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.
Managing Electronics and Appliances When Moving Overseas
- By Josh Vick
- Jan 29, 2018
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.
