What is included in monthly rent on Koh Tao: electricity, water, wifi?

No island source publishes a standard tenancy, so every monthly deal is its own conversation. BAANLYY's cost of living page says as much: practices vary between landlords, so confirm what the rent covers before you sign. The pattern below is what we plan around.

Electricity

The line to ask about first. Most landlords bill it per unit from the room's meter, at their own rate, on top of the rent. Air conditioning is what makes it matter: Nomads.com counts air conditioning in only 37 percent of buildings on the island, April reaches about 34 C according to Wonderland Koh Tao, and BAANLYY bands the monthly bill at 600 to 1,200 THB for a fan only room against 1,800 to 3,500 THB for an air conditioned studio or one bedroom. Ask for the price per unit, and photograph the meter on the day you move in.

Water

Often included, otherwise about 150 to 350 THB a month on BAANLYY's figures. The island has no mainland supply, and Wonderland Koh Tao reports water shortages in May and June, so ask whether the building has its own tank. Tap water is not safe to drink, as La Bombona Diving reminds visitors, so refill stations and 20 litre bottles are part of every month.

Wifi

Usually included, and usually the weakest part of the deal. Shared guesthouse routers are why Nomads.com shows an island average of 18 Mbps. Wonderland Koh Tao adds that internet gets unreliable at peak hours in high season. Run a speed test in the room at the hour you actually work, and read the upload figure if you take video calls. Our post on Koh Tao internet explains the gap between advertised and measured speeds.

Your own fibre line

The Thaiger lists AIS 3BB and True fibre packages at 599 to 1,399 THB a month for 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with installation fees that are often waived on a long contract. An install needs the landlord's agreement and a contract, so it only makes sense for a long stay. For anything shorter, rent a place that already has a line, or budget for a coworking desk.

Deposit

One month of deposit plus the first month in cash is the common pattern. Nobody publishes it as a rule, so get a dated receipt with the amount and the landlord's name.

Rent bands are in how much is rent on Koh Tao for a month, and the full month is in our Koh Tao cost of living guide.