I am moving to Barcelona in a few months and am wondering if I would be foolish to bring appliances like VCR, sewing machine, stereo, power tools, desk top computer, food processer, etc. It would be nice not to have give it all away here in NY and replace it there.

I know there are transformers to step down the power from 220 to 115 but are they going to last a while or burn out and leave me stranded?

Does anyone have experience with this issue? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Danny

I think you will have trouble getting a USA VCR to work with a Spanish TV, as they use different standards for audio and video.
If you are going to get a new TV in Spain, you might as well get a new VCR, or better still, a DVD Recorder, as prices are quite good in comparison.
You will also find that the cost of replacing heavier items like sewing machines and food processors is cheaper than shipping costs, but your PC may have a switch to select between 220v and 110v.
Step-Down Transformers are expensive in Spain, but may not solve the problem as they do not change the frequency of 50Hz to 60Hz that is used in the USA, so your Hi-Fi might still work, but if it has a built-in clock, it will run slow.
If you do decide to ship your electrical stuff over though, it might be worth checking if any of it is sensitive to the mains frequency, and how you stand with warranties!

Thank you so much for the great advice. I will leave or sell alot of this stuff here. My shipping is being paid by the company moving us over, but It sounds like most things will have some problems and who needs the headaches.

Danny

If you are getting your shipping paid, it’s still worth checking if more expensive items like PC’s and Hi-Fi’s have switchable power supplies for 220v 50Hz. Both my PC and Laptop have Universal PSU’s that work on any voltage.

You will find electrical bargains at stores like Lidl, Makro, MediaMarkt and Carrefour - try these links:-

http://www.lidl.es
http://www.makro.es
http://www.mediamarkt.es/empresa/comollegar/bcn/maquinista/index.php
http://www.carrefour.es

Also, you are not too far from tax-free shopping in Andorra - Punt de Trobada is on the main road just past the border, and well worth a visit 😊