Moving into a new rental apartment in Taiwan involves more than just signing the lease and unpacking. You need to set up essential utilities, gas, electricity, and water, before you can cook a meal, take a hot shower, or browse the web. This guide walks you through each step, from understanding which providers serve your area to submitting the necessary paperwork. We also cover common pitfalls, costs, and tips to avoid delays.
Whether you are a foreigner renting for the first time or a local switching apartments, the process is largely standardized across Taiwan. However, specifics vary by city, building type, and whether your unit uses natural gas (natural gas) or bottled gas (bottled gas). This article focuses on the most common scenarios in Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. For a broader checklist before you move, see our first-time rental checklist.
Understanding the Utility Landscape in Taiwan
Taiwan's utilities are managed by a mix of state-owned and private companies. Electricity is supplied solely by Taiwan Power Company (Taipower). Water is provided by regional utilities, Taipei Water Department in the capital, and Taiwan Water Corporation everywhere else. Natural gas is distributed by several regional gas companies, while bottled gas is sold by independent dealers. Internet and cable TV are offered by private ISPs such as Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Fixed Network (TFN), and Kbro.
Before you sign a lease, confirm with your landlord which utilities are already connected and which need activation in your name. Many landlords leave accounts active under their own name and simply bill you monthly. Others require you to open accounts in your name. If the latter, ask for copies of previous bills so you know the account numbers for transfer or reconnection.
For a step-by-step overview of the entire moving process, including utility setup, read our complete guide to starting a home in Taiwan.
Setting Up Electricity (Taipower)
Electricity in Taiwan is 110V / 60Hz, with most outlets accepting two-flat-pin plugs (Type A). Power outages or blackouts are rare, but you must activate service with Taipower.
How to Apply
You can apply online via the Taipower website or visit a local Taipower service center. Bring:
- Your National ID card (for Taiwanese) or ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) and passport (for foreigners)
- Lease contract or proof of residence
- Seal or signature (usually a personal chop works, but signature alone is accepted)
Service can be activated within 1-2 working days after application. There is no fixed connection fee; instead, you pay a deposit equal to two months’ average summer electricity consumption (積斷電費, roughly NT$2,000, $5,000 for a typical apartment). The deposit is refunded when you close the account.
Billing
Taipower bills every two months. You can pay at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart), via bank transfer, or through the Taipower app. Rates are tiered: the more electricity you use, the higher the per-kWh rate. As of 2025, the first 120 kWh per two-month period cost about NT$1.63/kWh, while usage above 1,000 kWh costs around NT$6.76/kWh. Summer rates (June, September) are roughly 10-15% higher.
Tips to Save
Air conditioning accounts for the largest share of household electricity bills. Using fans, sealing windows, and setting the thermostat to 26-28°C can reduce consumption. For more strategies, see our article on how to reduce your electric bill in Taiwan.
Water Supply Setup
Water is generally safe to drink from the tap after boiling, though many prefer bottled or filtered water. Setting up water service is straightforward.
Who Provides It
- Taipei City and New Taipei City: Taipei Water Department (TWD)
- Other cities and counties: Taiwan Water Corporation (TWC)
Application Process
Visit the local water utility office with your ID/ARC, lease, and a small deposit (usually NT$1,000, $3,000). The staff will assign an account number and schedule a meter reading. If the meter is already installed, service starts immediately. If not, a technician will install one within a few days at no cost.
Bills arrive every two months, and payment options are identical to Taipower (convenience stores, bank transfer, app). Average monthly water cost for a single person is NT$200, $400; a family of four might pay NT$500, $1,000.
Common Issues
- Leaky faucets or toilets, report to landlord or building management.
- Low water pressure, may be a building issue; check with neighbors.
- Hard water, not common, but if scale builds up, use a water softener or descaling product.
For water-saving tips, check our water-saving tips for Taiwan.
Gas: Natural Gas vs. Bottled Gas
Gas is used mainly for cooking and water heating. There are two types: natural gas (piped) and bottled gas (LPG in cylinders). Your choice depends on your building.
Natural Gas (Piped)
Natural gas is common in newer apartment buildings in Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. It is supplied by regional companies:
- Taipei and New Taipei: Taipei Gas Co., or Shihlin Gas, or Great Taipei Gas (depending on district)
- Taichung: Fengyuan Gas, or Taichung Gas
- Tainan: Tainan Gas
- Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung Gas
How to Connect
Call the relevant gas company and request a new account. They will send a technician to check the meter and pipelines. You need your lease, ID/ARC, and a deposit of NT$2,000, $8,000 (refundable). The connection fee is usually NT$500, $1,500. Gas bills come every two months, with average household costs ranging from NT$400 to NT$1,200 per month depending on usage.
Safety
Natural gas is odorless, but a chemical mercaptan is added for leak detection. If you smell gas, open windows, do not operate electrical switches, and call your gas company’s emergency line. Many landlords install gas detectors, test them monthly.
Bottled Gas (LPG)
Old apartments and buildings without pipelines use bottled gas. You buy steel cylinders (20 kg or 50 kg) from a local dealer. Prices fluctuate with global LPG markets but as of 2025, 20 kg cylinders cost NT$800, $1,200 per refill. A family of two might use one cylinder every 4-6 weeks.
Ordering and Safety
You can order via phone, Line, or the dealer’s app. Delivery is usually within 24 hours. Always check the seal integrity and the latest inspection date on the cylinder (stamped on the neck). Do not accept damaged cylinders.
- Advantages: No fixed monthly charge; pay only for what you use.
- Disadvantages: Requires physical replacement; heavier cylinders can be difficult to handle; running out mid-cook is inconvenient.
If you choose bottled gas, ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen and water heater area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Internet and Cable TV Setup
Reliable internet is essential for work and entertainment. Major ISPs in Taiwan include:
- Chunghwa Telecom (HiNet): Most extensive coverage; offers fiber optic up to 1 Gbps. Prices start around NT$900/month for 100 Mbps.
- Taiwan Fixed Network (TFN): Competitive pricing, 100 Mbps for about NT$600/month.
- Kbro: Cable-based internet; packages with TV channels start from NT$800/month.
- HomePlus (CNS): Cable internet in northern Taiwan.
Installation Process
Apply online or visit a company store. You’ll need your ARC/passport, lease, and a deposit (NT$500, $2,000). A technician will install a modem and, if needed, a cable line. Activation typically takes 3-7 business days. Many ISPs offer 12-month or 24-month contracts with penalties for early termination. Month-to-month plans exist but cost more.
Mobile Hotspot as Alternative
Some renters forgo fixed broadband and use a 4G/5G mobile hotspot. Major carriers (Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone) offer unlimited data plans for about NT$500, $1,000/month. Coverage is excellent in cities but may be spotty in rural areas.
Managing Utility Deposits and Transfers
When you move out, you must close or transfer your utility accounts to avoid being billed for a stranger’s usage.
Closing an Account
Contact each utility (Taipower, water, gas) at least one week before your move-out date. Provide your account number and final meter reading. The company will calculate your final bill and refund your deposit. Refunds are typically issued by bank transfer or check within two weeks.
Transferring to a New Tenant
Some landlords prefer to keep accounts in their name. In that case, you simply pay the landlord based on the bills you receive. Otherwise, you can transfer the account to the new tenant by submitting a joint application (with the tenant’s ID and lease) at the utility office. This avoids closing and reopening fees.
Common Pitfalls for New Renters
- Not checking the meter: Always photograph the gas, water, and electricity meters on move-in day. This verifies your starting usage and prevents disputes.
- Assuming utilities are included in rent: Some landlords advertise “utilities included” but cap usage. Clarify the cap and penalty for exceeding it.
- Ignoring landlord’s preferred vendor: In some buildings, the landlord has a contract with a specific bottled gas dealer. You might be obligated to use that dealer.
- Delaying internet installation: Book ISP installation at least two weeks before move-in to avoid a week-long wait without service.
- Not keeping copies: Save all utility receipts and account numbers. You will need them for future deposits or troubleshooting.
For apartment layout ideas that maximize space and efficiency, see our small apartment layout ideas. And if you are considering buying a home instead of renting, browse our analysis of buying a home in Taiwan costs.
Final Checklist for Utility Setup
- Confirm with landlord which accounts are in your name.
- Apply for electricity (Taipower) at least 3 days before move-in.
- Apply for water (TWD or TWC) and gas (regional company or bottled dealer).
- Order internet/fixed broadband 2 weeks ahead.
- Photograph all meters on move-in day.
- Set up payment methods (convenience store, bank auto-debit).
- Keep account numbers and customer service hotlines handy.
Setting up utilities in Taiwan is straightforward if you follow the steps above. Most delays happen because of missing documents or confusion over which provider serves your address. If you ever feel stuck, ask your landlord or a Taiwanese friend to accompany you to the utility office, many staff speak limited English, but processes are designed to be simple.
For a broader guide on moving house in Taiwan, including packing and logistics, refer to our moving house Taiwan step-by-step guide.