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Electronics - US to PT

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lfunston
  3/18/2017 09:36 EST

We're moving to PT by the end of the year and wondering if we need to buy new TV, stereo, etc in PT because of the voltage difference. I know there are voltage converters but not sure if appropriate for long term use.

wallymountz
  3/18/2017 16:06 EST

I bought one made for continuous use and have been using it for several months now without problems. The duty was a killer though. Total price was something like $150.

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BigWorld
  3/18/2017 17:21 EST

My experience is that although voltage converters can work, they are big, heavy and ugly. Also, you will need them for a variety of household products such coffee grinders, mixers, etc. Also, I have read that they can damage electronic equipment over time although I have not witnessed this myself. If I had expensive gear, I would not want to take the chance. Maybe best to sell whatever you have and buy in Portugal. Also, keep in mind that some electronics are dual voltage such as the new Bose soundbars that I m thinking of buying in U.S. and taking over to Europe.

drewmckee
  3/19/2017 04:36 EST

Lfunston,

We bought some local 110/220v stuff. Other things to consider beyond just to voltage is the the TV format (NTSC vs PAL) and frequency (50hz vs 60hz). I have been living overseas since 2009 and am always extremely careful to buy dual voltage, worldwide stuff....look at the little sticker on the plug area, you might be surprised how many items you have are already dual voltage.

Drew

kawazaki
  3/19/2017 07:10 EST

I moved to Portugal in Nov 2016 and bought some electronics to ship with my household goods. I purchased 2ea 1000W and 1ea 2000W REGULATED voltage converters for my 60"smart TV, computer acessories, and misc electronics tools that would cost me a fair amount of money if I could find them here. I also purchased a multi-country 3D, HD, Blue ray player to play my USA DVDs and Portugal DVDs. I also bought a PAL to NTSC video converter to watch cable TV here. Everything works fine and I am glad I bought them I have not seen the equivalent here. Hope this helps

kawazaki
  4/5/2018 10:50 EST

I will tell you what I did but not what you should do. It is decision you make for your own needs. There is a voltage difference which is easily solved with 240VAC to 120VAC converters, The are not expensive. The freight to ship to your home is almost as much as the converter. I owned a good stereo system, 24" PC monitor, laser printer with extra toner(not available for mine in Portugal), 60" 3D 240Hz Samsung Smart TV, and 120VAC electrical tools. All of this would be expensive to replace here and the shipping to Portugal was OK. If you have anything with an AC motor you might have problems because the power is 50hz here and 60hz in the US. If you buy converters, buy VOLTAGE REGULATORS-much better regulation. I bought a few small converters for misc stuff.

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PhotoGal28
  4/5/2018 22:36 EST

How much are these converters?

kawazaki
  4/6/2018 03:02 EST

Here is the website where I bought mine.
https://www.samstores.com/contact-samstores.html

I bought the AR-1000(1000 watts) and AR-3000(3000 watts). I have used them everyday for almost 1-1/2 years.

NicolasZart
  4/6/2018 10:37 EST

You might also want to consider changing your stereo system. I ended up buying a big transfo to run my receiver with a digital line from my computer where I encoded in high quality the music I want to listen. I can also watch, view, and listen to the radio, movies, shows, etc using this setup.

If you have an old iMac or all in one system, you can use it as a media hub to watch. It saves money in the end if you have good quality hardware.

Just a thought. Happy to discuss it.

wilsonworld
  4/6/2018 11:20 EST

This company has an excellent selection of converter and can also take care of the 50/60 hz issue:
https://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/categories/89/Voltage-Converters-Surge-Protectors

Also http://stores.ebay.com/Portugalia-Sales-Inc-220-Volt-Store

drewmckee
  4/12/2018 06:32 EST

Look at the back of your TV / radio, most are dual voltage already and don't need a converter. Anything we had that wasn't dual voltage (very few items), I got rid of and just bought new items in Portugal.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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tcwyder
  4/13/2018 06:12 EST

First, we purchased our 220 volt appliances in the states only to find out there are many repair techs who dont want to work on imported products from outside the European Union. Second, the import tax on these items run as much as 23 per cent -Vat valued added tax, so it is a expensive proposition.

tjay1580
  4/16/2018 09:38 EST

I'd suggest to bring them from back home in the States, a buy a few converters. But eventually, at your own pace, switch over to the European side. It will just make your life easier in the long run.

tcwyder
  4/16/2018 14:50 EST

I agree the move over seas will come with many changes and our electronics are one of them. Buying a good, solid , reputable converter is a must. I suggest 220 electronics which carry a variety of transformers and electronics to meet the needs of expats.

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