Setting up electricity, water and internet in Medellín is usually straightforward once you understand Colombia’s utility system, your rental agreement and the address format used by local providers. Electricity and water are commonly supplied through EPM, while home internet is contracted separately with an operator such as Claro, Movistar or Tigo. Before moving in, confirm which services are already active, who is responsible for each bill and whether the property has any unpaid balance.
Start with the rental agreement and meter readings
Ask the landlord or agency for recent copies of the electricity and water bills, known as facturas de servicios públicos. These documents show the account number, property address, billing period and the property’s estrato. The estrato is a classification used for residential utility billing; it is not a measure of your income or personal status, but it can affect the tariff applied to the property.
Read the electricity and water meters on the day you receive the keys and take dated photos. Compare the readings with the move-in record or the previous bill. In a furnished rental, clarify in writing whether utilities are included, capped at a monthly amount or paid entirely by the tenant. If you are taking over an existing account, confirm that charges before your lease began remain the landlord’s responsibility.
Electricity and water through EPM
In much of Medellín, Empresas Públicas de Medellín, commonly called EPM, manages residential electricity and water service. In an apartment building, water may be billed directly by EPM or included in a shared building charge, depending on the property’s metering system. Ask the administration or landlord how individual consumption is calculated.
If the services are already connected, you may only need to update the responsible payer or continue receiving the bill at the property. If a new connection, reconnection or account change is required, contact EPM through its official website, customer service channels or an in-person service office. Have the exact address, the property account number and your identification available. A Colombian cédula, cédula de extranjería or passport may be requested depending on the procedure, although document requirements can vary.
Use the official EPM channels shown on your bill rather than phone numbers sent through informal messages. You can generally pay using online banking, authorized payment points or the provider’s digital options. Keep payment confirmations, especially during your first months, and check the bill for the correct account and billing address.
Choosing and installing home internet
Internet availability varies by building, neighborhood and even apartment. Before signing up, ask providers to check the exact address and apartment number. A company may offer fiber, cable or another connection type in one building but not the next. If you are comparing plans, look at the upload speed, installation conditions, contract length, equipment rental, early cancellation terms and whether the quoted price is promotional.
For installation, providers commonly need access to the apartment, the building’s telecommunications cabinet and sometimes a parking or security area. Coordinate with the porter or building administration in advance. If you are renting, obtain the owner’s permission where the installer needs to drill, run a new cable or place equipment permanently. Test Wi-Fi in the rooms where you work or study, not only beside the router.
Ask whether the modem and router are included and what happens if equipment is damaged or lost when you leave. Record the equipment serial number and save the installation document. If fixed internet cannot be installed immediately, a Colombian mobile data plan or temporary hotspot can provide a short-term backup, but check coverage inside your apartment before relying on it for remote work.
Common problems and practical precautions
- Confirm the full Colombian address, including street or carrera, number, building name, tower and apartment. Medellín addresses can be confusing when a form asks for a barrio or local reference.
- Check whether the building has a minimum internet contract or restrictions on external cables and antennas.
- Do not pay a landlord’s old utility debt without a written agreement that explains how it will be deducted or reimbursed.
- When service is interrupted, record the date, take photos of meters or error messages and request a case number from the provider.
- At the end of the lease, photograph final meter readings, pay the closing bills and request proof that internet equipment was returned.
Planning these steps before moving day makes it easier to avoid service gaps and unexpected charges. For current provider options, installation help and other relocation services, browse local businesses in the directory.
