If you were to ask me if you should bring anything with you when you relocate to Portugal, my answer would be just to bring those things that have emotional value. Everything else – furniture, electronics, kitchenware…just sell all that crap and buy new when you arrive in Portugal. The moving process is not the most fun and we had a horrible experience with the company that brought over our goods, Sea and Air International (will write about that experience later – I would not recommend them at all – it was a seriously atrocious experience). On a good note, our stuff arrived in Lisbon and that included a lot of electronics. Some work with converters, others don’t. Let’s break down which US electronic devices will work in Portugal and what you need to get them to work in your new home.
Will My US electronic devices work in Portugal?
The power sockets in Portugal are type F (also known as Schuko) with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. If you are coming from the US (like I did), you’re working with devices that work at 100-127 V. TVs Don’t bother. Just sell it and buy a new one. Things with motors and things that heat up (example – a blender) Some will, others won’t. Our Blendtech blender is way too powerful. For this type of appliance, you will need a converter that is at least 1.5 times the voltage. It was the same for our Kitchen Aid Mixer and our Sous Vide Supreme. Even my hair dryer eventually fried with use. We ended up replacing them all from Amazon (you can have stuff shipped from Amazon.co.uk).This converter will work with most smartphones and camerasRechargeable appliances (examples – toothbrush, smartphone, digital cameras, laptops) Most of these will work with regular European plug adapters (those are flat to round). You can also purchase new European cables for your smartphones, computers and such. Check the label on your appliance. If you see ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ then you can use it anywhere. Computer Most of the newer electronics work with US to EU adapters. Before you try this, look in the back. If it says 110v-220v, you will need a transformer. I am an apple gal, and this apple converter works wonders with my laptop. Video Game Consoles Our Xbox X works perfectly with our p5000 5000-Watt Voltage Converter Transformer – Step Up/Down Converter. Should be the same for any other video game systems out there.
