Electricity: ฿5–15/kWh depending on usage tier
Landlord surcharge: 20–50% markup common (biggest complaint)
Internet: AIS/True Fibre ฿399–999/month
Monthly utilities budget: ฿2,500–5,500 (depends on AC usage)
Electricity (The Biggest Gotcha)
Electricity in Phuket is handled by PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority). But here's the catch: most rental apartments/houses don't give you direct PEA account. Landlord controls the meter, bills you, adds surcharge.
Landlord Electricity Surcharge Warning
Many landlords charge ฿6–8 per kWh when PEA official rate is ฿3.84–4.50. That's a 50–100% markup. Common practice in Phuket but often not disclosed in rental ad. The biggest single cost shock for new arrivals.
How to avoid: Before signing rental agreement, ask explicitly: "Is electricity billed directly from PEA (my account) or do I pay you?" If landlord bills you, negotiate cap (e.g., ฿5.50/kWh max) in writing on rental agreement.
Monthly Electricity Cost Examples
| Usage (kWh) | PEA Rate | Landlord Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| 300 (light AC use) | ฿1,200 | ฿1,800–2,400 |
| 500 (moderate AC) | ฿2,000 | ฿3,000–4,000 |
| 700 (heavy AC, 24/7) | ฿2,800 | ฿4,200–5,600 |
In hot season (April–May), AC runs 24/7 → ฿4,000–6,000/month electricity. In cool season, ฿1,500–2,500/month.
Internet: AIS vs. True Fibre
Two main home internet providers: AIS Fibre and True Move H Fibre. Both reliable, ~฿500–1,000/month depending on speed.
| Speed | AIS Fibre | True Fibre | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | ฿399–499 | ฿399–499 | ฿2,000–3,000 |
| 300 Mbps | ฿599–699 | ฿599–699 | ฿2,000–3,000 |
| 500 Mbps | ฿799–899 | ฿799–899 | ฿2,500–4,000 |
| 1 Gbps | ฿999–1,299 | ฿999–1,299 | ฿3,000–5,000 |
How to order: Visit AIS or True shop (Central Festival has both). Show ID + passport + housing proof (lease or utility bill). Installation 5–7 days. Speed varies by area; call before committing (Rawai stronger on AIS, Bang Tao stronger on True).
Water
Tap water in Phuket is not directly drinkable (chlorinated for safety but mineral/taste questionable). Most expats use bottled water or water filters.
Options:
- Bottled water delivery: ฿40–60 per 20L bottle, delivery included. Most common for renters.
- RO (Reverse Osmosis) filter: ฿5,000–15,000 installation, ฿500–1,000/month maintenance. Best for long-term residents.
- Brita-style pitchers: ฿200–500 pitcher, ฿60–100 filter refills. Budget option, manageable.
Landlord note: Many rental leases include water in the monthly bill. Ask if unlimited or metered. Some charge ฿20–30 per cubic meter water usage.
Gas (Cooking)
Most Phuket apartments use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders for cooking. Delivered to doorstep.
- Cylinder size: 15 kg standard
- Cost: ฿300–450 per refill (depending on area and vendor)
- Lifespan: 1–2 months depending on cooking frequency
- Delivery: Call gas company or order through Line app. Usually 1–2 hours delivery
Brands: BRC, T-Gas, Petro Energy common in Phuket. Ask landlord which company they use.
First-Month Utilities Checklist
- Electricity: Day 1 — Confirm with landlord if direct PEA account or landlord billing. Write in lease.
- Internet: Day 1–3 — Visit AIS/True, order Fibre. Installation takes 5–7 days. Get temporary mobile hotspot (฿100–200 daily) if urgent.
- Water: Day 1 — Buy bottled water or Brita pitcher at Tesco/Makro. If staying 3+ months, consider RO filter.
- Gas: Day 2–3 — Ask landlord for gas supplier contact. Order first cylinder delivery.
- Registration: Within 1 week — Ask landlord to register electricity account in your name (if direct PEA). Otherwise track surcharge monthly.
Monthly Utilities Budget Summary
| Item | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ฿1,500 | ฿3,000 | ฿5,000 |
| Internet | ฿399 | ฿699 | ฿1,299 |
| Water | ฿0 (incl) | ฿300 | ฿1,000 |
| Gas | ฿150 | ฿300 | ฿500 |
| TOTAL | ฿2,050 | ฿4,300 | ฿7,800 |
Most expats spend ฿2,500–4,500/month on utilities, depending on AC usage (biggest variable).
Honest Tip
The electricity surcharge is the most common complaint among new Phuket expats. Many only discover it when first bill arrives. Always ask upfront. If landlord won't negotiate, at least get it in writing so you can plan budget accordingly.