Now that you’ve snagged your slice of Mexican paradise, it’s time to make your new home livable. Hooking up utilities is the next step in transforming your empty shell into a comfortable haven.
Mexican utilities are managed by a mix of public and private entities. This decentralized system can be a bit complex to navigate, but it also gives you some flexibility to find the best options for your lifestyle. The availability and speed of different services can depend on whether you live in a city or a more rural area. You may also face a bit of a learning curve if you’re not used to Mexican bureaucracy or don’t speak fluent Spanish.
This guide will walk you through the process, paperwork, and potential pitfalls of hooking up electricity, water, gas, and internet to your new Mexican property. We’ll provide you with essential Mexican terms, cost estimates in MXN, and time estimates in mañanas. So, plug in, flip the switch, and let’s illuminate the process of setting up your utilities in Mexico!
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Contents
Paperwork You’ll Need
The paperwork you may need can vary depending on your location and the specific utility companies you choose, but there are a few standard documents that are almost always required.
It’s a good idea to bring a few physical copies of each document and also have digital backups ready for emergencies.
And don’t forget to pack plenty of patience for the occasional bureaucratic hiccup.
Here are some of the documents you’ll need to hook up utilities to your Mexican property:
- Official ID, such as your passport or resident card.
- Proof that you’re staying in Mexico legally, such as your visa, resident card, or naturalization papers.
- Proof that you’re occupying the property legally, such as your property title or rental agreement.
- Proof of the address, such as your property title or a bank statement.
- Your CURP, Mexico’s population registry number.
- Your RFC, Mexico’s tax identification number.
- Recent utility bills if you plan to transfer an existing account.
Property Tax
- Cost: On average, you can expect to pay an annual property tax of around 0.1% to 0.3% of your property’s assessed value. For example, on a property valued at 2 million pesos, your yearly property tax might range from $2,000 to $6,000 MXN.
- Duration: This should take around five minutes if you pay online, or up to an hour if you have to wait in line to pay in person.
Property tax in Mexico, called the “predial,” is an annual payment you’ll need to stay on top of. Although it’s not technically a utility, you’ll often need proof of property tax payment to register for basic utilities.
The amount you’ll have to pay is based on your municipality’s assessment of your property’s value. They base this on factors such as location, size, use, and the improvements you’ve made to the property. Many municipalities will give you a discount if you settle your property tax bill at the beginning of the year. If you’re a senior citizen, you may also qualify for a larger discount.
To pay your property tax and get your receipt, you can visit your local municipal office in person or log into their online payment system. You’ll need your property’s unique identification number assigned by the municipality, called the “cuenta predial,” “numero catastral,” or “cuenta catastral.” If you go in person, some offices may also require documents from the above list of paperwork. If you pay online, you’ll need a Mexican bank account.
If you just bought the property and don’t have a property tax receipt from the previous owner, you should be able to find your property’s identification number in your title or official property appraisal included with your title paperwork from your notary. For more information, see this Complete Guide to Buying a Property in Mexico.
You can find your county or municipality’s local office or website where you can pay your property tax by searching online for “pagar predial” plus your location. Here are some official property tax payment portals for a few of Mexico’s largest cities:
- Mexico City: https://ovica.finanzas.cdmx.gob.mx/adeudos
- Monterrey: https://modulodigital.monterrey.gob.mx/predial/
- Guadalajara: https://pagoenlinea.guadalajara.gob.mx/impuestopredial/
- Tijuana: https://pagos.tijuana.gob.mx/pagosenlinea/
- Cancun: https://cancun.gob.mx/home
Water
- Cost: If you need to install a new connection to the city’s water supply, you may have to pay a setup fee of a few thousand MXN, depending on the distance from the existing water lines, terrain, and local labor costs. If your property already has a meter installed and you just need to transfer the existing account to your name, the fee will usually be only a couple hundred MXN.
- Duration: Setting up a new water connection can take two to four weeks, depending on your local infrastructure. Transferring an existing account to your name should only take a couple of days.
Water services in Mexico are usually managed by local municipalities or state-owned companies. City water is generally not potable. You can find your local water utility provider by searching online for “sistema agua” plus your location.
Here are the websites for the water providers in some of Mexico’s largest cities:
- Mexico City’s Sistema de Aguas de la Ciudad de México (SACMEX): https://www.sacmex.cdmx.gob.mx
- Monterrey’s Servicios de Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey (SADM): https://www.sadm.gob.mx
- Guadalajara’s Sistema Intermunicipal de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (SIAPA): https://www.siapa.gob.mx
- Tijuana’s Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana (CESPT): https://www.cespt.gob.mx
- Cancún’s Aguakan: https://www.aguakan.com
If your local water provider has a website, you may be able to start the connection process online. If your property doesn’t have a water meter and you need to open a new account, look on your corresponding website for “instalación de medidor.” To transfer an existing account to your name, look for “cambio de nombre o propietario.”
In many cases, you’ll likely have to visit the provider’s office in person with the standard paperwork listed above. Your provider’s website should show you a list of nearby offices, requirements, and fees.
Once your meter is installed and hooked up to the water system, you’ll be billed monthly. Your provider won’t cut off your water for any reason, even if you forget to pay your bill. Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution declares access to water a human right, and researchers estimate that most Mexican cities have hundreds of thousands of water consumers who owe large debts to their providers. But even though there’s no system in place to shut off water to an individual property, you’ll probably feel better and worry less if you pay for what you use.
Electricity
- Cost: Setting up a new single-phase connection is free. You’ll only need to pay a deposit, which usually ranges from $200 to $800 MXN, included with your first bill.
- Duration: CFE estimates that new meter installations or account transfers will take two to five days. However, some users have experienced longer delays, especially during peak seasons.
Electricity in Mexico is provided by the national utility, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). The process for getting electricity hooked up varies depending on whether your property needs a new meter installed or if it already has a meter that requires service reconnection or transfer.
How to Start the Process
You can start by visiting your nearest CFE office, calling 071, or contacting them online through their customer service portal. To find your nearest CFE office, use this link.
At your visit, you’ll need to present the standard paperwork. They may also ask for the meter number from your nearest neighbor to help them locate your property in their system, so it’s helpful to take a few photos. You can also take photos of your electrical setup to show that you’re not a clueless gringo.
You’ll need to fill out an application for a new account, called “contratación de servicio”, which will ask for details about your property and the type of service you want. You can find the form here.
Requirements for a Residential Contract
According to CFE, the basic requirements for a residential contract include:
- An existing electric pole must be located at least 35-50 meters from your property.
- You must have a properly prepared and grounded exterior electrical panel where CFE can install the meter.
- There must be no previous debts with CFE associated with the property.
You’ll also choose between a single-phase connection or a higher option. A single-phase connection is the most common, providing 127V, which works with standard American appliances. For more details, you can consult this illustrated guide from CFE on installing an exterior electrical panel.
Meter Installation and Inspection
If your property needs a new meter, CFE will send an inspector to evaluate the site and determine where and how to install it. You’ll receive a service contract number (número de folio or número de solicitud) during your CFE visit, which you’ll need to display on your exterior electrical panel to help the technician verify the location.
I wrote mine in marker on cardboard, slipped it in a plastic sleeve in case of rain, and hung it from my panel on a hanger
You can check the status of your application by dialing 071 or popping back into their office with your service contract number.
You’ll usually get your property inspected and your new meter installed and humming within around two days to two weeks.
Costs and Billing
CFE does not charge for the installation of new contracts, but you’ll need to pay a security deposit with your first bill. The deposit typically ranges from $200 to $800 MXN, depending on your service type and expected monthly usage.
Electricity is billed bimonthly, and your tariff depends on your usage. You’ll receive a government subsidy if you stay under a specific threshold, and this will be clearly marked on your bill.
Once your electricity is connected, your first bill, including the security deposit, will arrive within two months. You can manage your account and make payments online through the CFE Contigo app or the CFE portal.
CFE also provides this map to help you find locations where you can pay your bill, including banks, stores, kiosks, and apps.
Gas
- Cost: Gas companies generally do not charge connection fees for new customers. You’ll only pay for the gas, which can range from $200 to $1,000 MXN per refill, depending on the size of your tank.
- Duration: Delivery trucks circulate in major population areas during business hours. After scheduling a refill, a truck typically arrives within minutes to 48 hours, depending on demand.
To cook and heat water in Mexico, most homes use liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, which is delivered via refillable cylinders or tanks. When your gas runs low, you can call a private gas company to send a truck to your property for a refill.
If you have the space and budget, you can install a stationary gas tank (tanque estacionario), typically on your roof. These stationary tanks and their gas lines are installed by certified technicians who follow recommended safety standards.
However, refilling stationary tanks sometimes lacks stringent safety practices, with delivery personnel occasionally performing daring feats with ladders and hoses.
If space is limited, you can opt for a portable gas cylinder (cilindro portátil). These smaller tanks are usually mounted in a bracket near your stove or water heater and connected via flexible hoses. When the tank is empty, your gas delivery service will replace it with a full one.
Once your gas system is in place, you can schedule regular refills or order them on demand. Make sure to regularly monitor the gas level to avoid running out unexpectedly.
Popular Gas Suppliers in Mexico
Here are some of the top LP gas suppliers in Mexico, along with their websites for service information and contact details:
- Zeta Gas: https://www.grupozeta.com
- Global Gas: https://globalgas.mx
- Gas Tomza: https://gastomzamexico.com
- Gas Express Nieto: http://www.gasexpressnieto.com
Internet and Telephone
Mexico has a robust market of private telecom companies offering internet and telephone services. Most connect via coaxial or fiber-optic cable. You can check service availability by visiting a provider’s office or entering your address on their website. It’s also worth asking neighbors for recommendations on the best local providers.
Top Internet Providers in Mexico
- Telmex: The largest internet provider with the most extensive coverage.
Website: https://www.telmex.com
Phone: 800 123 2222 - IZZI: A newer provider offering the country’s cheapest basic plans.
Website: https://www.izzi.mx
Phone: 800 607 7084 - Megacable: A high-end provider known for reliable speed and service.
Website: https://megacable.com.mx
Phone: 800 444 0630 - Totalplay: Mexico’s fastest and most efficient internet provider, though often more expensive.
Website: https://www.totalplay.com.mx
Phone: 800 330 1111
Installation and Setup
You can sign up for services online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Most providers require a minimum contract of around one year.
Once you’ve selected your provider and package, a technician will visit your property to install the necessary equipment, such as a modem for internet access. If you want a landline, they may also set up a separate copper wire connection.
For more detailed information, read this guide to picking an internet provider in Mexico.
- Cost: Legacy providers like Telmex may charge a one-time installation fee of over $2,000 MXN, payable upfront or in installments. Newer providers like Totalplay often waive installation fees. Monthly bundles (internet and phone) typically range from $350 to $1,600 MXN, depending on speed and additional features.
- Duration: Internet providers are generally eager to connect you quickly. Installation appointments are often available within one or two days after your request. The installation itself usually takes a few minutes to an hour.
Common Problems to Prepare For
- Slow Paperwork Processing: Government-run utilities tend to take their time processing paperwork, so be prepared for delays.
- Two Last Names: Mexicans generally have two last names, and forms usually have two last name fields. This has given me minor issues when signing up for many different services. Sometimes I’ve had to put an X in one field, and sometimes my supposedly incorrectly filled applications get discarded. If you too happen to be mono-surnonymous, don’t be surprised if you sometimes have to fill out paperwork twice.
- Rainy Season Delays: Mexico’s rainy season (July to September) can delay outdoor electrical work, as CFE technicians avoid working in heavy rain. This might prolong the wait for electricity connections.
- App Compatibility: Some utility payment apps, such as CFE Contigo, may not work with older phones. For example, the app now only supports Android 10 and above. Since my phone is on Android 9, I have to bike over and pay in person.
- Automated Payments: While many utility providers offer automated payments, you’ll need a Mexican bank account to set this up.
Now, On to You
From water to electricity, setting up utilities in Mexico is a crucial step for expats and a unique learning experience. It might feel challenging at times, but it offers insight into the rhythm of Mexican life.
Be prepared to bring plenty of patience and flexibility to deal with paperwork hiccups and unexpected delays. For example, your paperwork can get mysteriously lost or you have to conjure up Spanish words starting with each letter of your name as you spell it out for the hundredth time.
And as you tap into the water, turn on the lights, and log onto the internet, don’t forget the most important connection of all, the bond you build with your barrio.
