[NAMK]

Hi, I'm relocating from NY to HK, is there anyway my ipod, ipod speakers and portable DVD player will work in HK?

[PDLM]

If the power supplies are multi-voltage (i.e. they say 100-220V on them) then you'll be fine, you'll just need plug adaptors to convert from US to HK plug-style (dirt cheap).

If they say 110V (only) then you'll need to get transformers or new power supplies locally (for one or two items if you can get the local power supplies then it's probably cheaper and easier to do that than faff about with transformers).

[Sleuth]

If you go the transformer route, they are easier to find in the US.

[Mr Scott]

Finding transformers here is pretty simple, particularly on Ap Liu St in Sham Shui Po or Tung Choi St in Mong Kok. I'd imagine they are cheaper too.

[Sleuth]

It is easier to walk into Best Buy (or wherever) in the US than it is to hunt in Sham Shui Po or Mong Kok. Especially if you are brand-new to HK. Or if you think you will need one shortly after arriving. Chances are you will have better things to do for the first few days than exploring HK markets, especially those on Kowloon side (I know of people who have been here months and have never set foot off the island). Plus you don't have to worry about quality in the US whereas you might wonder buying it from a street stall in the market.
And, please note, that by "easier" I mean you probably know where to buy these things and how to get to the stores in the US already; not that it is impossible to find them in HK. You can find just about anything in HK as long as you know where to look.

[NAMK]

Thanks everyone all the advice was very helpful. ...not totally new to HK.. I've relocated from UK to HK, but never from US to HK...but totally agree would rather go to Best Buy than hunt around 80 degree weather for a transformer in Mong Kok...
Thanks again.

[goleoboy]

make sure you get a transformer with enough voltage. also, we bought a transformer here - a huge one, and then plugged in a U.S. power strip - so now we can share that one transformer across multiple electronics. note getting a new adaptor is very easy also - did that for our iPod speakers. Your iPod's own charger should already be international - i would assume your portable DvD as well as they're made for travel. Best Buy is easier but do they even sell converting 110v to 220v? I recall they only sell the reverse - ie making other electronics work in the States...

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by goleoboy

make sure you get a transformer with enough voltage. {...}Best Buy is easier but do they even sell converting 110v to 220v? I recall they only sell the reverse - ie making other electronics work in the States...

Er, I think you mean enough power handling capability (measured in kiloWatts). It might also be specified by the maximum current in Amperes. Power = voltage x current.

And to make foreign electronics work in the US you need a transformer that steps up the voltage from 110 to 220V. To make US electronics work in Hong Kong you need one that steps down from 220 to 110V. Technically those two could be the same transformer since the basic device works in either direction. Some converters have the plugs, fuses etc to work both ways round, some don't.

[ontheroad]

Many transformers do both: They have a 110V plug that converts into 220 and a 220V plug that converts into 110. Bought ours in the States but they are much much cheaper here.

[goleoboy]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Er, I think you mean enough power handling capability (measured in kiloWatts). It might also be specified by the maximum current in Amperes. Power = voltage x current.

i think this is a sign that i shouldn't try to give advise on tech posts anymore hahah I'm the ultimate non-geek - watt/volt/amp... honestly i don't know the difference. :-) we did pick up a couple u.s. power strip to 'share' our transformer in HK, which was a great idea since our transformers only have 2 outlets