Korean Job Discussion Forums

[apugh2003]

Can we use our American electronics in the US? Or is there a different electric conversion?

[julesk]

Why wouldn't you be able to use your American electronics in the US? I am totally confused by the question.

[apugh2003]

Because certain appliances/electronics have a different voltage usage in different countries. Like US electric items can't be used in Germany because of the different voltage.

[julesk]

I understand that different countries use different voltages. However, why would an "American" electronic, presumably made for Americans, not work in the US? When you refer to "the US", I assume that you are referring to the United States of America? I know why an "American" electronic might not work in Berlin, but why wouldn't it work in Portland or Dallas?

[apugh2003]

No, let me try to clarify this. I don't know if you're in the United States or not. I plan to go to Korea to teach for a year and i'm coming from the U.S. Different countries work on different voltages depending on the location.

My question is: When I move to Korea, should I bring my electronics over? Such as my cell phone, computer, etc. Because I don't know if the voltage level is different to where I can't use my electronics over in Korea.

The United States works on the same voltage of the electronics that we have here in America. But will my electronics work in Korea?

[Goku]

They are different.
You can find convertors here actually pretty easy.

I brought over 3 electric shavers (I'm quite the hairy beast), and my laptop.

I've been here 6 months and use the convertor. Costs about 45,000 won.

But quite honestly it's better to buy things here.

[Joe666]

apugh2003 - You did not phrase your question correctly!

Bring your electronics but I would leave your cell phone in the U.S. They have step down transformers in the form of converters. I believe their common voltage is 220. You can purchase them in selected stores. No problem.

Just be careful when you initially plug in any electronics. A Canadian I know brought hair clippers with him and when he plugged it into the converter, the clippers started smoking. I have no idea why, but be attentive when you initially plug in your electronics.

[nathanrutledge]

It depends on the stuff.

If it runs on DC power, you're probably fine and all you will need is a plug adapter. Laptops, playstations/xboxes, anything with a bulky black plug with a lot of writing on it, or a black box on the cord (known as transformers).

BUT, CHECK THE TRANSFORMER! They should have an INPUT and OUTPUT power labeled. The INPUT MUST include 240 V in it's range, or it will NOT work on Korean household power. Most transformers these days are designed to run 110-250 V, so you'll be fine.

If the device runs on AC power, no, you cannot use it here, unless it is specifically designed for 240 V. So unless you are bringing an air compressor, a small welding rig, or some other industrial tool, the answer is no, it won't work.

Like I said, double check the transformer. My neighbor had an American Wii and used it with the plug adapter; transformer ended up on fire before it shorted out. Turns out Wii's have specific 120 or 220 V box.

So, CHECK YOUR NUMBERS FIRST.

[julesk]

I suggest you edit your original post. When you wrote "the US", I think you should have written "Korea".

I am an American, living in Korea, and am well aware of the voltage situation. I bought a converter in America for $30 and brought it over. It's heavy, but at least you will have it when you arrive, and can use your electronics immediately.

[Robot_Teacher]

If your American electronics are dual voltage like computers, cameras, IPOD chargers, battery chargers, and montors are, then you only need a Germany Schuko style plug adapter which are like 50 cents on eBay that plugs into Korean outlets. Things like a hair dryer, blender, vacuum, or other home appliances traverers typically leave behind are NOT dual voltage though some travel hair driers may be built for dual voltage since American voltage is 110v and the world runs on 220v.

On the plug or power brick look for 110v~240v to indicate dual voltage. you can get a world traveler plug kit that will fit any wall outlet in the world or just get cheap Schuko Germany style plug adapters for pennies on the dollar. No need for a transformer converter like we used 10 years ago or more unless bringing an older game system. American region Playstation 1 needs a converter as it's only 110v as it was built before it become standard to make digital electronics dual voltage.

[Pikkle]

Where do you get these plug adapters? I looked in E-Mart and only saw Korean-to-American plug adapters. Should I go to a hardware store instead? Electronics store?

[caylia]

[djswayde]