Expats 'need to make sure gadgets work'
People who have moved abroad have been advised to make sure their electronic items work in other countries.
According to Currys, many expatriates have been unable to use products such as televisions and radios after relocating overseas, reports VNUnet.com.
This is because some are incompatible with foreign broadcasting systems and therefore cannot pick up local networks.
Digital radios were said to be particularly problematic, as only one in five stations in France and Spain are broadcast on a compatible frequency.
This has prompted Currys to recommend that expats check whether their appliances will work abroad before moving.
John Wright, electrical engineer at the firm, commented: "People who are purchasing products to take abroad should always check with the manufacturer or experts in store to make sure they are not left disappointed."
According to the Office for National Statistics, the popularity of living abroad is growing among people in the UK.
Recent figures from the organisation showed that during 2006, more than 200,000 UK citizens chose to leave the country and live abroad permanently, mainly in countries such as France and Spain.
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