| 1.
Advantages of Buying 220 Volt Appliances in the US
2. 220 Volt
Appliances: Use & Compatibility
3.
Purchasing 220 Appliances
1. Advantages of Buying 220 Volt Appliances in the US
Why
should I purchase 220 volt appliances in the US for use
overseas?
You can get extraordinary savings, plus an
extensive line of name brand quality products that are often
unavailable overseas.
How
much can I save by buying appliances in the US & bringing
them with me?
Many of our products sell for 200% or more
overseas! Taxes, tariffs, exclusive distributorships, monetary
fluctuations, lack of competition and other factors drive the
overseas costs up. We are confident that we can save you a
significant amount of money.
2. 220 Volt
Appliances: Use & Compatibility
Are
these appliances really 220 volt or are they converted with a
transformer?
The overwhelming majority of appliances we sell are
factory designed and built to operate on 220 volt 50 cycle.
Can
any of these 220 appliances be used in the US?
Yes, although primarily designed for use overseas,
some of our appliances are factory designed to operate in dual
voltages and will work in the US
Can
I take my American 110 volt appliances with me & use a
transformer?
Yes and no. Some appliances will operate properly
with a transformer, others will not. Transformers can change
the voltage from 220 volt to 110 volt (called a step-down
transformer) or from 110 volts to 220 ( step-up), but they do
not convert the cycles from 60 to 50 Hz (Hertz). The US
electrical supply is 110 volts, 60 cycles; whereas, most
overseas countries use 220 volts, 50 cycles. Using a
transformer improperly on certain appliances may be dangerous
& can cause the appliance to malfunction or may
significantly shorten its life expectancy. Call us to discuss
using transformers on your specific appliances.
Will
my television work overseas?
No, probably not. Different countries have
different "Broadcast Systems" and most
American-style televisions will not receive foreign formats.
In the US we use the "NTSC" broadcast; while most
other countries use either "PAL" or "SECAM".
You need the proper system to receive and view broadcast or
cable television.
Will
I have to buy a television specifically for the country where
I'll be living?
No. We carry "Multi-System" televisions that
work virtually anywhere in the world. They are dual voltage
(110 or 220 volts) & receive all 3 major broadcast signals
(NTSC, PAL, SECAM). You can use these televisions in the US
and in almost every other county worldwide.
Will
my "American VCR" work overseas?
That depends upon what type of television you will be
connecting the VCR into. Most "American VCR’s"
will not work in conjunction with a PAL or SECAM television,
but the American VCR’s we recommend will work with a
Multi-System television
How
can I find out what "Broadcast System" is used at my
destination?
Simple, just click here
for a list of the "Broadcast Systems" throughout the
world.
How
can I find out what electric current is in a particular
country?
Just click here
for a list of worldwide "Electric Current"
specifications.
I
am bringing "American" tapes overseas: what do I
need to watch these?
Many people have a collection of tapes that they want to
watch while overseas (especially those Disney tapes for the
children). We sell Multi-System VCR’s which play
"American style" (NTSC) tapes on any television:
they are dual voltage (110-220 volt) & can work with an
"American style" (NTSC) television, as well as with
PAL or SECAM. This means that you can use the same VCR unit in
the US with your American TV or abroad with other format TVs.
I
am confused with all of this television and VCR stuff, what do
I really need?
This is the most common question. The answer depends upon
what equipment you already have, where you are going, how long
you plan on staying and whether you will be sending or
receiving tapes back and forth to and from relatives or your
company. You may only need a "Multi-System" VCR or
you may need a new television and VCR. The best solution to
this problem is to call and discuss the various options based
on your needs. There may be ways to save hundreds of
dollars, so feel free to call and ask questions.
3. Purchasing
220 Appliances
Why
should I buy my 220 volt (50 cycle) appliances from you?
We specialize in 220 volt (50 cycle) electrical appliances
for use overseas. We carry virtually every kind of electrical
appliance you may need and all the name brands you know and
trust. Selling 220 volt appliances is our only business--we
sell to people are moving abroad and to those who will be
visiting them-- and we build our business one happy customer
at the time.
Where
can I see the appliances?
Click here to browse our online marketplace for photos and
product descriptions.
Since we sell only name brand appliances, like General
Electric, Braun, Rowenta, Skil tool etc--you can usually see
the equivalent 110 volt models in your home town appliance
store. For example, we sell the same 27 cubic foot, side by
side refrigerator typically available in local stores, except
that our model is factory designed and built to operate on 220
volt 50 cycles. Visit your local store to see the American
counterparts for our small appliances as well.
How
can I place my order?
You can click here to visit
our online marketplace or you can call our toll free number,
1-800-327-1758, to speak with one of our salespeople (if
outside the US, call 631-254-4102). Our office hours are
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New York time.
What
about shipping? How and where do you ship?
We can ship just about anything anywhere in the world. The
best shipping method depends upon the type of appliance(s)
ordered, where you want them sent and how fast you need them
delivered. We will quote you a shipping price in advance so
that you know the exact costs including delivery. If you are
taking delivery in the US, depending upon what appliances you
want and where you are, we can have the appliances shipped
directly to you (or your shipping company) by truck or by UPS.
The best method will depend upon the weight and size of the
order
If you want your appliances
delivered directly overseas, we will gladly give you a quote
from one of several international shipping companies that we deal
with regularly. We can quote a price
to ship to the nearest seaport or "door to door."
We can send small packages overseas via UPS. or other
international carrier. We can also send some items
through the US Postal Service, which is helpful for individuals
with APO addresses from the Armed Services or other US Government employ.
Do
I have to pay import taxes or duties when I take these
appliances overseas?
That will depend upon many factors, including the country
you are going to, your nationality and the value of the
appliances. We suggest that you contact the Office of the
Consular and ask them if there is any import duty/taxes or
tariffs which must be paid upon import. Click
here for a list of Consular Offices.
What
are my payment options?
For individuals, we accept most major credit cards. We
will also accept personal checks, cashier or bank checks and
postal money orders, but you must allow sufficient time for
personal checks to clear before we will ship your order.
For Government Employees, we
accept United States Government Purchase Orders.
For businesses and
corporations, we will consider Invoicing upon proper credit
approval.
How
long does it take to get the appliance?
We try to ship appliances within 48 hours; therefore, if you
are taking delivery in the US, you should have them within a
few days; however, it is best to allow extra time. We suggest
that you call us several weeks in advance, if possible, to
discuss availability, shipping options and timetables to
insure that you receive your order on time.
If you are taking delivery
overseas, the average shipping time is 4 to 6 weeks if the
appliance is being shipped on the ocean. Naturally air
shipments take less time.
How
can I get more information?
Click here to send us a message,
call us at 1-800-327-1758 or fax us at 631-254-2368. We can
give you product suggestions, specifications and comparisons.
We can discuss shipping options, shipping times and answer any
other questions to help you get the appliances that you want
and need.
Return
to Relocation Guide Index
Call
220 International, Inc.
In the US, Toll Free: 1-800-327-1758
Outside the US, 631-254-4102
Fax: 631-254-2368 |