Canceling utilities when leaving Geneva

When you’re preparing to leave Geneva, don’t forget to cancel your utility contracts. Electricity, internet, mobile service, and other subscriptions don’t stop automatically when your lease ends. You’re responsible for informing each provider, and failing to do so may result in continued billing or penalties.

Here’s what to check and how to proceed before your departure.

When should you cancel your utilities?

It is best to start the cancellation process as soon as you know your confirmed departure date. Some providers require advance notice, and coordinating the end date with your lease termination helps avoid continued billing after you leave. In certain cases, you may also be asked to provide proof of departure, such as the “attestation de départ” issued by the OCPM, before your contract can be fully closed.

Electricity

If you live in the canton of Geneva, your electricity is supplied by SIG (Services Industriels de Genève). To close your account:

• Notify SIG in advance via their website or by phone
• Provide your move-out date and your client or contract number
• Read and photograph the electricity meter on your last day in the apartment

SIG will issue a final invoice based on actual consumption. If a deposit was paid, it will be refunded after your account is closed. You can complete this formality on SIG’s website.

Water and waste

Tenants do not need to cancel water supply or waste services directly. These are typically managed by your régie or landlord and included in your service charges.

However, if your building has individual water meters or specific billing for garbage collection (taxe déchets), the régie may ask for meter readings or other details before you leave.

Internet and TV

Internet contracts are not automatically terminated when you leave. You must:

• Review your contract notice period (usually 30 to 60 days)
• Send a written cancellation notice (email or registered letter)
• Return any rented equipment such as modems or TV boxes

If you are leaving Switzerland permanently, you may request early termination by providing a deregistration certificate (attestation de départ). Most providers will waive penalties with sufficient proof.

Refunds are possible if you paid for services in advance (e.g. monthly or yearly). The unused portion is usually reimbursed once the account is closed. This formality can usually be done via the phone or the provider’s website. If your provider is requiring a letter, please contact me and I will make it for you free of charge.

Mobile phone plan

If you have a Swiss postpaid mobile subscription, follow these steps:

• Check your contract’s minimum term and notice period
• Submit your cancellation request early
• Attach proof of departure if ending the contract before its term

Early cancellation fees can apply, but most providers waive them if you provide a deregistration document. If you paid in advance (e.g. a 12-month package), a pro-rata refund may be possible depending on the provider’s terms. This formality can usually be done via the phone or the provider’s website. If your provider is requiring a letter, please contact me and I will make it for you free of charge.

Alternatively, you can ask to switch your postpaid plan to a prepaid SIM before leaving. This allows you to keep your number with no ongoing monthly charges, which can be useful for receiving final texts or access codes abroad.

For prepaid mobile plans, you can usually keep your number even after leaving Switzerland. However:

• Swisscom and Sunrise deactivate prepaid SIMs after 12 months of inactivity
• Salt deactivates after 15 months
• Once deactivated, your number may be permanently lost

To maintain your prepaid number, you must use it at least once during the inactivity window, for example, by sending a text or making a short call. Alternatively, you can move your number to another provider or switch to a roaming-friendly plan before leaving.

Home insurance and other subscriptions

You may also need to cancel:

• Personal liability insurance (RC)
• Household insurance (assurance ménage)
• Magazine or newspaper subscriptions
• Gym memberships or delivery services

If you paid your insurance annually, a refund of unused months is usually granted. The same applies to gym memberships or digital services, provided you follow the cancellation terms and deadlines.

Most providers accept a termination request via email, phone or in person. However, if the provider is requiring a letter, please contact me and I will make it for you free of charge.

Deregistration and proof of departure

When you leave Geneva permanently, you must deregister with your commune of residence. The document you receive (attestation de départ) is essential. It serves as proof for:

• Early cancellation of mobile, internet, or insurance contracts
• Closing your bank account
• Ending other types of subscriptions

I have a dedicated article explaining the deregistration process.