Moving to Mexico brings with it vibrant culture, warm weather, and a relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re settling in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mérida, or one of the country’s many coastal regions, setting up your utilities is an essential step to making your new home comfortable and functional.

This guide will walk you through how to arrange:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Water

• Internet and Mobile Services

It also includes information about major providers, typical costs, and practical tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Electricity

Electricity in Mexico is supplied and managed by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), the government-owned utility company. CFE operates across the entire country, so you don’t need to choose among different providers.

If you’re renting, ask your landlord whether the electricity account is already active. If not, you’ll need to visit the nearest CFE office or register online to activate service in your name.

Documents required:

• Passport or Mexican ID (INE)

• Proof of address (rental contract or property deed)

• CURP or RFC (Mexican tax or residency number, if available)

• Deposit payment (usually one month’s average bill)

Average monthly cost:

• Apartments: MXN 400–800 (€20–€40)

• Houses: MXN 800–1,800 (€40–€90), depending on air conditioning and appliances

Tips:

• Bills are typically issued bimonthly (every two months).

• You can pay at CFE offices, banks, convenience stores (like OXXO), or through the CFE Contigo app.

• Electricity rates increase with higher consumption (“tarifa DAC” for high users), so conserve energy where possible.

• Power outages can occur in rural or coastal areas, consider surge protectors for electronics.

Gas

Most homes in Mexico use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), either in cylinders or stationary rooftop tanks. Piped natural gas exists only in certain neighborhoods of major cities (like Mexico City, Monterrey, or Querétaro).

If your home uses LPG, you’ll need to schedule regular deliveries with a local gas company or buy refillable cylinders.

Documents required (for piped gas only):

• Passport or ID

• Address and proof of residence

• Bank details for automatic billing

Main suppliers (by region):

• Gas Natural del Noroeste

• Naturgy (formerly Gas Natural Fenosa)

• Gas del Norte

• Gas Imperial

• Zeta Gas / Gas Express Nieto (cylinder and tank delivery)

Average costs:

• LPG cylinders: MXN 600–1,200 (€30–€60) per refill, lasting 3–5 weeks

• Piped gas: MXN 300–700/month (€15–€35)

Tips:

• For safety, always order from authorized suppliers with proper labeling and delivery uniforms.

• Keep your gas tank filled before holidays, as delivery schedules may change.

• In apartments, building management often coordinates deliveries for residents.

Water

Water supply in Mexico is managed locally by municipal or state authorities, so providers and billing procedures vary by region. In most urban areas, water service is reliable but may be rationed in dry seasons.

In rental properties, the water account often remains in the landlord’s name and is included in the rent or maintenance fee (“mantenimiento”). For homeowners, you’ll need to visit your local organismo operador de agua (water authority) to set up an account.

Documents required:

• Passport or Mexican ID

• Proof of address (rental contract or deed)

• CURP or RFC (if applicable)

• Bank details (optional for auto-debit payments)

Major regional providers:

• SACMEX – Mexico City

• SIAPA – Guadalajara

• Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey – Monterrey

• JAPAY – Yucatán

• CEA – Querétaro

Average monthly cost:

• Apartments: MXN 200–400 (€10–€20)

• Houses: MXN 400–700 (€20–€35)

Tips:

• Water bills are usually quarterly or bimonthly.

• Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.

• Many homes have rooftop water tanks (“tinacos”) that require occasional cleaning.

• Keep an eye on water usage during the dry season when restrictions can apply.

Internet and Mobile Services

Mexico’s telecommunications infrastructure is modern, with high-speed fiber and 4G/5G coverage in most urban areas. Internet speeds can vary by region, especially in smaller towns or rural zones.

Documents required:

• Passport or Mexican ID

• Proof of address

• Bank details or credit card for billing

Main internet providers:

• Telmex (Infinitum) – largest national network

• izzi Telecom (part of Televisa)

• Megacable

• Totalplay (fiber service in urban areas)

• Axtel (business and residential fiber)

Main mobile providers:

• Telcel (largest coverage nationwide)

• AT&T México

• Movistar

• Bait (Walmart’s budget carrier)

Average costs:

• Home internet: MXN 400–900/month (€20–€45)

• Mobile plans: MXN 200–500/month (€10–€25) for unlimited calls and large data packages

Tips:

• Most contracts require a minimum term of 12 months.

• Fiber internet (“fibra óptica”) is available in most cities and offers the best speed and stability.

• Prepaid SIM cards are easy to purchase at airports, supermarkets, or OXXO stores.

• Bundle packages combining internet, mobile, and TV can save you money.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Mexico

• Payments: Most utilities can be paid in person (banks, OXXO, or convenience stores) or online through provider apps.

• Receipts: Always keep proof of payment; receipts are sometimes required for renewals or tax purposes.

• Language: Many providers have English-speaking staff in larger cities, but smaller towns may require Spanish.

• Service speed: Expect setup to take a few days, especially for internet installations.

• Electricity and gas safety: Have a local technician inspect your wiring and gas lines if moving into an older property.

• Budgeting: Utilities in Mexico are generally affordable compared to Western Europe or the U.S., but air conditioning can raise electricity costs significantly in warmer regions.

Wrapping Up

Setting up utilities in Mexico is a manageable process once you understand how local systems operate. With your documents ready and a little patience, you can have electricity, water, gas, and internet connected in just a few days.

Mexico’s utilities are reliable, accessible, and increasingly digitalized, allowing you to pay bills online and manage services through apps. Once these essentials are sorted, you can focus on enjoying the country’s rich culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, whether in a bustling city or a tranquil coastal town.