electrical goods
Posted: 10 May 2008 02:46 PM  
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we are hoping to relocate to spain in the near future . could anybody give us suggestions on what electrical goods to bring . we have heard that our televisions are not that succesful over there ie sound quality and that fridges etc are really expensive . your comment would be appreciated along with any web sites that may give us information as well on prices etc in spain


thank you

whiffey2

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Posted: 10 May 2008 03:59 PM   [ # 1 ]  
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Hi,
The subject of TV reception has been covered many times in this forum but I will recap for you in order to save you digging…

English TVs will work quite satisfactorily over here provided that the system includes a Spanish freeview box and connection between the box and the tv is done via a scart connection. Connect your outdoor aerial to the freeview box and the scart cable between the freeview box and the TV.

It might also be worth noting that most modern TV’s in England are multi-standard ie Pal 1, PAL B/G and NTSC. Reference to your user manual will disclose what standard your particular TV is designed around. The same thing applies to VCR?s. A multistandard TV will work without problem and without a freeview box.

A 32? LCD flatscreen TV can be bought over here for around 300-350 Euros.

Note that Spanish freeview boxes will not pick up UK programmes. And it?s doubtful whether English freeview boxes will work over here; even if they did they will not receive UK programmes. A Spanish freeview box gives access to about 24 Spanish digital TV stations and costs from as little as 30 euros. 

Generally white goods prices over here are on a par with the UK. You can get a decent Fridge Freezer for under 400 euros by shopping around a bit. We don?t have shops like Dixons or Comet over here, but Media Markt is a good place to start. The major hypermarkets like Carrefour and Alcampo are engaged in a constant price battle on white goods and all include free delivery.

One thing worthy of note is that washing machines over here are all cold fill only.

The point to be considered really is the relative costs of buying stuff new over here against the cost of transportation of your own stuff from the UK which is invariable based on volume and weight considerations.

Initially, if you bring English electrical goods over here you will either have to change the plugs to the European standard round plugs, or do what we did which is to buy up half a dozen or so English mains extension leads / adaptors, you know one in, four or six out and change the normal English plug to a European round one. This is particularly handy if you have co-located TV, Video and DVD player and maybe your Stereo system. That way you need only change one plug instead of all of them?

Also be aware that light fitting are different; Spain uses the screw-in type of bulb and these come in two different sizes, so don?t bother bringing loads of replacement bayonet type unless you are bringing table lamps or standard lamps.

Hope all this helps.

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Posted: 10 May 2008 04:31 PM   [ # 2 ]  
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Very comprehensive reply Foxbat! suggest you copy it ready for pasting next time!

If the UK TV has finished here - it definitely wont be worth bring the TV! (just joking the kids will understand the Spanish programs)

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Posted: 10 May 2008 09:53 PM   [ # 3 ]  
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voltage is 240 in the uk and 220 here in spain .....  cheap to buy here in spain

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