Utilities

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Utilities

Utilities in Munich, Germany

Living in Germany, utility bills are a part of the equation, regardless of whether you choose a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Let us explore the different utilities you might need and how to set them up yourself, if necessary.

Find your flow: Water, electricity, natural gas

Munich has a renowned, progressive electrical grid and water system. Ecology investments and technical advancements make electricity, water, and natural gas in Munich more resource-optimized each year. Find out more on this page!

Spark up your daily life - with a reliable utilities provider

There are various providers for utilities. Stadtwerke München (SWM), or Munich City Utilities, is the leading local energy and infrastructure provider. They keep Munich running 24/7, by supplying:

Do you want to set up your electricity? Have a look here for SWM electricity tariffs – and calculate your monthly cost depending on your average household consumption. You can find their natural gas tariffs and monthly cost calculations on this page.

There are various service providers for utilities, and you will need to register with one. Often, your landlord has already taken on a service provider, but it is wise to check the specific conditions in your housing facility.

Do you want to know more about the provision of drinking water in Munich? Here is the information you need:

Our Tip

Did you know that in Germany, you can often save money by choosing your own electricity and gas supplier? It is a simple process, and you can usually do it online. You can easily compare providers based on your address – using websites like Verivox and Check24 (pages in German). This empowers you to find the most competitive rate for your home’s energy needs.

Well-connected: Telephone and internet in Munich

Phone and internet providers, SIM card options, and legal requirements can be a bit much to take in at once. Here, you will find the most necessary information on how to connect to the world via the internet or phone from Munich, Germany.

There are various providers for telephone and internet in Munich. M-net stands out as the premier regional telecommunications provider in Bavaria. Since 2010, M-net has been expanding its fiber optic network across Munich, delivering high-speed, reliable internet to both homes and businesses.

M-net’s comprehensive offerings extend beyond the internet, encompassing high-definition television, mobile services, and a range of additional digital solutions. More information is available here.

Our Tip

Are you calling Munich your new home? Consider a local SIM card.
If you are still using a non-European SIM card in Germany, switching to a local option can simplify your life. Roaming charges can be hefty, so having a German SIM card can save you a significant amount.

What is in the SIM cards? Prepaid vs. postpaid vs. contract

There are three main options when selecting a German SIM card: prepaid cards, postpaid plans, and mobile contracts. Major providers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 – each offering a range of prepaid and postpaid plans tailored to different needs.

The key difference lies in flexibility. Both prepaid SIM cards and postpaid plans allow you to terminate the service at any time. Mobile contracts, however, typically involve early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends.
You can purchase SIM cards at numerous locations throughout the city, including:

Mobile stores: Each provider has official stores where you can get SIM cards, plans, and assistance with setting up your phone.
Electronics retailers: Stores like MediaMarkt and Saturn often carry SIM cards from multiple providers.
Supermarkets and convenience stores: Many larger supermarkets, such as REWE or EDEKA, and convenience stores, like kiosks, also offer SIM cards for sale.
Online: You can order SIM cards online from providers' websites for delivery or pick-up at a store.

You can find more information on network providers and SIM cards on several websites.

Get connected in Germany: your mobile needs

To secure a mobile plan in Germany, you will typically need to provide the following:

Proof of identity: Bring your passport or ID card.
German residency proof: A registration certificate (”Meldebescheinigung“) is required to confirm your address in Germany.
German bank account details (optional): If you choose a contract plan with monthly payments, provide your German bank account details for direct debit payments.

Munich recycles: waste disposal and recycling with a system

There is a secret to the clean appearance of Munich – a very well-functioning waste disposal. Here, you will find out about the different waste bins, waste separation, and recycling in Munich.

Waste management: The 3-bin waste separation system

Munich champions sustainability through its well-established „3-bin system” for waste separation. This system tackles two important goals: managing the city’s large volume of waste and maximizing recycling efficiency.

Blue bin: Paper

You put paper in the blue bin, but it must be clean and not coated:

Brown bin: Organic waste

Compostable waste goes in the brown bin:

Black bin: Remaining waste

All waste that cannot be recycled goes in the black bin:

Munich’s waste disposal system

German waste disposal can seem tricky at first. The website ”Integreat” provides an in-depth explanation of the 3-bin system, including the specific items that should be placed in each bin.

Glass, metal tins, and plastic packaging go in the recycling containers

You should take glass bottles, metal tins, and plastic packaging to one of the approx. 1,000 recycling points (page in German). Additionally, make sure to separate glass bottles by color (clear, green, and brown) before recycling.

Bring special waste to the ”Wertstoffhof“ (recycling depot)

Waste you should take to the Wertstoffhof:

Waste that doesn’t fit in the appropriate bin
All broken electric appliances
Dangerous materials such as old batteries, energy-saving bulbs, or chemicals

You can hand in items at one of 12 recycling depots (page in German) – for free (2 m³/day).

Still usable? Articles in good condition can be bought and sold in second-hand shops or at flea markets.

Get to meet us!

Do you have any questions about Make it in Munich? We look forward meeting you!

Here, you can find online events and seminars that can assist you with your career and help you settle down in Munich!