It's hard to believe that it's already 2018. It's also hard to believe how technology and international commerce has enabled people to live, work, and travel overseas like never before. Ask anyone nowadays and chances are good that they know someone who is working abroad, traveling abroad while working, relocated overseas, or expatriated to a new country. What was a rare occurrence 25 years ago is rather commonplace today, and it's changed the way we see and think about life and business. It's also changed our options, possibilities and opportunities.
With so many living and working abroad, it's not such a difficult feat anymore. However, there are some things to be aware of and prepared for. One of those things is how to go about making your move while managing electronics and appliances. If you're relocating long-term or expatriating, chances are you'll be looking for a place to make yourself comfortable rather than renting a furnished apartment. Have you thought abut purchasing major appliances? Kitchen appliances? Electronics and personal devices? Maybe you plan on shipping all your possessions overseas or maybe you plan to buy new things upon your arrival. Are you aware of the pros and cons of each?
Let's see if we can help you get a better understanding of the challenges associated with furnishing your new home overseas so you can live with the comforts of home, regardless of where in the world you're located.
The Difference in Voltage
The most important factor to consider is the difference in voltage around the world. In North America, for example, 120 volts is the standard electricity. That's the voltage we use for 99% of our business and residential infrastructure. Our electronics and appliances are manufactured and sold to be used at this specific voltage. In Asia, however, the standard voltage is 220 volts. All of their appliances and electronics are made to work at that voltage, and will not work in North America. Likewise, North American electronics and appliances will not work with Asia's 220 volt electricity. And it's not only Asia - many areas and regions use 110 or 120 volts, while many others use 220 or 240. It all depends on where you go.
If you didn't already know this, it might be somewhat of a surprise as you may have assumed that electricity is electricity. Now that you know, you can learn a little more and decide what options suit you best.
Using Your Electronics and Appliances Safely
There is, of course, a solution to the incompatibility problem of foreign electronics. A voltage converter (also known as a voltage transformer) is a device that will allow you to safely change the voltage up or down, making it possible to change 220 volt electricity down to 120 volts so you can safely use your American electronics or appliances in Asia. Voltage converters are not very expensive, and they're available in a variety of sizes (watts) that can handle everything from a coffee maker to an electric clothes dryer. You can learn more about them by checking out this
Voltage Converter Buying Guide to see if it looks like a good solution for you.
Buying New Stuff When You Arrive
One option that many opt for is to purchase new major appliances and electronics when they arrive to their destination country. This is a viable option, but there are many setbacks. First, the selection is going to be extremely limited for anyone who is accustomed to shopping in western appliance stores. You might not find what you need or what you want. The options available can also seem weak for what you're paying, and prices are higher because there is less demand and fewer units being sold. Furthermore, if you don't speak the language and don't know where to shop, you're going to get taken advantage of when making your purchases. You could literally spend weeks trying to find a washer/dryer, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave that suit your needs and your style. And you could pay as much as double for products made half as well (and half the size) that you're used to. This is not the best option.
Buying Electronics and Appliances Before You Go
One of the best, easiest, and most economical choices is to buy everything before you go. With a company like 220 Electronics (us) who specializes in international relocation, your worries about electronics and appliances can be eliminated. We stock a huge variety of home appliances, electronics, and personal devices that are specifically designed for 220 volt use. We carry the top brands, the most popular models, and we guarantee the lowest pricing - really! We can help you choose the products that fit your needs and your budget, then ship them anywhere in the word for you. We can even arrange for delivery after your arrival if necessary. If you're already there and want to order, you can do so right from our website. It's a one-stop-shop for all of your appliance and electronic needs. No lines, no pushy salesmen, no searching for stores and no disappointments about the small selection of cheap brands. You can browse from home at your own pace, and our specialists are here to help you when you're ready.
Need more info? We're more than happy to give you a free, no hassle relocation consultation.
Contact us today, we're here to help. We can make your move easier, cheaper, and less stressful. We have over 35 years of experience and we hope you'll join our long list of satisfied customers. Whatever your decision, we wish you well in your travels.
What is a Multi-System TV?
What is a Multi-system TV? That's a good question! Multi-system TVs are units that have been professionally modified for global functionality. They're designed to work with any voltage (110 to 240 volts) and with any color system (Pal, NTSC, or Secam), giving you more flexibility than the standard models that are manufactured to work only in the regions in which they're sold. They also work with any type of cable or satellite TV service, because the internal Pal/NTSC/Secam conversion ensures that the TV is compatible with the signal being delivered from the service provider. There's no need for a voltage transformer or video converter - just plug and play, anywhere in the world. If you're traveling for trade shows, relocating overseas, or looking for a specific brand and model that you cannot find locally, a Multi-system TV is the perfect solution.
What Brands and Models Are Available?
Multi-system TVs are available in nearly any brand and model you can imagine. They're not sold in major department stores, but the retailers who modify and sell Multi-system TVs can modify any model out there and usually have a great selection. From smaller 32-inch models up to the monstrous 70-inch TVs, and from basic 1080p HD to a 4K Ultra-HD Smart TV with Wi-Fi, there's a broad range of options to choose from. You're sure to find something that suits your home theater needs.
How Much Does a Multi-System TV Cost?
Since a Multi-system TV has been modified by a third-party and features extra functionality, there is an additional cost over the traditional model of the same TV. However, the cost isn't excessive and it's actually well worth the investment if you need the extra flexibility. To give a decent comparison, you can buy the LG 65UH603U 65" Multi-system 4K Smart TV for $1,439. The regular model on LG's website is $1,299 so you're only paying about $140 more for full global functionality from a 65-inch Smart TV - not a bad deal at all. In fact, depending where you live, you might be able to buy the multisystem model from our online store and have it shipped to your door for the same price as buying the normal model at a local store.
Do Multi-System TVs Feature a Warranty?
Most manufacturers don't honor the factory warranty on a TV that has been modified by a third-party. However, any reliable and honest retailer of Multi-system TVs will have faith in their work and offer the same or similar warranty to that of the manufacturer. Usually this is limited to a 1-year warranty, the same offered by a manufacturer.
Where Can I Shop for Multi-System TVs?
Again, Multi-system TVs are not available in major department stores and electronics retailers. It's important to purchase a model that's specifically advertised as multi-system and to purchase from a reputable retailer. Many people see a certain model of TV available from a multi-system retailer online, and then purchase that same model in a local store only to be disappointed that what they bought doesn't feature multi-system capability. The only units that feature multi-system capabilities are the models that have been modified - after the factory - for this special functionality. To shop a huge selection of Multi-system TVs from the comfort of your home, take a trip over to our website. You can learn more about the different models and find something with the features you're looking for. We guarantee the lowest prices and we'll ship to nearly any country in the world.
At 220-Electronics, we know home theater. We have nearly 40 years of experience with region-free, multisystem and dual-voltage electronics and have taken our knowledge to build some wonderful home theater combos that can be used anywhere in the world. Outstanding sound quality, region-free playback, worldwide voltage, and compatibility with any TV is just the beginning. We have many combos available, each offering different features and capabilities. Today we'll take a peek at this powerful and sleek home theater package consisting of Polk Audio, Yamaha, and Sony components. It's a deal you won't want to miss, and one that will make for a highly enjoyable viewing and listening experience.
What You Get
This global home theater combo consists of a Polk Audio TL1600 Surround Sound Speaker System, a Yamaha RX-V379 audio/video receiver for 110 to 240 volt use, and a Sony BDP-S3700 Region-Free Blu-ray Player. This package gives you a ton of options for setup and playback - all you need is a TV. Let's take a quick look at the components of this combo below.
Surround Sound
The Polk Audio TL1600 is a powerful and proper speaker system consisting of 4 compact satellite speakers, a central channel speaker and a subwoofer. Equipped with Time Lens technology and aperiodic tuned rear port for optimal performance, plus keyhole slots and threaded inserts for easy wall mounting or stand/bracket use. The system features a 45 - 20,000 Hz (-3 dB) frequency response and 8-ohm impedence.
Powerful and Flexible Receiver
Yamaha's RX-V379 delivers nothing less than Yamaha quality - tuned to perfection. The 5.1 channel surround sound delivers 100w per channel at 8 ohms, extra bass, an aluminum front panel & binding posts for the speaker terminals, gapless playback feature, 6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI out, 4k Ultra-HD passthrough, frontal USB connection for easy iPod or iPhone use, YPAO sound optimization and an eco-mode for 20% power savings. This receiver also works with any voltage, from 110 to 240 volts.
Region-Free Blu-ray
The Region-Free Sony BDP-S3700 is a powerful player with Wi-fi, streaming media and DLNA connectivity. You can use it with any voltage (110 to 240 volts), and it will play Blu-ray discs and DVDs from any region - A,B,C and 0-8. It comes equipped with internal Pal/NTSC conversion which allows you to use it with any TV without the need for video converters. You can watch your favorite movie titles on disc, share media from your home network, or use the hindreds of apps to find your favorite titles or TV shows.
It's a High Quality Combo
Sony, Polk Audio, and Yamaha are all leaders in the audio/video industry. This combo offers a highly flexible home theater that can be used anywhere in the world, with any voltage, and any TV. It's perfect for anyone who's traveling long-term or has plans to relocate. It's also great for those of you who enjoy the luxury of playing discs from overseas. High-performance audio, region-free playback and worldwide voltage make this combo a step above the rest at a price that's still affordable.
Check out all the performance 
The United Arab Emirates is an interesting and rapidly growing country. As an infrastructural powerhouse and a highly developed economy of real estate, finance and tourism, there are many people who are relocating to the UAE - and especially to Dubai - to pursue their careers. In fact, the majority of people in Dubai are expatriates from other countries and regions.
If you're heading to the UAE from North America, it's important to know about the difference in voltage. In the US and Canada, the standard voltage is 120 volts. In the Emirates, the standard voltage is 220 volts. Let's take a look at what this means.
Your Electronics Are Not Compatible
With the exception of your laptop (which generally are designed with 110-240 power supplies), your personal electronics purchased in North America are not compatible with the 220 volt electricity in the UAE, and attempting to use them can cause damage to the devices, fire, and even electrical shock. This means that your hairdryer, electric razor, sound bar, Blu-ray player, TV, and espresso machine cannot be used because they were manufactured only for use with 120 volts in the country where they were purchased. The higher voltage can literally melt and burn your electronics and electrical appliances.
There Is A Simple Solution
Surely, there are some things you'll plan to buy new in the UAE, but it's not necessary to consider all your appliances and electronics to be useless over there. In fact, you can take them with you and use them very safely with the help of a 
LG is up against some fierce competition when it comes to Ultra-HD Blu-ray players, but there are two models that stand out for us - the UP870 and the UP970. These two models are somewhat basic, but in the world of 4k Blu-ray they're affordable, reliable, easy to use and they're less expensive than many of the competitor's models. With a simple but clean design, they fit in well with any home theater to power your 4K TV with Ultra-HD disc playback. Furthermore, the models we sell are region-free which gives them additional capability over the models sold by LG or in major department stores. They've been professionally modified for region free playback (plays blu-ray discs from all regions and DVDs from all regions), feature worldwide voltage (works with 110 - 240 volts without a voltage transformer), and are equipped with internal Pal/NTSC conversion (these players work with any TV from any country without expensive video converters). They're truly global players that can play any disc, on any TV, from anywhere in the world. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers or anyone who likes to purchase foreign film titles. Let's take a quick look at some of the features of these players.
4K and 3D Disc Playback
Enjoy your favorite movies and TV series on Ultra-HD in the finest resolution available. Rich colors, deep contrast and HDR support make for an amazingly realistic home theater experience. If you have a 3D TV, you'll be glad to know that the UP870 and UP970 both support 3D disc playback.
1080p and 4k Upscaling
If you have older DVDs that aren't Full HD, these players will upscale them to near HD quality. For non-4K Blu-ray discs, they will upscale to near 4K quality. This means that whatever you're playing will be shown in the highest resolution possible.
Audio Support
Both models support a wide range of audio formats for playback, as well as your home theater setup. This includes LPCM, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, FLAC, AAC, WMA, MPEG 1/2 L2, MP3, and more.
Video Support
The UP870 and UP970 play practically any video format you can imagine. Support for all major/popular formats includes MPEG-1, MPEG2 PS/TS, MPEG4 AVC (H.264), SMPTE VC1 (VC-9), H.265, MKV, Xvid, AVC Rec, AVCGD, M4V, WMV, 3GP, MP4, MOV, FLV, VOB, TS, DAT, and more.
Web and Streaming Content
You have 2 options here, depending on your needs. The UP870 doesn't feature Wi-Fi or streaming media. If you already have a Smart TV, then this really isn't an issue because you already have access to streaming content. The UP970 has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and streaming media access (including 4k streaming), but is limited to Netflix and Youtube. Both players do feature a rear Ethernet port for a more stable connection.
Inputs/Outputs
Both models are equipped with a frontal USB port that allows you to plug in a storage device or smartphone/tablet for playing media. The UP870 has a single HDMI output, while the UP970 has dual HDMI outputs. Both players also have an optical audio output.
If you're ready to get into 4K Blu-ray, both of these players are a fair choice. The Region-Free version of the UP870 and the Region-Free UP970 are not available in stores. If you're searching for global functionality and unlimited playback, plus the ability to use your player with any TV at any voltage, these LG machines will do it. Just don't forget to buy from a trusted retailer who specializes in Region-Free players.
Many people move, relocate, or travel and work abroad each year and those numbers are growing rapidly. From retirees and expats to people who've accepted job offers and are moving to a foreign land, there's no shortage of people moving about internationally. But what happens when you arrive at your destination? If your new home isn't furnished and you didn't send your electronics and appliances overseas, you'll be forced to buy these items locally - and that can be a real hassle.
Due to higher prices caused by lower product demand, it can be very costly to furnish a home in some countries. Also, there is usually a much smaller selection of brands and models to chose from when compared to the US or Europe. You may end up paying nearly double for your appliances without finding what you're really looking for - and at that point, you'll have no choice. However, if you plan accordingly you can eliminate the stress, hassle and high prices altogether.
At 
It's that time of year again when the biggest and best sales go into effect - that's right, Black Friday. This week, on Friday November 24th you'll be able to enjoy our lowest prices ever during the 220 Electronics Black Friday Sale. We'll have unbelievable savings on everything from Region-Free Blu-ray Players and Home Theater Systems to Voltage Converters, 220-volt Appliances, and Multisystem TVs.
One of the best things about our Black Friday Sale is there's no need to camp outside on the sidewalk overnight or wake up at the break of dawn for the best savings. You can shop all day long, right from the comfort of your own home. You'll get huge savings on top of our already guaranteed low prices, and even free domestic shipping on select items.
Don't forget to mark the date or set a reminder, and bookmark our 
As specialists in international relocation and electronics, we're proud to announce the addition of the Power X Changer brand to our lineup of voltage converters. 
Of course all the hype right now is about 4k Ultra-HD TVs and Blu-ray. It's a higher resolution than 1080p Full HD and delivers a phenomenal clarity, but is it really worth it? The honest answer is yes, it's worth it. However, that doesn't mean that 1080p HD is dead. In fact, 1080p delivers an extremely clear picture, and many movies are still being produced at this resolution. Both DVD and Blu-ray still have a massive market for 1080p HD discs, and it doesn't look like that's going to end anytime soon.
The question is this - do you really need 4k UHD? No, you don't. And unless it really really matters to you, you'd be better off saving your cash. We specialize in Multi-system TVs and 
If you're planning a long-term or permanent relocation to a foreign country, you might be wondering about electronics and appliances. Where will you purchase a TV, refrigerator, washer & dryer, range, and all the essentials required to make your house feel like a home? You can chose to purchase these items after arriving at your destination, but that decision involves a lot of headache. Higher prices, small selections, and the issue of conducting business in a foreign language can make it a major hassle to find and buy what you're looking for. More often than not, you'll end up paying a higher price for a lower quality product without finding what you really wanted.
Since most foreign countries utilize 220 or 240 volt electricity, it's necessary to purchase compatible 220 volt electronics and appliances when living there. The problem is that in many of these countries, the selection of products is very limited and the prices are much higher due to the smaller inventory and low sales volume. Shopping for a 6-burner Frigidaire stainless steel gas range with digital display in Thailand or India is a waste of time, and if you find one, be prepared to pay double or triple the price you'd pay in the United States. In countries where the average income is relatively low compared to North America, consumers only opt for the very basics. This usually means that the best selling models of 220 volt electronics and appliances are the cheapest and most basic models available. If you want to furnish your home with reliable, brand-name products you'll need a better solution.
At 220 Electronics, we have a massive inventory of electronics and appliances specifically designed for use with 220 volt electricity. We stock the top brand names and the latest, most popular models. From TVs and 
