Pagatinu in Curaçao (prepaid electricity)
HOW DOES THE PAGATINU SYSTEM WORK IN CURAÇAO?
Pagatinu is Aqualectra’s prepaid electricity supply system. It is very common to find this system in rental properties or villas, but it is also very useful for apartment owners. Basically, it works like a prepaid phone card. You buy “electricity credit” for a certain amount and you can use the electricity for a certain number of days, depending on the amount of kilowatts you consume. The advantage for the owner is that he does not have to worry about unpaid bills from tenants or tourists, so it has become a very popular system on the island. This system also represents an advantage for the user of the Pagatinu system. In Curaçao, electricity is relatively expensive. With this system, you can control the amount of energy you use yourself. You will be more aware of how you use electricity and thus know how to save on your electricity costs.
The Pagatinu system is installed through a box with a keypad. Each box has a unique number. On the dashboard you will be able to view and recharge your credit through the keypad, inserting the recharge number that you will be given when purchasing current. You can recharge your credit at most supermarkets and at many gas stations.
How do I know my Pagatinu number?
To find out the Pagatinu number, check the card that was provided with the box. The owner must give you that number so that you can recharge at any time. You can also find out a code on the board. If the pagatinu system box is white, you can enter the code #4#. If the box is new or gray, enter code #100#. The 11-digit number is also visible on a label or bar code on the Pagatinu box hanging on the wall. With that number, you go to the store and buy an energy credit for the amount you choose. In return, you get a voucher with a number. Displays the number of units you have purchased and a code. You enter this code at the Pagatinu checkout at home and then your units are upgraded. Pretty simple, isn’t it?
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO RECHARGE MY PAGATINU?
How and where to buy credit for my Pagatinu?
You can buy Pagatinu in stores where they have the Pagafasil or Pagomatiko logo. You can pay in cash or with a bank card. You can also buy Pagatinu at (some) gas stations and minimarkets, for example. Here is a list of many locations:
Locations with PagomatiCO
Locations with Pagafasil
PRACTICAL TIPS
– The use of air conditioning is the biggest drain on the electricity credit. If possible, cool the room and use a fan. You can also program the air conditioner to turn off after a certain number of hours.
– Will you be staying in an Airbnb or apartment? Check with the owner if electricity is included or if it works with Pagatinu system. This way you will avoid unpleasant surprises if you run out of electricity because you did not know that you were supposed to recharge the current for your consumption.
– If you live in Curaçao or will be in Curaçao for a long period and need to recharge Pagatinu without leaving home, you can do it online through the following page, via a transfer with your MCB account: 24 Uur Uit De Muur (instructions in English). Normally, after making the transfer and sending the request form, you will receive the code to recharge your Pagatinu by Whatsapp within 30 minutes or 1 hour. If you do not have an MCB account, the transfer may take 24-48 hours before your order is processed. Do it on time.
Do you have more questions about the use of the Pagatinu system in Curaçao? Write us a message and we will gladly inform you.