Is it Worth It to Ship a TV Internationally or Overseas?
*Updated on Feb. 22, 2025
One of the first questions people ask when preparing for an overseas relocation is, “Is it worth it to ship a television overseas?” Many of our clients are moving to Canada or Mexico. Although these destinations aren’t technically overseas, they are still different countries, and permanently shipping a TV there must be handled correctly.
International relocation can be a great opportunity to save money by sending appliances from the United States to your new country. However, not all devices work everywhere. While this article focuses on TVs, keep in mind that you can also ship complementary equipment like streaming devices, gaming consoles, and home theater systems.
Entertainment from the USA
Many of our clients have lived in the United States for several years but are now moving back to their home countries—perhaps for retirement, work, or study. Others are American citizens relocating to start a new life or because their employer has assigned them to an overseas branch.
Regardless of your situation, you may be accustomed to American entertainment. Even if you’re excited about embracing a new culture, you might still want to keep up with U.S. sports and TV shows.
- Streaming Devices: If you decide not to send a full-sized TV, consider bringing devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or Apple TV. Often, streaming devices are not shipped internationally by manufacturers; you may need to bring them along yourself.
- Additional Equipment: You might also want to send gaming consoles, projectors, routers, or home entertainment systems to maintain access to your favorite games and shows.
Note: Streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix can have restricted libraries outside the USA. There are services (like VPNs) that help you access content from home, but you should research this carefully before moving.
Which TVs and home entertainment equipment should not be sent internationally?
In the past, American TVs were not always compatible overseas due to different broadcast standards (NTSC in the United States vs. PAL/SECAM elsewhere). This remains relevant if you still rely on DVD or older Blu-ray players that might be region-locked. If you bring region-specific media (like DVDs), you may also need to bring an American player.
Modern TVs, however, often work globally—especially if they have HDMI inputs. The biggest consideration is usually power supply. Many electronics have built-in power adapters that support multiple voltages (e.g., “100–240 V”). If so, they will work with a simple plug adapter in most places. Equipment requiring a single voltage (e.g., “110 V only”) may need a transformer, but using transformers with certain audio/visual devices can be problematic.
Types of TVs
Large-screen TVs may have multi-voltage power supplies built in. To confirm, check the user manual or look for a label near the power cord input. Manuals are often available online if you’ve discarded the original documentation.
One other piece of equipment that you should consider sending is a router. Often, there are routers available in the USA that have all of the latest standards built into them. These routers are superior and far cheaper than those available in most countries.
If your destination is in the Western Hemisphere, all of your devices should work. It is pretty easy for you to compare prices. In Canada, prices are relatively similar to those in the USA, but sending your TV from the USA for most other locations will be a significant saving.
Consider Shipping Other Electronics
- Router: American routers often support cutting-edge features and can be cheaper than those sold elsewhere, making them worth shipping.
- Other Appliances: If your destination is in the Western Hemisphere (e.g., Canada, Mexico, many parts of Central/South America), your devices often work without major changes. However, always confirm local voltage and frequency requirements, as not all regions use the same standards.
Is It Worth It to Ship a TV Internationally or Overseas?
In many cases, shipping a TV you already own can be cheaper than buying a brand-new set abroad—especially if you have a high-quality TV and you’re moving somewhere electronics are more expensive. However, always factor in shipping costs, customs duties (if applicable), and compatibility concerns like voltage and regional content availability.
