Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Although I've lived in Ho Chi Minh for some time, this is my first experience paying for electricity - finally upgraded to an apartment.

I've had people tell me that they're electricity is 'really cheap', though this seems to contradict my recent bill. From the 20th to the 31st of December (I pay at the end of the month), my electricity bill alone was around 360,000d. I usually use the air con, though I'm gone most of the day from Monday to Friday.

According to my contract, I'm obligated to pay 2750 d/KW. Might anyone know if this is the usual rate, or the foreigner rate?

While I don't consider this to be prohibitively expensive by any means, I'd like to know whether this would be considered a reasonable rate.

Note: my water bill was very low.

Thanks.

1st Sgt Welsh

toiyeuthitmeo · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 213

Air-con can really rack up the bill, huh? That amount doesn't seem unreasonable

I second the advice to request the actual power bill. It will have your address and the name of whomever holds the land-use certificates for your property, and will say exactly how much KwH you used, as last month's total, new total, etc. Price per KwH should be between a normal rate of about 1600-3000 (on the very high end) VND, the fluctuation coming from the things the PP mentioned as well as some seasonal concerns. There is a 10% tax levied on the total as well.

I mightn't choose to go to battle with my landlord if he or she refused to provide the actual bill. Rather, I would monitor usage myself. You should be able to locate your power meter, and track your monthly KwH usage on your own. That'll give you an idea if your landlord is up to something sneaky.

Heads up, there is a debate happening within the Government. They want to increase the prices ASAP.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Thanks guys.

Regarding checking the meter, I've done this, AND was actually encouraged to do this by the landlord. Besides one exception, I've been mostly pleased by my landlords, and this guy has been no exception. Heard good things about him from previous tenants. However I think it's his mother who decides the contracts, and since I managed to talk my way into an above average deal, I'm wondering if they perhaps took some liberties with the electricity bills.

I think looking at the original invoice is a good idea. I'll ask to do so, though if I find out that this happens to be the typical rate, then I wont bother.