HSBC Expat

Sign in to join the discussion or ask one of our experts another question.

Sign in with Facebook
| Sign in

Moving Electronics to Singapore


nikmar9902@live.ca's picture
By nikmar9902@live.ca - Posted on
17 February 2012
Hello all, We are moving from Canada to Singapore in about a month or so. Our question is related to electronics. I understand that TV's will not work period but can we move the following 1. Receiver/Amp 2. CD Player 3. PS3 with games 4. Computer 5. Home gadgets such as vacum cleaner, steam mop etc Thanks
Stephanie's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 weeks 4 days ago
Joined: 04/19/2010

Living in:
Cape Town, South Africa

From:
Charlotte, North Carolina (the USA)

Stephanie's Website
Hi Nikmar-

Canadian electric appliances operate at a voltage that is basically half that of Singapore, thus, if you do plug your home gadgets and what not into a Canadian plugpoint, it may work, or it may not. You also may get a shower of sparks that come out.

If you really want to bring these appliances with you, simply get a converter - mind you, this is different than an adaptor. An adaptor simply allows one plug type to fit into a different socket, whereas, a converter effectively converts voltage.   

Most travel stores our outdoor equipment stores sell converters.
Your rating: None
FloraMorenoDeThompson's picture
Offline
Last seen: 10 weeks 3 days ago
Joined: 09/19/2011

Living in:
Singapore

From:
San Jose, California

Flora's Website
Hi Nikmar,

I moved to SG from the US and had to replace most of my electronics. The voltage in Singapore is 230 volts. Things like my laptops and cell phones were OK to bring with me, but my hair dryer, straightener, coffee machine, mixer, etc. had to be replaced.

Check the voltage on your appliances to see if they can be brought to SG. For example, my laptop charger reads "100-240V." This means all I need is an adapter, not a voltage converter. Voltage converters can be expensive, but if you get one you don't have to replace all your electronics. It's worth weighing the costs before you decide what to bring over.

Hope that helps.

Flora
Your rating: None
Bry
Bry's picture
Offline
Last seen: 12 weeks 4 days ago
Joined: 06/24/2010

Living in:
Singapore

From:
CuraƧao, NA

Bryan's Website
I remember bringing in all our appliances when we moved to Singapore (from Europe). Most of them acted up at some point not long after our move, and then went on the blink altogether, just stopped working.

I'm not sure if it's the transport, during which I'm sure they do get banged about a bit, or the difference in voltage that they couldn't really take.

If you have expensive equipment, B & O or some such, then best you don't take it with you, because it will receive a knock or 2.

Anyway, domestic audio and video equipment is relatively cheap in Singapore, so you won't break the bank getting a new set here.



Your rating: None

Post new comment

By submitting this form, you accept the Mollom privacy policy.

Read more posts about Singapore

Become our local expat expert for your area in Singapore!

Expat Arrivals is looking for contributors to make this the ultimate guide for international expats.

If you are an established expat who could make time to write useful information for expats in your city in Singapore and answering forum questions from new and prospective expats, please contact us.

As our local expert you can have your profile showing on each page you publish, and will have an option to promote your website or blog.

Got a question about your new country?

Search Expat Arrivals

X
You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address.
The password field is case sensitive.
, after login or registration your account will be connected.
Login with your Facebook account (Recommended)
Loading