Skip to main content
Tech Radar Tech Radar TechRadar The source for Tech Buying Advice
Subscribe
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
Technology Magazines
Technology Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12.99
View
  • News
  • Best
  • Reviews
  • Opinion
  • How To
  • Deals
  • More
    • Versus
    • Appliances
    • Audiovisual
    • Cameras
    • Car Tech
    • Computing
    • Coupons
    • Downloads
    • Entertainment
    • Fitness
    • Laptops
    • Phones
    • Smart Home
    • Tablets
    • TVs
    • Wearables
    • About Us
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • WWDC 2023
  • Computex 2023
  • iPhone 15
  • ChatGPT
  • Wordle hints
  • Best VPN

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. How-to

How to save money by importing tech from overseas

By Dan Gardiner
published 3 July 2015

Follow these important tips when buying tech products from overseas

Importing tech from overseas

Importing tech from overseas

Buying technology from other countries is now far easier than it used to be, with major websites such as Amazon having loosened restrictions on what types of items it will ship. But what kind of tech should you import and what should you buy locally?

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
What's Safe

What's Safe

In general, you should be safe to import any piece of technology that's not mains-powered. That means items like a set of headphones, USB hard drives, internal and external PC components (like graphics cards, CPUs, keyboards and mice), digital cameras or really anything that you can charge with a USB cable.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Region Coding

Region Coding

If you're shopping for DVD or Blu-ray movies, region coding is still something to be aware of too. Most DVDs are still region-locked, although conversely, many Blu-ray discs aren't. Check this carefully before making a purchase.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Electricity: Adaptors

Electricity: Adaptors

The power grids in use in different countries work on one of two main voltages — 240V or 110V. Unfortunately, they're completely incompatible. If you plug an electronic device intended for use only on a 240V system (such as what's used in Australia) into a 110V socket (the common US voltage), it'll fry the internal electrics.

However, the vast majority of power adapters for gadgets and laptops are now designed to be universal, so they'll work for the various voltages that different countries' power grids output.

You can tell if a power adapter is safe to use by checking the 'Input' details, which should hopefully be listed in the specs section of product description pages, or if you already have the device already, printed on the power adapter's side. If it says '100-240V 50-60Hz' then it's a universal adapter that you can basically use anywhere in the world — all you'll need is a plug adapter to convert the pins to your desired socket.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Electricity: Converters

Electricity: Converters

So what can you do if you've purchased a device that only shows '100-110V' on the side? There are thankfully options — such as a voltage step-down converter. Obviously, that's not ideal, but if you're considering buying a 110V device and you stand to save substantially, then paying something like $50 for a step-down converter might be worth it.

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Warranties

Warranties

What happens if something goes wrong with a product you purchase from overseas. If the product is staunchly dead on arrival, then you're within your rights to request and exchange, with the shipping paid for by the retailer.

For products that break down during later use, things are less clear cut. Most warranties are country specific, however if the device is still within its warranty period for the country that sold it (which is often 1-2 years for electronics) you can contact the retailer and ask for a repair or replacement, though they're within their rights to ask you to organise or pay for any international shipping to and from the repair centre that may be required.

A good rule of thumb? Be prepared to pay up to $100 in shipping costs for an overseas repair.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Dan Gardiner
Dan Gardiner
Social Links Navigation
Managing Editor – APAC

Dan is a veteran Australian tech journalist with more than 20 years industry experience. He cut his teeth in the world of print media, starting as a product reviewer and tester and eventually working his way up to become editor of the two top-selling tech mags Down Under (TechLife and APC) and has been managing TechRadar's APAC presence since 2016. He's passionate about most things tech, but is particularly opinionated when it comes to PC hardware, phones, ereaders, video games and online streaming. When he's not staring at screens, Dan loves to spend time cooking – particularly spicy Thai food. (If it's not hot enough to bring tears to your eyes, he's not interested.)

See more Internet how-to
More about internet
Data center

I compiled the ultimate list of free web hosting sites in the known universe

Google Workspace

This one, innocent-looking Google I/O screenshot gives a terrifying glimpse into the future of SEO and online publishing

Latest
LG C3 OLED

Quick - LG's all-new C3 OLED TV gets a first-time price cut at Amazon

See more latest ►
Most Popular
What is an SSD: Modern data storage for PCs and laptops explained

By John LoefflerMay 30, 2023

The best armor in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

By Julian BensonMay 30, 2023

The best recipes in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

By Julian BensonMay 30, 2023

Diablo 4 Early Access release times, and how to preload

By Cat BussellMay 30, 2023

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom characters

By Julian BensonMay 30, 2023

What is a graphics card: All about this important PC component

By John LoefflerMay 29, 2023

Isle of Man TT live stream: how to watch online from anywhere

By Mo Harber-LamondMay 29, 2023

Here's how to choose a cheap gaming laptop you won't regret

By Allisa JamesMay 28, 2023

How to watch Barons online: stream the Quicksilver vs Billabong style Australian surfing drama from anywhere now

By Daniel PatemanMay 28, 2023

How to use Google My Maps to plan your trip

By Josephine WatsonMay 28, 2023

Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans live stream: how to watch 2023 IPL final free online

By Kevin LynchMay 28, 2023

  1. A young AI-created humanoid touches a robot in The Creator
    1
    The Creator looks like The Last of Us, Terminator, and Star Wars rolled into one
  2. 2
    Windows 11 Moment 3 update is packed with cool features – here are 5
  3. 3
    Quordle today - hints and answers for Sunday, May 28 (game #489)
  4. 4
    I tried smart AR running sunglasses that show me a heads-up-display like Iron Man
  5. 5
    Apple shuts My Photo Stream on July 26, so make sure you don't lose your photos
  1. A young AI-created humanoid touches a robot in The Creator
    1
    The Creator looks like The Last of Us, Terminator, and Star Wars rolled into one
  2. 2
    Missing Succession already? Here are 6 great family sagas to watch on Max, Hulu and more
  3. 3
    New iPhone 15 Pro Max specs leak hints at what's not changing this year
  4. 4
    Apple shuts My Photo Stream on July 26, so make sure you don't lose your photos
  5. 5
    The best recipes in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.