Setting Up Utilities in Amsterdam: Step-by-Step Guide

When we moved into our first apartment in Amsterdam, we assumed utilities would be included in rent.

They weren't. And we had no idea how to set them up.

Which company provides electricity? Is gas separate? Who handles water? Do we need a TV license? And why is everyone talking about something called "g/w/l"?

Here's everything we learned about setting up utilities in the Netherlands—what you need, which providers to choose, and how much it actually costs.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Which utilities you need to set up yourself
• Best providers for electricity, gas, and internet
• Step-by-step setup process
• Real monthly costs
• Common mistakes to avoid

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Which Utilities Do You Need?

In the Netherlands, you typically need:

Must Set Up Yourself

• Electricity (elektriciteit)
• Gas (gas) - if your home uses gas
• Internet (internet) - separate from utilities
• TV license (if you watch live TV)

Usually Included in Rent

• Water (water) - often included, sometimes separate
• Heating - depends on building
• Trash collection - included in municipal taxes

Optional

• TV/streaming services
• Home phone line (most people skip this)

What We Wish We Knew: In the Netherlands, "g/w/l" stands for gas, water, and light (electricity). When landlords say "excluding g/w/l," they mean you pay utilities separately. When they say "including g/w/l," utilities are included in rent. Always clarify this before signing a lease.

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Electricity and Gas

These are usually bundled together from one provider.

How It Works

The Dutch energy market is privatized:

• You choose your own provider
• Prices vary by company
• You can switch anytime
• Competition keeps prices reasonable

Two types of contracts:

• Fixed rate: Price locked for 1-3 years
• Variable rate: Price changes with market

Our recommendation: Fixed rate for predictability, especially if you're new.

Best Providers for Expats

Vattenfall

• Large, established company
• English-language support
• Easy online account management
• Competitive prices

Essent

• One of the largest providers
• Good customer service
• English available
• Reliable

Eneco

• Focus on green energy
• Modern app and website
• English support
• Slightly higher prices but good service

Budget Options:

• Budget Energie - Cheapest rates
• OXXIO - Low prices, basic service
• United Consumers - Collective buying power

How to Sign Up

Step 1: Choose Your Provider

Visit comparison site: independer.nl

• Enter your address and usage
• Compare prices
• Filter by English-language support
• Choose provider

Step 2: Sign Up Online

Most providers let you sign up online:

• Go to provider's website
• Click "New customer" or "Switch provider"
• Enter your details
• Provide move-in date
• Choose contract type

Step 3: Provide Information

You'll need:

• BSN number
• Address
• Move-in date
• Bank account (for automatic payments)
• Previous tenant's info (if available)

Step 4: Meter Reading

On your move-in day:

• Read your electricity meter
• Read your gas meter (if applicable)
• Submit readings to provider
• Take photos for your records

Where to find meters:

• Usually in utility closet
• Sometimes in basement
• Check with landlord

Step 5: Set Up Automatic Payments

How it works:

• You pay estimated monthly amount
• Based on average usage
• Annual adjustment based on actual usage
• Overpayment refunded, underpayment billed

Real Costs

Our monthly costs (2-bedroom apartment, 2 people):

Utility	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost
Electricity	€60-80	€720-960
Gas (heating/cooking)	€40-100	€480-1,200
Total	€100-180	€1,200-2,160

Factors affecting cost:

• Apartment size
• Insulation quality
• Heating type
• Season (winter is expensive)
• Your usage habits

Winter vs Summer:

• Summer: €80-100/month (minimal gas)
• Winter: €150-200/month (heating costs)

Reality Check: Our first winter energy bill shocked us. We paid €180/month from November to March. Dutch apartments aren't always well-insulated, and gas heating is expensive. Budget accordingly.

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Water

Water is often included in rent, but not always.

If Water Is Separate

Provider depends on location:

• Amsterdam: Waternet
• Rotterdam: Evides
• The Hague: Dunea
• Utrecht: Vitens

You don't choose your water company—it's based on your address.

How to Set Up

Step 1: Check If You Need To

• Ask your landlord
• Check rental contract
• Water often included in "servicekosten"

Step 2: Contact Your Local Water Company

• Visit their website
• Register as new customer
• Provide move-in date and meter reading

Step 3: Set Up Payment

• Fixed monthly amount
• Annual adjustment
• Usually €15-25/month per person

Real Costs

Average water costs:

• Single person: €15-20/month
• Couple: €25-35/month
• Family of 4: €40-60/month

What's included:

• Drinking water
• Wastewater treatment
• Water system tax

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Internet

Internet is essential and completely separate from other utilities.

Best Providers

Ziggo (Cable)

• Fast speeds (up to 1 Gbps)
• Reliable
• Good coverage in cities
• €40-60/month

KPN (Fiber/DSL)

• National telecom company
• Fiber where available
• Excellent customer service
• €45-65/month

T-Mobile (Fiber/4G)

• Competitive prices
• Good for apartments
• €35-50/month

Budget Options:

• Tele2 - €30-40/month
• Online.nl - €25-35/month
• Caiway - Regional, good prices

What You Need

Check what's available at your address:

• Visit provider website
• Enter your postal code
• See available options
• Compare speeds and prices

Common options:

• Cable: Fast, widely available
• Fiber: Fastest, not everywhere
• DSL: Slower, cheaper
• 4G/5G: Wireless option

How to Sign Up

Step 1: Choose Provider and Package

• Compare speeds (50 Mbps to 1 Gbps)
• Check contract length (1-2 years typical)
• Look for installation costs

Step 2: Order Online

• Most providers have English websites
• Choose installation date
• Provide address and contact info

Step 3: Installation

• Technician visit (usually required)
• Takes 1-2 hours
• They set up modem/router
• Test connection

Step 4: Timeline

• Order to installation: 1-2 weeks
• Some addresses: same week
• Plan ahead when moving

Real Costs

Typical internet packages:

Speed	Monthly Cost	Best For
50 Mbps	€30-40	Light use, 1-2 people
100-200 Mbps	€40-50	Normal use, streaming
500 Mbps-1 Gbps	€50-70	Heavy use, remote work

Additional costs:

• Installation: €0-50 (often free)
• Modem rental: €0-5/month (or buy your own)
• Contract cancellation: 1 month notice

Our setup:

• Ziggo 200 Mbps
• €45/month
• Includes modem
• More than enough for two people working from home

For more on working remotely from Amsterdam, including internet requirements, see Working Remotely from Amsterdam: What You Need to Know.

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TV License

If you watch live TV, you need a TV license.

Do You Need One?

Yes, if you:

• Watch live TV broadcasts
• Have a TV connected to antenna/cable
• Watch live streams online

No, if you only:

• Watch Netflix, YouTube, streaming services
• Use TV as computer monitor
• Don't watch live broadcasts

How It Works

Cost: €8.30/month (€99.60/year)

How to register:

• It's automatic when you register at gemeente
• You'll receive a letter
• Set up payment online

How to cancel:

• If you don't have a TV
• Submit online form at kijkwijzer.nl
• Prove you don't watch live TV

Our situation: We don't have a TV, only laptops and streaming services. We submitted the form and don't pay the license fee.

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Setting Up: Complete Timeline

Here's the realistic timeline for setting up everything:

Week 1: Move-In Day

Day 1:

• Read all meters (electricity, gas, water)
• Take photos
• Note meter numbers

Day 1-2:

• Sign up for electricity/gas
• Submit meter readings
• Set up payment

Week 1-2: Internet

Day 1-3:

• Research providers
• Check availability at your address
• Order internet

Day 7-14:

• Technician installation
• Internet active

Week 2-3: Everything Else

• Set up water (if needed)
• Handle TV license (opt out if needed)
• Confirm all automatic payments

Total setup time: 2-3 weeks for everything

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not reading meters on move-in day You'll be charged for previous tenant's usage. Read meters immediately and take photos.

Forgetting to submit meter readings Providers estimate usage if you don't submit readings. This can lead to huge bills or refunds later.

Choosing cheapest provider without research Some budget providers have terrible customer service. Worth paying €5-10 more for reliable support.

Not understanding fixed vs variable rates Variable rates can spike in winter. Fixed rates give peace of mind.

Waiting too long to set up internet Installation takes 1-2 weeks. Order immediately after signing lease.

Paying for TV license unnecessarily If you don't watch live TV, opt out. Many expats don't realize this is optional.

Pro Tip: Set up all your utilities with automatic payments (automatische incasso). It's the standard way in the Netherlands, and you'll avoid late fees and hassle. You can always cancel or adjust payments later.

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Monthly Budget: Real Numbers

Our total monthly utility costs (2-bedroom apartment, Amsterdam): €145-225/month on top of rent.

The big variable is gas heating in winter. Budget €150/month in summer, €250/month in winter. Annual average around €200/month.

The complete monthly cost breakdown for all living expenses is in our guide.

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Switching Providers

You can switch anytime—it's easy.

When to Switch

• Contract ending
• Found better price
• Poor customer service
• Moving to new address

How to Switch

Step 1: Choose new provider

Step 2: Sign up with new provider

• They handle the switch
• Contact your old provider
• Arrange transfer date

Step 3: Submit final meter readings

• On switch date
• To both old and new provider
• Avoid double billing

Step 4: Cancel old contract

• Usually automatic
• Confirm cancellation
• Get final bill

Timeline: 2-4 weeks for complete switch

Cost: Usually free, check contract terms

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FAQ

Q: Can I set up utilities before I move in?

A: Yes, but you need your move-in date and address. Most providers let you schedule service to start on your move-in day. Do this 1-2 weeks before moving in.

Q: What if I don't have a BSN yet?

A: Some providers will let you sign up with just your passport and address, but most require a BSN. This is another reason to get your BSN as soon as possible after arriving. See our Getting Your BSN Number: Complete Guide.

Q: Are utilities more expensive than in the US?

A: Generally yes, especially gas heating in winter. Electricity is comparable, but gas can be 2-3x US prices. Budget €150-250/month for a typical apartment.

Q: Do I need a Dutch bank account for utilities?

A: Yes, almost all providers require a Dutch bank account for automatic payments (SEPA direct debit). This is standard in the Netherlands. For help with this, see Opening a Dutch Bank Account for Your DAFT Business.

Q: What happens if I move to a new apartment?

A: Contact your providers with your move-out and move-in dates. Submit meter readings from both addresses. Most providers transfer service to your new address. Internet might require new installation.

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Ready to tackle the next essential task? Learn how to get a Dutch phone number while keeping your US number active. Read the Phone Number Guide →

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We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.