Setting Up Utilities in Your Medellín Apartment
In Medellín, virtually all residential utilities — electricity, gas, water, and sewer — are provided by a single entity: EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín). This municipal utility company has a near-monopoly on basic services, which simplifies setup but means you're working within a single billing system.
EPM: Electricity, Water, Gas, Sewer
In most long-term leases, EPM accounts remain in the landlord's name and the tenant reimburses based on actual consumption. For some direct-lease arrangements, you may transfer the account into your name (requires cédula de extranjería).
- Billing cycle: Monthly, with 2-month billing periods for some services
- Payment methods: Bancolombia app, Nequi, DaviPlata, EPM website, or in-person at Éxito/Alkosto service counters
- Budget estimate (1BR): Estrato 4: COP 200,000–350,000/month ($54–$95); Estrato 6: COP 400,000–600,000+ ($108–$162+)
Internet: The Real Infrastructure
For remote workers and expats, internet is the critical utility. The good news: Medellín has excellent fiber infrastructure in all major neighborhoods. Here are your best options:
| Provider | Speed | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNE/Tigo | Up to 600 Mbps | COP 60,000–120,000 ($16–$32) | Largest fiber network in Medellín |
| Movistar | Up to 900 Mbps | COP 80,000–150,000 ($22–$41) | Rated fastest ISP by Ookla. Symmetric speeds. |
| Somos Internet | Up to 2 Gbps | COP 100,000 ($27) for 900 Mbps | Medellín-local. 100% fiber, symmetric. |
| Claro | Up to 500 Mbps | COP 50,000–100,000 ($14–$27) | Largest national network. HFC not pure fiber in some areas. |
Mobile Phone Setup
Prepaid SIM cards are the easiest first step:
- Claro: 30 GB / 30 days + unlimited calls — COP 32,000 (~$8.65). Best nationwide coverage.
- Movistar: 100 GB / 30 days + unlimited calls + 100 international minutes — COP 37,990 (~$10.27). Best data volume.
- Tigo: 9 GB / 30 days + unlimited calls — COP 20,000 (~$5.40). Best value in Medellín.
Buy SIM cards at carrier stores in malls, airport kiosks, OXXO, Éxito, or Carulla. Bring your passport for registration. All four major carriers (Claro, Movistar, Tigo, WOM) support eSIM.
The Administración Fee
On top of EPM utilities and internet, every apartment building charges a monthly administración — the building HOA fee covering portero (doorman), security cameras, common area maintenance, elevators, pools, and gyms. This ranges from COP 200,000 ($54) in basic estrato 3 buildings to COP 800,000+ ($216+) in luxury estrato 6 towers. Always confirm whether administración is included in your quoted rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) provides electricity, water, gas, and sewer for the entire metro area. It's a municipal utility company with a near-monopoly on basic services. Billing is monthly.
Somos Internet offers 900 Mbps symmetric fiber for COP 100,000/month (~$27) — the best value for remote workers. Movistar is rated the fastest ISP by Ookla with speeds up to 900 Mbps. Both provide pure fiber with symmetric upload/download.
In most long-term leases, EPM accounts stay in the landlord's name and you reimburse based on consumption. For internet, you typically set up your own contract. For furnished rentals through agencies, utilities are usually included with a monthly cap.
For a 1-bedroom apartment including EPM, internet, and phone: estrato 3–4 budget approximately COP 280,000–450,000/month ($76–$122); estrato 5–6 budget COP 450,000–750,000/month ($122–$203). Administración is separate.