Call220: GiGi

Common Questions

For answers -- click on each question or scroll down

Call 220
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