Setting Up Home in Penang
Utilities, Internet, Furniture & Household Services
Electricity (TNB)
Setting Up Electricity
- 1. Contact Tenaga Nasional (TNB) - main provider
- 2. Provide: Lease/purchase agreement, ID, passport
- 3. Application form signed
- 4. Meter installation (1-2 weeks)
- 5. Account activated, receive bill
- • Connection fee: RM 50-300
- • Deposit: RM 200-500 (refundable)
- • Monthly bill: RM 100-200 (residential)
- • Prepaid or postpaid options
Electricity Usage
- • AC running 24/7: RM 150-250/month
- • AC + normal use: RM 100-150/month
- • No AC (minimal): RM 30-50/month
- • Rates: RM 0.32-0.52 per kWh (residential)
- • Off-peak cheaper than peak hours
- • No-supply cutoff for payment default (safety)
Water (PBAPP)
Setting Up Water
- • Provider: Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP)
- • Connection: Similar process to electricity
- • Connection fee: RM 100-300
- • Deposit: RM 200-400 (refundable)
- • Process takes 1-2 weeks
Water Usage & Costs
- • Monthly bill: RM 30-60 (residential)
- • Rates: RM 1-2 per 1,000 liters
- • Tap water drinkable (boil or filter)
- • Most expats use water filter (RM 50-200)
- • Hot water heater not common (use instant)
Internet & Mobile
Home Internet (Fiber)
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 80-200/month
- • Installation: 2-4 weeks
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 79-199/month
- • Competitive rates
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 69-189/month
- • Growing availability
Setup: Call provider or visit office. Provide apartment lease/ownership proof. Technician visits for installation (1-2 hours). Modem provided.
Mobile Plans
- • RM 20-50 starter pack
- • Calls/SMS/data as needed
- • Good for testing before plan
- • RM 39-99/month plans
- • Unlimited data included
- • Best for full-time residents
- • Celcom, Maxis, Digi
- • U Mobile (budget option)
- • Excellent 4G/5G coverage
Furniture & Shopping
Furniture Shopping
Batu Kawan (near Penang Bridge). Good selection, affordable, assembly available.
Bayan Lepas and Tanjung Tokong have many shops. Custom-made furniture available.
Basic items: beds, chairs, tables at reasonable prices.
Furniture delivery available. Delivery times vary.
Shopping Malls (General Items)
- • Queensbay Mall (Bayan Lepas) - largest
- • Gurney Plaza (Gurney) - upscale
- • Midtown Centre (Tanjung Bungah)
- • Pavilion (Gurney) - shopping/dining
- • Komtar Tower (George Town) - shops/services
Hiring Help at Home
Domestic Helper/Maid
- • Cost: RM 800-1,500/month (live-in)
- • RM 60-120/day (part-time, per day)
- • Contract required (2-3 years typical)
- • Requirements: medical exam, references
- • Agencies: arrange hiring for fee
- • Facebook groups: can find recommendations
Other Services
- • Cleaning service: RM 50-200/visit
- • Laundry: RM 3-8 per kg
- • Handyman repair: RM 50-150/hour
- • AC servicing: RM 80-200
- • Plumbing repair: RM 100-300
- • Find on TaskRabbit, local Facebook groups
Tip: Hiring a domestic helper is common in Penang and affordable compared to Western countries. Many expat families employ cleaners or full-time helpers.
Setup Timeline
Move in, get temporary mobile SIM, buy basic supplies (toiletries, food, kitchen items).
Contact TNB for electricity, PBAPP for water, internet provider for fiber installation.
Utilities connected, internet installed. Shop for furniture and household items.
Home fully set up. Postpaid mobile plan signed. All utilities running smoothly.
Your Home Setup Complete!
Once utilities and essentials are in place, you'll be ready to focus on exploring Penang and settling into your new life.