Good Morning, Fodorite Friends!

This may be an 'off-the-wall' question but I have never faced it before in all the times we have been to Thailand.

Approximately, how much can we expect to pay a month for utilities if electricity and water are not included in a serviced apartment rate? The rate quoted for low season is already higher than expected, so I need to factor in utilities and VAT before making a reservation.

I am sure your usual good advice will point us in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

Sandra

Sandra, where is LOS? Somehow I don't think you are using it as an airport code, as that is Lagos.

Kathie: Land of Smiles ~~ Thailand.

lol - I've never seen it abbreviated that way!

Hopefully, someone will have your answer. I've not seen serviced apartment priced without water and electric.

A month of water & electric in the place I rent is about 4,000 Baht.

Thanks, Brad ~~ I was hoping I would hear from you since you stay in BKK a good portion of the time. I hope, too, to hear what Hanuman has to say ~~ but, did I read somewhere that he is out of the country? Hm-m-m-m.

Other Thailanders, please give me your thoughts, too.

Thanks to all.

Sandra

If I turn off the air when I'm not there, I plan on about $100 a month for utilities.

Now its a little more due to the low dollar.

The place I rent is about 100 square meters.

Hi Sandra,

Brad figures are accurate IMO and it will depend on the size of the unit, how many people staying in it and how much a/c you want - i.e. 24/7 or only when you're around. Time of year is also a factor as the a/c will not have to work as hard in the cooler months while in the hotter months they are on o/t.

Brad's example 100M unit = 4,000/month
My condo when I let people stay there 273M unit = 9,000/month
My house = too much!

Be sure to check if you pay electricity to the apartment/condo or directly. In the last place I lived for many years in Bangkok, the utilities were paid through the condo management, which added a 'fee' on top of the utility rate. I had bills well in excess of 4,000 Baht per month, even though I never used the air conditioning. In my current place, I get the bill directly from the Bangkok electricity authority, which I can pay at any ATM or 7-11. I've never had a bill over 3,000 per month, even though I use the air every night. Water is hardly ever over 50 Baht per month.

the way a/c is used in LOS, i always thought it was free... i will start closing windows from now on...

Thanks to you all!

When all is said and done we may opt out of the idea at this particular place. Knowing these things puts things into perspective.

Sandra

sandra, what place were you considering and how much did they quote?

what about one of the serviced apartment complexes favored by fodorites and get a monthly rate?

Good idea, Bob!!!!!!

Unfortunately, this is a place in Chiang Mai, and it was a monthly rate (even tho' we will not be there the entire 30 days). We have a guesthouse reservation but are looking for options in case this doesn't work out ~~ we have been burned on guesthouses before ~~ so only have a reservation for a brief time. So far, the service apt and the guesthouse rates are about the same.

If anyone has any personal knowledge of Pak Chiang Mai in CM, I would like to know your opinion. It gets 'glowing' review on TA.

Also, we will be in other countries, which accounts for less than 30 days in CM.

Sandra

Find out who you are paying.....many landlords charge on top of the rate charged by the utility company.

Air con is the most expensive single item. Make use of the thermostat and try upping the temp by a couple of degrees.

Outside central Bkk things are cheaper than above.

Personally I never use air at home - only in the car - and my electric bill is about 1000 to 1200 baht per month. (3 bedroom house.)

you next most expensive items will be the fridge and hot water - so think about how cold your fridge is set and much hot water you need.

My water bill was below 50 baht free for a long time - but now that has stopped and with new house a bigger garden it is up to a walloping 140 baht!?!

If you're in a condo you won't have gas - gas is in bottles which are not allowed in apartment blocks. - Do you cook much?

My average phone bill - which includes ADSL is about 900 baht.I use a mobile phone for 99% of calls though.

In the end if the landlord is charging a flat rate there is little you can do - except offer to pay the bill yourself. Just get them to give you the bill and take it to a 7/11.

These are really rates for those living long term - if you are only here for a few months there is little alternative to paying at the whim of the serviced apartment owners

PS - if you agree to disconnect the air-con you should be able to negotiate a significant reduction with the landlord.

Whoa! Coming from the Gulf Coast area of Texas I would find it VERY hard to turn off A/C. It is so hot and dry here this year ~~ yesterday, 102 actual; 108, feels like.

Thanks, Fodorites!

Sandra

I think it depends on how you train yourself. I lived in dry and tropical areas in Oz (temps often over 40C) before Thailand and decided several decades back that I would acclimatise to the local climates. The only time I use the air is when I get guests, who seem to make themselves all the more uncomfortable by switching from a very cold room to the heat outside and then back again. They seem to find themselves running from one air-con to the next.