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Can one get utilities and internet if one is not a resident but has purchased a home

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feliceb
  1/12/2018 16:09 EST

Hello all,
We have heard so many different answers that we are confused. We are in the process of purchasing a home and on the day of the closing will take possession and go there. We are not ready to retire and become full-time residents ,so how does one get utilities and Internet service without being a redsident ?
We have been told it is not possible, to give someone who is limited power of attorney, that we need to do a corporation, that there is no problem at all and others ad infinitem.
We would appreciate any good advice. of course we will discuss with our attorney .
Thank you
feliceB

elduendegrande
  1/12/2018 19:50 EST

Let the maid or vigilante do it!

Actually the first house I rented here we left the name of the utilities in the former tenants name for 3 1/2 years. Saves on paperwork, which can be substantial and it was told to me this is the normal way to do things.

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attykarlacorea
  1/13/2018 01:01 EST

Is it new construction where it would have no utilities?

1. Most apartments and houses come with electricity turned on-- very rarely do people change the name. With a lease/deed, the electric company will change the name as your request.

1b. Same with water, normally nobody changes the name.

1c. If you own the house with a registered deed and the utility refuses to provide service because you are not a resident, you appeal in writing to the regulator (INE for the electric company). Its a violation of your fundamental rights to refuse necessary services when you own the property.

2. Define "internet." In Managua, Yota offers prepaid internet, Cootel offers fiber and WiMAX with a passport, Claro and Movistar have LTE prepaid internet in most areas with no identification--last year we had a client obtain Claro phone and cable with a passport and lease (no residency), we don't know if that changed. Most people do not bother with a landline phone, but simply use prepaid cellular chips that require no ID.

attykarlacorea
  1/13/2018 01:03 EST

To use a maid or security guard to obtain the service, they would need to present a lease. As you said, if the house has electricity, why change the name?

elduendegrande
  1/13/2018 12:29 EST

Just a note--if you have an account with Lafise you can pay your utility bills online. And also buy saldo for cel phones
Nic is modernizing and some taxes can also be paid online. It is being phased in starting in Managua.

feliceb
  1/13/2018 13:10 EST

Thanks ,That we already knew but we are trying to find out when we have the closing on the house we are buying, can we, as non-residents- switch everything to our name and also get internet. We have been told such conflicting information: both yes and no and you need a corporation and don';t do a corporation. so in simple terms: How does a new home owner change all the utilities to their name from the old owner and get internet?
thank you all once again for the input.

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feliceb
  1/13/2018 13:10 EST

Thanks ,That we already knew but we are trying to find out when we have the closing on the house we are buying, can we, as non-residents- switch everything to our name and also get internet. We have been told such conflicting information: both yes and no and you need a corporation and don';t do a corporation. so in simple terms: How does a new home owner change all the utilities to their name from the old owner and get internet?
thank you all once again for the input.

feliceb
  1/13/2018 13:12 EST

To attykarlacorea,
Thank you so much for the information. The house is not new, has been in one name for many many years. The cell phone will be fine as we will use ours from the states for now, but need to provide excellent Wifi so we can work while we vacation and also to offer it.
Your response was invaluable..thank you so much.
felice B

Dlee1154
  1/13/2018 21:45 EST

For Claro, you need a lease in your name, address showing, passport and one utility bill. It can be in your or owner's name if owner name is on lease.

feliceb
  1/14/2018 11:06 EST

Thank you, but we are Not leasing ,we are buying. And we want to be certain...it seems leasing is what everyone is talking about..we are buying a home. Best thing is to discuss this with your lawyer and our property manager, not the guardiano.
Thank you so much for your input, everything helps.

elduendegrande
  1/15/2018 14:40 EST

Seems very complicated but if you are here at closing gather up your docs and go to the utilities and sign up!

Each one will be different with different rules. You probably have several choices on internet and each one will likely have different rules.

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feliceb
  1/15/2018 15:01 EST

Thank you most kindly ,
Yes we will be in Nicaragua for the closing.

elduendegrande
  1/23/2018 08:43 EST

The other day I signed up for a postpago account with claro for cel service. I am a resident, so it might not apply to you, but the critical things they wanted were 3 references with cel phones, relatives ok, and a copy of a utility bill.
With bank accounts, they want landline only and no relatives for references. Just a reminder to bring everything and ever number you have when you apply for things.
They claim to bill online now, which is a big plus.

feliceb
  1/23/2018 08:47 EST

elduendegrande
Thank you so much for the information .
Greatly appreciated.
feliceB

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