Will Your WiFi Router Work? And Other Unexpected Tech Problems in an International Move

Moving internationally is like teleporting into an alternate version of reality where everything is slightly different, and not always in a good way. You unpack your essentials, plug in your WiFi router, and… nothing. Silence. No blinking lights, no internet, just the realization that you've made a terrible mistake.

Electronics don't always travel well across borders. Plugs don't match, voltages threaten to fry your favorite devices, and your internet connection might take longer to set up than it took your furniture to cross the ocean. Here's what you need to know to avoid living in digital exile after your big move.

Voltage, Plugs, and the Art of Not Destroying Your Gadgets

You might assume electricity is universal. It is not. The world is split into different electrical systems, and they do not play nicely together.

Some countries use 110V (like the U.S.), others 220-240V (like most of Europe), and plugging the wrong device into the wrong socket can lead to spectacular failure. Best-case scenario? Nothing happens. Worst-case scenario? Sparks, smoke, and a fried laptop.

Check your device labels. If they say something like "Input: 100-240V", congratulations! They're adaptable and will work almost anywhere with a simple plug adapter. If not, you'll need a voltage converter. And before you rush off to buy one, know this: voltage converters are often bulky, unreliable, and not designed for high-powered devices like kettles, hairdryers, or gaming PCs. Sometimes, it's better to just buy local replacements.

And then there's the plug problem. The world boasts an absurd variety of plug types—Type A, Type B, Type C, all the way to Type N. You will need plug adapters, possibly multiple. Buy them before you leave, or prepare for a desperate airport electronics store purchase at three times the normal price.

Will Your WiFi Router Work, or Are You About to Buy a New One?

Here's the painful truth: your beloved WiFi router might not work in your new country.

First, there's the issue of internet standards and frequency bands. Different countries regulate their WiFi frequencies differently. Some routers use channels that aren't available in your destination, meaning even if it powers on, it may not actually connect to the internet.

Second, there's the ISP (Internet Service Provider) compatibility issue. Some providers lock their networks to specific routers or require special settings that foreign routers don't support. Even if your router *technically* works, getting it to play nice with a local provider can be more trouble than it's worth.

To avoid disappointment:

• Check with your new ISP before you move. Some will tell you outright if your router will work.
• Look up router frequency compatibility for your destination.
• Be mentally prepared to buy a new router—sometimes, it's just easier.

And if your new country still uses wired connections? Well, welcome to a new era of technological archaeology.

Streaming Woes: Your Favorite Shows Might Vanish

Just because you've moved doesn't mean your streaming subscriptions traveled with you. Many streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, change their content libraries depending on the country. That show you were halfway through? Gone. Your favorite sports channel? Blocked.

This is thanks to regional licensing agreements, which make international streaming an unpredictable game of chance. You have a few options:

• Use a VPN—but be warned, some streaming services aggressively block them.
• Check if your streaming service offers a global option—some allow you to switch regions easily.
• Mentally prepare yourself for an entirely new catalog of local shows—sometimes, change is good.

Your Phone Might Not Work the Way You Expect

If you thought your phone was a universal device that would work anywhere, brace yourself. Mobile networks operate on different frequency bands around the world, and while modern smartphones are more adaptable than ever, some models simply won't work in certain countries.

For example, if you move from the U.S. to Japan, your phone may struggle to connect to local networks because of different LTE and 5G bands. Some countries also require phones to be unlocked before they'll work with a new SIM card—something many people forget until they're standing in an airport, confused and WiFi-less.

To avoid problems:

• Check if your phone is carrier-locked before you leave.
• Look up mobile frequency compatibility for your new country.
• Consider buying a local SIM card or an eSIM (if your phone supports it) for cheaper rates.

And if you're thinking, I'll just stick with my home-country provider on roaming, prepare for an eye-watering bill. International roaming charges have bankrupted stronger people than you.

Smart Homes Become Not-So-Smart Homes

Your smart devices—Amazon Echo, Google Nest, smart plugs, and even certain Bluetooth gadgets—might not function as expected in your new country. Some of them just refuse to work in foreign regions because of software locks and licensing restrictions.

For example, certain Alexa and Google Assistant features are region-locked, meaning your voice-controlled home might become significantly less helpful. Meanwhile, smart plugs and smart light bulbs often aren't compatible with different voltages or use wireless frequencies that don't exist in your destination.

Before packing all your smart gadgets:

• Check if they support your new country's power and WiFi standards.
• Research region-specific limitations—some devices won't even allow you to change the country setting.
• Prepare for the emotional devastation of resetting all your smart home routines from scratch.
  

Printers, Scanners, and Other Office Tech May Refuse to Cooperate

If you're bringing office equipment, printers deserve special mention. Some printers refuse to accept non-local ink cartridges, because manufacturers love making life difficult. You may find yourself with a fully functional printer that won't work unless you import expensive ink from your home country.

Scanners and fax machines (yes, some people still use them) may also have software region locks or connectivity issues. If you rely on office tech, do your homework before assuming it will work as expected.

How to Avoid a Technological Meltdown

Now that you know what can go wrong, here's how to make sure your move isn't a digital disaster:

• Research electrical compatibility—buy the right adapters and converters before you leave.
• Check your router's compatibility—or be mentally prepared to replace it.
• Sort out your phone situation—unlock it, check local SIM card options, and avoid roaming at all costs.
• Test your smart home devices—not all will work in a new country.
• Be realistic about printers—sometimes it's easier to just buy a new one than fight the ink cartridge system.
  

No WiFi, No Cry (Okay, Maybe a Little Crying)

Moving internationally is already complicated, and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a new country, staring at a pile of electronics that don't work. A little planning goes a long way—sort out your WiFi, check your gadgets, and stock up on adapters before you go.

And if, despite all your efforts, something still refuses to work? Well, maybe it's a sign to embrace a *slightly* less connected life. At least until the new router arrives.

Article kindly provided by swiftinternationalremovals.com