If you're traveling to India, whether for vacation or business, there's quite a bit you're going to need to know before embarking on your trip. From cultural differences and currency exchange rates to saying hello and thank you in the native language, it's best to know what to expect and to be prepared prior to your arrival.
Surprisingly, one of the most overlooked factors of international travel - regardless of the destination - is bringing your electronics along with you. Now, when we speak of traveling with electronics we're not talking about how to keep them safe or how to properly pack them into a suitcase or travel bag. We're talking about being able to actually USE them once you arrive at your destination. It all comes down to one basic and underrated necessity - electricity.
See, in different areas of the world there are different standard voltages for electricity. The voltage delivered from a utility company to the outlet/socket varies from region to region and even from country to country. In North America, the standard voltage is 110 volts (also known as 120), while the European standard is 220 volts (also known as 240). The reason this variation causes such an issue for travelers is because nearly all electronic devices are manufactured to operate ONLY at the native voltage of the area from which they were sold. In other words, depending on where you travel to, your electronics will not always work. Firstly, the difference in voltage will lead to one of two results. Either
1. Your electrical devices will not work because they're not recieving enough voltage to power them, or
2. Your devices will be damaged or destroyed because they were fed nearly double the voltage they are supposed to have.
Of course this all depends on where you're coming from. If you are from a 220 volt standard country (France), and travel to a 110 volt country (North or South America), your equipment will only recieve about half the voltage that it was intended for. Typically this won't cause any harm but it's not enough volts to power or even charge your item. On the other hand, if you're from a 110 volt country traveling to a 220 volt country and attempt to plug in your electronics, they will most likely be damaged or completely ruined. You also run the risk of starting a fire and/or being electrocuted. Not fun!
[caption id="" align="left" width="294"]
India uses different electrical outlets. You'll need to be sure you have a plug adapter to use your electronics.[/caption] Secondly, it's not only the voltage that varies, it's also the electrical outlet (or socket) itself. There are many different styles of outlets and each is different. The differences lie in the shapes of the plugs, the number of prongs, that some are grounded while others are not, etc. You can't just stick any old plug into an outlet.
What a bummer, huh? Especially if you're on a business trip. Can you imagine using up all of your laptop battery watching movies on the airplane, thinking that you'd simply recharge it at the hotel? Upon arriving in India, you find out that the plug doesn't even match the wall outlet and now you have no way to charge your computer. Hopefully your phone is charged, otherwise you're really in for a rude awakening! Language barriers and trekking through unfamiliar territory in India could make this situation nearly impossible to resolve. Imagine if you have business early in the morning, or even in just a few hours. You have no laptop, no cell phone, and have no clue what to do. The failure to recognize the voltage/outlet differences before leaving for your trip might have just caused a complete and utter failure for your business ventures. It may have even cost you a client, or worse yet, your job!
Luckily since you're reading this you're becoming aware, and so none of this will happen to you in the future. Additionally, the answer to dealing with international electrical differences is simple. When traveling to other countries there is one thing that people consistently count on to overcome the differences in standard voltage - it's called a
voltage converter.
Voltage converters operate just as the name implies - they convert voltage. From 110 volts up to 220 volts, and from 220 volts down to 110 volts, a voltage converter safely and easily amplifies or reduces the voltage at the outlet. With the addition of the proper plug adapter to ensure that you can physically plug the device into a socket, a voltage converter lets you travel abroad and use your electronics with confidence and ease.
Voltage converters come in different sizes which are determined by the wattage, or number of watts they use. The electronics devices you plan to bring with you to India are the sole factor of what size converter you'll need. Since India's electrical standard is 220 volts, you're only going to need a converter if you're coming from North America, certain places in South America, Japan, Jamaica, or Saudi Arabia. Nearly all other areas operate on the same 220 volt standard as India. However, you still may need a foreign plug adapter to ensure you can actually use the outlets. There are three types of outlets used in India - Type C, Type D, and Type M. Regardless of where you're coming from, you're going to need a plug adapter that fits Indian outlets. The best bet is to purchase a
foreign plug adapter kit since they include multiple adapters for plugs from all over the world.
If you're coming from a country or territory with a 110 volt standard, you might be able to get away with a simple travel voltage converter. When using 110 volt equipment in India, a travel converter allows you to use small devices such as an electric razor or celluar phone charger. The low wattage capability of most travel chargers, however, doesn't meet the requirements to use things like a laptop computer or curling iron. In this case, to prevent problems and ensure safe and efficient use of your electronics, you're going to want a voltage converter that can handle the wattage you need. Typically, a 2000 watt voltage converter is enough to use a curling iron, electric razor, laptop (or Desktop) computer, and anything else that you'd generally need to travel with.
In some countries, and especially in India, the voltage is not as stable and is known to fluctuate more than just a few volts. This is due to poor load distribution and an antiquated electrical delivery sytem. When these fluctuations happen, the voltage can dip low and then return or rise with a sudden surge that can damage expensive electronics. If you'd prefer to have guaranteed protection against power surges you're going to want a voltage regulator (or voltage stabilizer). There are many types of converters you can purchase featuring built-in voltage stabilizers. Considering they cost just slightly more than a normal converter, they are well worth the extra investment; especially when using expensive electronics in India.
Now that you have a general understanding of international voltage differences, voltage converters and plug adapters, it's time to find and purchase what you need for your trip to India. We are one of the largest global suppliers with over 30 years of expertise in international electronics. We're based in North America and have a dedicated online store with all types and variations of voltage converters, voltage regulators, plug adapters and more. You can browse our inventory and purchase from the comfort of your own home by using our website at
www.220-electronics.com, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our extremely knowledgeable expert staff will gladly answer any questions you might have about traveling to India with electronics. Be sure to visit us today!
Even in the world of cutting edge electronic technology, sometimes it seems impossible to find two devices that are compatible. We have laptops and smartphones, wireless speakers, surround sound systems, cameras, audio devices, USB ports, HDMI ports, ethernet, charging devices, converters, wireless remotes and the list goes on and on. We have drawers full of chargers and cables, batteries, adapters and manuals. Often times we find ourselves having to purchase a device that allows us to properly use the device we just bought; it can seem like complete madness. Then, other times we find ourselves jumping with joy at the fact that our new purchase was so simple to use - just like it says on the box.
While we'd like to think that all this technology would make things easier, sometimes it seems like more of a hassle than it's worth. There are hundreds if not thousands of major electronics manufacturers - and let's face it - they're not all working together to make sure your devices are compatible. Surely you can mirror movies from your iPhone to your TV but it only works with certain TVs, and of course there's bugs and if you DO manage to figure it out, the phone usually disconnects from the TV once the screen locks. We've all been there where we just can't seem to achieve what we want.
Let's jump forward to Blu-ray and DVD technology. Aside from surround sound or hard to reach wires, Blu-ray and DVD Players are relatively easy to hookup and use. They come assembled, have a power cable connected and then require audio/video to be connected to your TV - not a huge chore. But what comes into play, and what we're going to focus on is the ability to travel internationally, relocate or utilize your Blu-ray or DVD player with foreign TVs and even play discs from other countries. This can cause some major headaches if your unversed in how it works. In fact, many people are unaware that this is nearly impossible without the proper technology.
So you've been hearing all about it - 4k Ultra-HD, also known as UHD. What is it? Can the resolution really be 4 times better than 1080p HD? What type of technology is involved in a 4k TV? I haven't seen any 4k Blu-ray Discs for sale - why not? Is 4k UHD technology compatible with older movies?
Whether you're temporarily working abroad for an extended period or permanently relocating overseas, there's a lot you need to know before taking the leap.
As a leader in international electronics, we stock a variety of electronics inventory from some of the top name brands. This includes high-end performance brands such as Oppo, Denon, Harmon-Kardon and Marantz. While these brands' models are much more costly than some of the more common brands, they're worth each and every penny. It's kind of like the old saying - "You get what you pay for".
When you're seeking out the ultimate in home theater performance, you can expect to pay for it. While some may assume you're only paying for the brand, well that's just not true. If anything, 'paying for the name' is going to be a more valid statement when speaking of purchasing $100 - $200 Blu-ray units than when purchasing a player that's upwards of $500.
If all you're looking for is something to play a Blu-ray disc and you're not worried about additional features and functionality, than your best bet would be to purchase the absolute cheapest player you could get your hands on - there's really no reason to spend an extra $200 to get a player with more options if they'll go unused, right? And the same is said for the high-end players.
For the average joe who's looking to watch movies in the stunning quality of Blu-ray, a typical brand name such as LG, Sharp or Sony will do just fine. In fact, many of these brands have some amazing features and deliver excellent picture and sound quality. However, the most serious of movie fans or even connoisseurs might choose to opt for the ultimate in audio/video performance. These people are going to seek out the finest electronics equipment available as they appreciate and see value in the enhanced performance capabilities.
What will they get? Well, to summarize they're going to get a player that performs more efficiently, delivers video and audio more clearly, operates faster and cooler, equipped with a more sturdy chassis and made with the best part available.
From the frame rate of the picture to the clarity, you're not going to find a cheaper player that produces a better picture. The 
The Region-Free LG BP325 Blu-ray Player is an excellent value for your dollar. This model does almost anything you could ask for from a region-free player and is offered at an affordable price that provides reliability and quality performance without breaking the bank.
The BP325 is a hardware modified region-free player that plays both Blu-ray Discs and DVD's from absolutely any region. No matter what country you purchase discs from, this player will read and play them all, including Blu-ray regions A,B, and C plus DVD regions 0-8. The unit also utilizes a worldwide voltage feature (110 volts - 240 volts) which allows it to operate from anywhere in the world, regardless of the electrical voltage that's used. Even if you're using it with a foreign television, the LG BP325 will still work flawlessly due to a built-in PAL to NTSC converter that eliminates any need for an external video converter. The player can literally be taken anywhere in the world, and used to play any disc on any TV.
Although the region-free capabilities of this model make it well worth the low price of $209, there are plenty of other options that make it one of the most popular sellers as well as one of our most recommended.
The BP325 comes with built in Wi-Fi, Full 1080p HD, 3D, 1080 up-scaling of non-HD DVD's, Streaming media content (Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu & more), a USB 2.0, HDMI output, and plays practically any video format out there.
The player also works with a free downloadable app for your SmartPhone that lets you use your phone as a remote control to play, pause, adjust volume and even watch whatever is on the screen from your phone - anywhere in your home!
At this price, you can't afford to not take a look.. Learn more about the 
If you're relocating overseas, whether it be for business or retirement, you can save yourself a great deal of frustration, time and even money by ensuring you have all of the proper appliances before traveling. To better explain this, we're going to take a brief look into a few of the common scenarios that are encountered when moving or relocating overseas or to a foreign country.
Adapting to a new country that you're going to call home has its fair share of challenges. There will be plenty of surprises, some pleasant and some not so pleasant, as well as an array of cultural and societal differences that will take some getting used to. For many, this is part of the excitement - new learning experiences keep the mind from growing bored. But with that said, there are going to be some differences that take a bit of getting used to, which can often be simple things that you might take for granted. Shopping is one thing that's sure to frustrate, even for those with the utmost patience. The combination of a new language, varying standards of customer service and a lackluster selection of the brands and products that you're used to are just a few of the things that pose an immediate threat to your ability to simply shop for groceries. While it can be accomplished, you're probably going to need a bit of patience and a strong will to learn.
One of the most dreaded shopping experiences overseas could very possibly be purchasing home appliances. Even in your home country, shopping for appliances can be a lot like shopping for a car. There is wiggle room in the pricing of major appliances, yet there are hundreds of makes and models to choose from. Factor in the language barrier, cultural differences (which could affect the ability to barter, especially if you're seen as a "foreigner") and currency differences and you've got enough on your plate to make your head spin. The good news is that there's no reason to fret, because there are specialized businesses who are experts in international relocation. These are people who understand the stresses of moving to a new country (or anywhere overseas) and can minimize the hassle of purchasing appliances and electronics overseas by ensuring you're prepared BEFORE you move.
220 Electronics is one of these businesses. For over 30 years, 220 Electronics has specialized in international relocation by offering a complete inventory of 110 volt through 240 volt electronics, home appliances and travel products. From Multi-system TV's and Blu-ray Players that operate at any voltage, to 220 volt major appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, small kitchen appliances and more. 220 Electronics stocks the best makes and models from the top brand names you've grown to trust, and everything is offered at industry leading prices. So, what does this all mean?
Well, lets assume that your current home is fully furnished, and while you've pondered the idea of simply refurnishing your new home upon your arrival to a new country, there's a lot of things you'd like to keep. So you've contracted an international mover, a bulk shipping company or a cargo company and arranged to have all of your belongings shipped overseas - but you can't take your appliances or most of your electronics with you because your new home country operates at 220 volt electricity which your appliances were not designed for. Should you purchase new appliances and electronics when you arrive? Sure, but you're likely going to run into the problems mentioned above, and ultimately end up paying a higher price. There's a better solution.
If you've arranged to have your belongings shipped overseas to your new home, now is the perfect time to purchase all of your major appliances and electronics so they can arrive in time to be shipped over with the rest of your things. 220 Electronics sells everything you'll need to be comfortable in your new home without enduring the hassle of having to shop overseas. We carry many electronics that utilize worldwide voltage, meaning they'll work properly any where in the world from 110 to 240 volt electrical systems, as well as a full line of standard 220, 230, and 240 volt major appliances. Pricing is simple (and low), the inventory is robust and the customer service is second to none in the industry. Our online store allows you to order directly from the comfort of your home and have your order shipped direct to your home where it will be ready for shipping with the rest of your things.
While many people are surprised that such a service exists, thinking they wished they would have thought of it sooner, there are thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers whose move was made easy thanes to our expert staff, everyday low prices and timely delivery.
For more information on how we can assist you with your international relocation, or to simply browse our inventory to get a better idea of what we offer, visit our website today at 
So you've purchased your Region-free Blu-ray Player, now what? You have quite a few viewing options at your disposal, depending on the reason you've purchased the player. Generally speaking, most people fall into one of the following categories.
1. Those looking to play discs from a specific single region other than their own.
2. Movie lovers who have seen titles available in other regions and want to be able to purchase and watch those titles in their own home.
3. Those who already own discs from another region and wanted to be able to watch them.
Whatever your reason may be, it's highly probable that you've already found a source for purchasing movies from other regions. However, there are a few very good retailers out there who you may have not heard of. While there are plenty of overseas websites where you can buy Blu-ray and DVD discs coded for a specific region, most of them don't offer discs from all regions. In other words, there are only a handful of decent websites catering to people who want to browse discs from all regions of the world.
You can thank us later - Here is one of the best, most unique sites who offer hard-to-find Blu-ray and DVD discs from other regions. That is, assuming you're into horror, Kung-Fu, cult favorites and odd documentaries.
Who: 
Being an electronics business based in North America, we understand that many people travel to Europe for business and vacation. Alternatively, many people permanently relocate to Europe. Regardless of the reason, anyone who's traveling or moving with electronics should understand that Europe's electricity operates at a standard voltage of 220 volts. Alternatively, the North American system operates at a standard 110 volts. This means that you won't be able bring and operate your electronic devices overseas by simply plugging them in. You're going to either need to buy new electronics when you arrive overseas, or purchase a voltage converter.
Since the voltage difference is such a common problem with those who travel or relocate, we've decided created an article about voltage converters for Europe. It's a cheaper and easier option than purchasing new electronics for overseas use. The following information will teach you everything you need to know about visiting or relocating to Europe with your electronics.
To begin with, it's common practice that electronics are manufactured to operate only at the voltage of the country in which they are sold. Since Europe uses a standard electrical delivery of 220 volts, people traveling from North America will find that their locally purchased electronics are not suited for use with the European electrical system overseas. The 220 volts encountered in Europe is too high, and can ruin your expensive electronics the second you plug them in. Sometimes this can even result in personal injury or a fire.
Fortunately, voltage converters offer an effective and economical solution to using electronics overseas. There are many different types of voltage converters but for the purpose of this article we're going to focus on voltage converters for Europe. These are called Step-down converters. A Step-down converter is used to lower (hence the term 'step-down') the electrical voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Step-down converters work by plugging directly into the foreign outlet/socket. The voltage converter's internal parts step the electricity down to 110 volts and then deliver it to the electrical outlets/sockets that are on the converter. All you have to do is simply plug your 110 volt electronics into the converter and you can safely and efficiently power your 110 volt electronic devices. It's truly that simple. However, there's another factor you'll need to consider before actually purchasing a voltage converter; Wattage.
Voltage converters are available in a variety off wattages, from 100 watts up to 5, 10 and even 15 thousand watts. In order to choose which voltage converter you should purchase, you're going to need to know how many watts your electronics use. The wattage can easily be found on the manufacturers label that's affixed to the device. Surprisingly, some electronics use next to nothing in wattage when overs use easily over 1,000 watts at normal operating power. This makes it extremely important to have a good idea of what kind of wattage you'll be using. If you still need help in choosing the right converter, view our 
It's a new week, and for all of you movie fanatics out there this means brand new Blu-ray releases! The month of February has a lot of new titles being released on Region A Blu-ray Disc and this week is a busy one! There are some great new films arriving specifically for your viewing pleasure, as well as some amazing classics we've all been waiting for - not to mention and a handful of rarities too! There's even a few TV Series which are up for release. If you've been slacking on your Blu-ray collection lately, this list should definitely motivate you to catch up.
If you're from outside of North America (region code A), this week's releases are going to be even better news for you since you'll have the chance to order the Blu-ray before most people have even seen the movie. That is, assuming that you own a Player that's capable of playing Region A Blu-ray Discs. If you're in regions B or C, we guess you'll just have to wait until later to see all the good stuff. Alternatively, you always have the option to buy a 
