If you're relocating overseas, you're probably no stranger to the fact that it involves a lot of planning and preparation. Aside from dealing with passports, visas, banking and securing a home in a foreign country, you'll still have to furnish your new living space and prepare to make the transition into your new home. One of the most tiresome things about a foreign relocation is the initial adjustments and creating a space that genuinely feels like home. You can expect to spend a good amount of time and money shopping for necessities such as beds, appliances, electronics and more - all of which can be a bit overwhelming in an unfamiliar place. On the other hand, there are options to simplify this process and streamline your transition.
What many people aren't familiar with is the fact that in different regions the world, a different standard is utilized when it comes to electricity. By now - if you're planning an international relocation - you might be familiar with the voltage issue; if not, read on.
In the United States and North America, we use a 120-volt electrical standard. This means that the electricity in our homes & businesses is fed to us at 120 volts, and subsequently, all of the electronics sold in North America are designed to operate at 120 volts. In other regions such as Europe or Asia, the standard voltage is 220 volts and all electronics are manufactured to operate at that voltage. To keep the explanation as simple as possible, electronics can only operate at the voltage they were designed for. Any attempt to use an electronic device with a electrical voltage higher or lower than it was designed for will not only damage the device, but pose an immediate risk of electrical shock or fire. In other words, you cannot simply take your electronics with you and use them in any foreign country.
In order to minimalize the stress and hassle of shopping for appliances and electronics in a foreign country where the prices may be higher and the selection is likely quite limited, it's possible (and much more convenient) to purchase these items in the US with a reputable relocation service that specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances. When compared to foreign countries, the North American prices will be lower, the selection larger, and they can deliver your purchase directly to your new home overseas at a time that's convenient with your arrival. The end result is that you're able to consult with professionals in your native language, purchase everything you need from a single place, pay a single bill, and arrange for everything you've purchased to arrive at the same time.
Again, not only will this step help you save a lot of time and stress, but if offers a certain level of relief to know that everything's already been taken care of. Furthermore, you're able to shop for the exact brands and models you like instead of being limited to a rather bland selection. You really can't beat that idea.
The knowledge and experience of a respected relocation expert will also help to ensure that you have everything you needed to "plug & play" in your destination country. If any plug adapters ro special cables are needed to use your new appliances & electronics, they'll be the first to tell you - and in most cases they will provide those to you for free with any significant purchase.
Okay, so you've got the idea. You're going to need new electronics and appliances, and you have two options - purchasing them overseas or purchasing them beforehand. Which option should you choose? Let's take a look... Do you speak the native language of your new country? Do you know the area you're moving to well? Are you familiar with the best places to shop for electronics and appliances? Are you okay with taking whatever is available for purchase instead of shopping a broad selection? Do you want to take the risk of being overcharged for inferior products? Are you prepared to be told that the more affordable models are not available and the inventory only consists of the top-dollar products, forcing you to spend more than you intended to? If you answered no to any of these, than your best bet is to make your purchases beforehand.
So how do you do it? First and foremost you're going to need a reputable company who specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances and have a proven record in assisting people with overseas relocation. They'll need to be experienced with their products, have a good selection, competitive pricing, and be experienced with global shipping (not to mention well versed in any issues or pitfalls or potential issues with shipping and/or customs that need to be considered for your specific destination). The customer service should also be exceptional if you're going to spend a large sum and entrust them to a timely and proper delivery of your products overseas.
Where do you find a company like that? Luckily for you, we are a company like that. 220-electronics has over 35 years of experience in assisting people with their international location by providing appliances and electronics that are suitable for any destination in the world. From the initial consultation (which is 100% free and without obligation) to the finalization of your purchase and delivery, we work diligently with our customers to provide the highest level of customer service. Not only are we highly knowledgeable about our vast product inventory but we have experience with helping people relocate in over 150 countries. It's experience like ours that gives you peace of mind and confidence to worry about the more important factors of your move such as transferring your savings to your new overseas bank, selling your home, or completing the paperwork involved for miscellaneous odds & ends; there's a lot of things to take care of, we know.
Curious about where to start? Give us a call! We offer no-hassle consultations and we carry an enormous inventory of products, all designed to work at 220 volts. From the simple things like
TVs and
Blu-ray Players to the more serious purchases such as
refrigerators or
hot water heaters, we stock it all. We carry the top name brands and the newest models so you can ensure the latest technology, regardless of where you're moving. And yes, we will ship everything directly to your doorstep in practically any country around the world. We work with you and we work for you in an effort to provide a smooth, stress-free international move. We have helped thousands to do the same thing over the decades and our experience & reputation speaks for itself.
Contact us today by calling 877-578-0587, or learn more and view our inventory at
220-Electronics.com from the comfort of your home. We're here to help and we're glad to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. We look forward to hearing from you and we congratulate you on your new adventure!
Around the world in practically any country or culture, the kitchen is one of the most cherished and used spaces in the home. From preparing a pot of coffee before heading out to work to making your mom's secret chili recipe, we spend a lot of time in our kitchens. We eat there, we socialize there, and we read the Sunday newspaper there over juice and donuts.
The kitchen is usually the most centralized part of the home and so it only makes sense that it's well-equipped. Most of us have an array of tools and gadgets in our kitchens that we use for food preparation - blenders, grinders, coffee pots, mixers, slow cookers, can openers, microwaves, toasters, waffle irons, etc. - the list goes on and on. Some of these things get more use than others, but they're always there when we need them. There's a certain level of comfort knowing that we have the tools for the job, no matter how big or small.
Now let's fast forward a moment to your retirement in a foreign country, or your 2-year work contract overseas, your new expatriate life in the Philippines or the cozy apartment you bought in London. If you're coming from North America, surely you'll need to populate your new kitchen with all the necessary gadgets and tools, right? You could always bring them overseas with you, but these items can add up quick and it's not always practical to pay for extra luggage on a 16 hour flight. Do you really want to travel with an extra 2 suitcases awkwardly packed with bulky items like a toaster, a juicer, pressure cooker, or a food dehydrator? Probably not. And if you did bring them, you'll have to use a voltage converter to properly use them since most foreign countries operate at 220-volt electricity which your American appliances are not designed for.
Surely there's an easier solution, right? Of course there is.
If you've found yourself in a situation where you're using a foreign TV, or, using a foreign Blu-ray Player with your TV, you probably have a dilemma. See, most electronics are designed to be used specifically in the country or region where they're purchased. They're compatible with the local color system which determines how the picture is decoded and recreated on your TV screen. If your TV, cable box or Blu-ray player is foreign, they're probably not compatible. But don't worry, if you don't own a 
One of the biggest inconveniences from people who move, retire or live for extended periods overseas is that they can't watch their movies on a Blu-ray or DVD Player. The reason for this is simple - discs and disc players are designed, manufactured and sold to only play movies from their respective region.
For example, a Blu-ray player from Europe will not play discs sold in australia, nor would it play discs from the USA. Likewise, a North American Blu-ray player won't play discs from Europe, Japan, or South America. The reasons for this are many, but the reasons aren't really important. What's important is to understand that a simple, effective, reliable and affordable alternative is right at your fingertips. The Region-Free Blu-ray Player.
One of the biggOne of the most common horror stories we hear about from international travelers, new expats and vacationers has to do with hair dryers.
"I plugged it in, turned it on, and was drying my hair when suddenly I smelled something. I looked over and the cord was melting and the outlet was on fire!"
It's a common mistake. Many a traveler has ruined their hair-dryer by using it in a country where the voltage is too high. The same is often true with curling irons, which are prone to starting fires in this circumstance because people often leave them unattended while they're heating up.
The problem is this: Most North American hair dryers (and curling irons) are designed to be used only where they're sold - in North America. The manufacturer's specifically produce these products for use with 120 volt electricity as it's the standard voltage used in North America. When you take a product designed for 120 volts and attempt to use it with 220 or 240 volts in a place like Europe, the extra voltage is too much too handle and results in the damage and/or failure of the product. Products with heating elements (like hair dryers and curling irons) are even more susceptible to the hazard of fire because they're designed to get very hot. The additional electricity can cause them to get so hot they will explode, melt, or start on fire. This type of improper use can cause burn, electrical shock, or even death!
The difference in electrical voltage throughout the different regions of the world seems like such a simple thing to be aware of, but if you've never traveled or heard someone else's horror story you could easily be unaware of the hazard. The good news is that if you've read this far, you're now informed. Even better, is that you can learn about the simple solution to this dilemma.
If you're heading overseas for an extended period of time, whether for business or retirement, you're probably overwhelmed with preparations. From renting or buying real estate to dealing with the immigration process and deciding what belongings you'll be taking along on your move, moving overseas can be quite a daunting task.
What about your electronics? What about major appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, or washer and dryer? What about kitchen appliances? Are you planning to purchase these overseas when you arrive at your destination? Are you ready to deal with salesmen trying to sell you overpriced appliances from a sad selection of brands and models? Are you prepared to negotiate in a foreign language? Are you sure you're going to get what you want at a fair price - or will you end up settling for whatever is available to avoid the hassle of shopping around? In a foreign country, making a major purchase can prove to be a major hassle. Luckily, there are other options to consider that can reduce your stress, simplify the purchasing process and ensure you're getting the best value for your dollar.
As a retailer of electronics and appliances for overseas use, and as specialists in international relocation, 220 Electronics can streamline your overseas move. We have a huge selection of electronics and appliances, specifically designed for 220 volt use. We carry the latest, most popular models from the top brand names around the world, priced to sell at the best prices anywhere. With over 35 years of experience, we have the understanding and the experience to help you choose the proper electronics and appliances for your specific needs.
It works like this: You contact us for a 
If you're planning a vacation or holiday in North America, it's important to be prepared. Generally, you'll need to arrange for airline tickets, hotels and any activities you plan to pursue - but what about your electronics? Many people venture overseas to foreign countries each year without considering how - or if - they'll be able to use their electronics at their destination.
The standard electrical voltage varies from country to country and from region to region around the globe, often making it difficult to use electronics and personal devices while you're traveling. For example, Europe uses a standard of 220 volts while North America uses 110. What this means is that all electronics sold in Europe are designed to work only with 220 (or 240) volt electricity, and all North American electronics are designed only for use with 110 (or 120) volts. Any attempt to use electronics with the improper voltage can result in damaged devices, fire, or even electrocution.
So what do you do when you're preparing for a special trip to North America and want to take your electronics along with you? Well, it depends what you're bringing. Many cell phone and laptop computer manufacturers design their chargers for use with any voltage, however, it's important to check the label or voltage information for your device before you travel. Other devices like electric razors, curling irons and hair dryers are usually only designed for a single voltage and will require the use of a voltage transformer for North America.
If you're heading abroad this summer - whether for a week or a month - you need to be sure you're prepared to take your electronics with you. Electrical voltage varies from continent to continent, and even from country to country. This means that your electronics may not be compatible with the higher (or lower) voltage in your destination country. In order to prevent damage to your devices or even electrical shock, it's important to plan ahead by purchasing a voltage converter to take with you.
If you're from North America and traveling to Europe for example, your electronics are designed for 120 volts only. Since Europe uses 220 volts, attempting to plug in your North American radio or electric razor without a converter will surely ruin your device because it's too much voltage for it to handle. Utilizing a voltage converter will ensure that the electricity going to your device is the same voltage that it was designed for, allowing you to use it safely and without worry. There's a wide variety of types, sizes and styles of voltage converters available, but for simple vacation travel we recommend a basic travel voltage converter. It's capable of handling low-watt electronics such as cell phone chargers, electric razors, radios, tablets and more. They're also relatively small, inexpensive and can be easily tucked away into your suitcase or backpack.
You'll also need to be sure you have some plug adapters to take along with you, since foreign countries have different styles of wall outlets than North America. There's actually up to 10 different types of plugs and wall outlets that are widely used around the world, and a voltage converter without a plug adapter is going to be pretty useless to you. Luckily, 220-Electronics has you covered. We carry an assortment of voltage converters and plug adapters for any place in the world, making it possible to use your electronics wherever you travel to.
One of our top selling travel voltage converters and foreign plug adapters is a $24 kit which includes a converter and plug adapters of every type. It's perfect for basic use and can get you through your travels without ruining your electronics or having to buy overpriced converters when arriving at your destination. They're also perfect for world travelers because of their flexibility for use in any country - everything is included in a neat and compact kit. 
The latest major advancement in TV technology is the recent development and transition from high-definition (1080p HD) - which has been the standard for the last 15 years - to the mind-boggling clarity and depth of 4K Ultra-HD (or 4K UHD). While the technology has been in the works for several years now, it's taken some time for manufacturers and production companies to introduce it to the public. 
