Utilities
Phone (land-line):
Telmex is the largest land-line provider, and they have packages where you can get your land-line and high-speed internet for a monthly rate of $389 pesos (taxes included). This package includes 100 local calls monthly, and 100 minutes monthly for long distance national calls (i.e. in Mexico). Expect to pay a one-time installation fee of $499 pesos.
Cellular phone:
Telcel is a company that sells cellular phones, and you then buy a phone card with minutes on it and program it into your phone. Upon purchase of any phone, you will receive a $100 pesos phone credit. Their basic cell phones are $399 pesos, and their least expensive cell phones with a “camera” feature is $899 pesos. They have a variety of phones with different prices and features. There are no contracts with this type of phone. Note that it is expensive to use cell phones in Mexico, and the minutes run out quickly – text messaging is a cheaper option.
Cable:
Megacable is the largest cable company in the area. They have different packages for television, internet, and telephone. There is a $100 pesos installation fee. To apply for the service, you will need photo ID and a utility bill with your Mexico address. They are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
SKY satellite TV:
This is a Mexican satellite TV service. Most channels will be in Spanish. Call 222-7419 for more information.
US or Canadian Satellite Service (i.e. Direct TV, StarChoice):
If you are able to transfer your US or Canadian satellite service to Mexico (some companies have a “2nd home” service), then bring your receiver and dish and a local man named Chava will be able to hook up your service. Depending on the distance and feeds, you may lose some channels. You can also buy a satellite dish from Chava. He speaks English, and estimates are free. Tel is: 226-1111
Internet:
As noted above, the two companies that provide internet services are Telmex, and Megacable. Many restaurants provide free wireless service, including McDonald’s and Marina Cantina.
Gas (propane):
In Mexico, many of the appliances run with propane, versus electricity. This includes your stove, clothes washer, and the hot water. Propane is not very expensive. You will likely use $200 pesos worth in a month (if you shower daily and cook at home). In order to fill it, call Pagasa at 222-2222. They are open everyday, including weekends, from 5 am to 8 pm. They will need your name and address, and will come within a few hours with a large truck and fill your tank. If they are not there within 2 hours, call them again. You need to pay them in cash.
Electrical:
Electricity is very expensive in Mexico, and you should be mindful of turning off lights, air-conditioning, etc to conserve energy and reduce costs. You will receive your electrical bill every 2 months.
Water:
Your water bill comes every month, and needs to be paid at the water company. In San Carlos, the CEA is in the Las Palmas plaza, near the back corner. In Guaymas, you can pay your bill at a machine in the Ley mall, called Plaza del Vigia.
