Hi, I’m Randy. I am not an electrical engineer and I have never lived outside the US, so why should you trust my advice on 220 appliances? Simple. During my years in this industry, I have heard thousands of enlightening stories from people who have moved overseas. I am a good listener, so I have learned from their practical experiences and will pass along to you the "do's" and "don'ts" of preparing for your overseas move.

Moving overseas is a learning experience, but you don’t have to learn from your own mistakes-- it is less painful to learn from the mistakes of others! Here are 3 examples to illustrate how I can help eliminate frustration and maybe even save you some money:

• June from the UK recalls, "It was really neat being without e-mail for a week, but watching the computer "blow up" was really worth it. Who knew that "converters" spark so nicely?"
  Lesson Learned: You may need guidance on selecting the right converters, transformers and adaptors, so "Ask Randy" BEFORE you plug in.

• Bob Smith from Zimbabwe tells how, "after 5 hours of plugging and unplugging wires," he realized that he had to explain to his wife & daughters that they could not watch their favorite Disney tape on their new TV.
  Lesson Learned: Your VCR tapes, DVD's, video games, camcorders & TVs pose compatibility issues that must be reviewed on a case by case basis. You should also anticipate that when you return to the US, you will want to view "foreign" tapes, video games or DVD's that you purchased overseas. So "Ask Randy" about compatibility and about "Multi-System - Dual Voltage" equipment designed for this purpose.

• Both Bob and Alice from Germany explain, "We just love spending time together in our new laundry room. Those little darling washing machines are so adorable, and now that we spend 12 hours a day doing laundry, well, we love it here."
  Lesson Learned: Foreign washers & driers may not have the capacity of their American counterparts. If you opt for a small capacity machine, be prepared to wash 3 times as many loads of clothes.

Looking for answers?

Click here to view answers to common questions about 220 appliances.

Want to Contact Randy

• In the US, call  toll-free 1-800-327-1758.

• Outside the US, call 631-254-4102

• Fax 631-254-2368

• Click here to send a message to Randy.

Randy will have a few questions for you as well, like:

1. What country are you going to? For how long?
2. Do you have kids?
3. What appliances are in your new apartment or house?
4. Are you taking your computer, TV's or other appliances? Why? Why not?
5. Do you need transformers? How many?

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