Each year there are millions of people who move overseas or decide to live abroad. Some make the move for business, others for retirement, and many do it for better living opportunities or simply to be with family. It's a growing trend with an estimated (and surprising) global rise of over 30% in 2012 alone. Making the decision to move to another country or continent is a big one and definitely requires its fair share of careful planning.
One very important factor that is often overlooked, ignored, or just completely forgotten about is taking your electronics. No, we're not talking about literally forgetting to take your electronics - we're talking about being able to use them once you get there.
If you're wondering "What?! Why wouldn't I be able to use my electronics once I get there?", than you need to keep reading.
Many parts of the globe, believe it or not, are not operating at your standard levels of voltage. It's true! Although most people are well aware of this minor yet important setback (especially those international travelers who've found out the hard way) or have heard of it at some previous point in their lifetime, it's easy to forget. Considering all of the planning, effort, and money that goes into making an international move, the last thing you'd want to forget or not be aware of is this:
North America, most of Central/South America, and The Caribbean have electricity services operating at a uniformed standard of 110 Volts. For the most part, and with the exception of Japan, everyone else is operating at a standard of 220 Volts. (For the record, to avoid confusion and for technical purposes only, the 110 and 220 are not exact voltages as 110 is considered to be anything between 110 and 127 volts, while 220 is considered to be anything between 220 and 240 volts)
So now you know. The next important question is "what does it mean and what can I do about it?"
First off, and most importantly, you should understand that if your electrical devices or appliances are made for a 110 volts that they will not work in a country where the standard is 220 volts. Secondly, you can easily identify what voltage your devices have been manufactured for by looking at the manufacturer's label.
The next step you should take is to find out what voltage standard the country you're heading to is operating on. This can be done with a simple internet search; seeing that you're reading this online, we already know that you have an internet connection. Excellent.
Once you've discovered which voltage your belongings use and which voltage is offered at your destination, the next step is deciding what electrical devices you'll be bringing with you. Keep in mind that the following options are available to you at this point
- Bring your electronic/electrical devices with you when you move and ensure their full functionality by purchasing a voltage converter
- Leave your electronics behind and purchase new ones upon reaching your destination
- Purchase multi-system electronics
Typically, you'll find that your decision is going to include a combination of the above.
Of course the smaller, more important and user-specific items such as computers, laptops, cell phones, and electric razors can be easily transported in luggage. Therefore, a
voltage converter is the best option as it's simple, allows you to keep your existing devices, and saves you from having to spend money on new purchases. Voltage converters (also known as voltage transformers) allow you to use your 110 volt device in a 220 volt environment, and vice-versa. The voltage converter plugs into the wall and you simply plug your devices into the converter itself. Simple, reliable, and cost effective.
Meanwhile, larger appliances such as washers and dryers are big and bulky and use excessive electricity. In this case, you're probably planning to purchase these products in your destination country. However, if you'd prefer to save money, you should purchase the
220 volt appliances locally beforehand as they are less costly than in a 220-standard destination. The situation is similar with multi-system electronics. Multi-system electronics hold the unique and convenient ability to operate in both the 110 volt and 220 volt environments. Televisions and home theater systems are the two most popular and commonly purchased multi-system electronic products.
Additionally, there's another unique product, this one being for those who take their movies seriously. Region Free DVD and Blu-Ray Players, also known as "code free" or "multi-region" players. These players can play DVD and Blu-Ray discs that have been encoded for use only in players sold within within that same region. The purposes behind the manufacture and encoding of region-specific discs are many:
- Price differences in different regions
- The ability to control different release dates for different countries
- Preventing the playability of certain materials for religious, cultural, or political purposes
If you're a movie fan, if you plan on bringing your collection with you, or if you simply enjoy the ability to purchase and watch a movie in your native language a
multi-region DVD player is exactly what you need. For Example, a multi-region DVD player will allow you to play DVD's which have been bought locally as well as those that have been purchased online from another country. Should you decide to live abroad or travel from country to country, a region-free player offers total convenience.
Last but not least, you should be aware that there are various styles of outlets that pose yet another obstacle. Different types of wall outlets/sockets mean that even if you have a converter, you might not be able to plug it in. Additionally, you may thing you are moving to a country with the same voltage standard but fail to realize that the plugs for your devices are not identical. Luckily, there are foreign voltage plug adapter kits, allowing you to easily plug in anywhere around the globe.
For more information on moving overseas with electronics, as well as a complete line of voltage converters, multi-system electronics, multi-region players and 220 volt appliances, visit
www.220-electronics.com where you can find helpful information and top quality products from specialists with over 30 years of experience in helping provide electronics to individuals and families who are relocating. If you are looking for additional resources in regards to international travel, please visit the
International Travel Information website for all the information you need to plan a successful and safe international trip.
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.
Multisystem TVs are one of those products that seem to make everything easier. Are you planning to live abroad? Are you planning to relocate or retire internationally? Do you own a yacht or RV that utilizes 220 volt electricity? Are you in a 220 or 240 volt country and looking for the best selection and the best prices? Look no further, we have exactly what you're looking for.
Our huge selection of multisystem TVs includes a wide variety of models from the top brand names. These TVs are designed and professionally modified to work with any voltage and any color format, which means you can take them anywhere in the world and they will work flawlessly without the need for any type of converter. This isn't possible with the average TV. If you purchase a TV at your local electronics store, you'll also need to buy a voltage converter and audio/video converter for the TV to work properly in a foreign country. This means extra expenses and a bunch of messy and unsightly wiring that you'd probably rather not deal with. With a multisystem TV, it's plug and play. There's nothing more needed.
