under Nebenkosten. Review your rental agreement to understand what’s covered.
Annual Reconciliation: At the end of the year, your landlord will provide a Nebenkostenabrechnung (utility cost reconciliation). If your actual usage exceeds the estimated costs, you may need to pay the difference.
Energy Efficiency: Munich encourages energy-saving practices. Consider using energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights and heating when not in use.
Language Barrier: Most utility providers offer customer service in German. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a German-speaking friend for help or using translation tools.
Registration (Anmeldung): Ensure you’ve completed your city registration (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgerbüro, as this is often required for setting up utilities.

By following this guide, you should be able to set up and manage your utility services in Munich with ease. If you have any further questions or need assistance with a specific provider, feel free to ask!