Using a UK console in Spain

Caporegime
Joined
11 Nov 2002
Posts
83,819
Location
Barcelona
Hi all,

Does anyone here have experience of this? I am moving to Spain and plan to take my PS3 with me. Probably not that many gams left this gen that I will buy but definitely need to take it for Last of Us!!

Anyone taken a console Spain or use a Spanish PS3 in Spain? Better still does anyone here actually live in spain and give me advice on where to buy games, consoles etc from?

I seem to recall that PS3 each console has a localisation which is in the hardware (I think this is what makes iPlayer icons and such only appear for UK users). Also I think some games bought in the EU don't have English as a selectable language, but I am not too certain.


rp2000
 
OK, the main thing is games don't set their language automatically to Spanish, or be stuck with a copy that is not in English.

I thought, for some reason, that games in EU are different. This is why when I sometimes redeem codes or get DLC from the store it shows multiple versions of a game (like Black Ops 2) and they are listed by separate IDs or serial numbers or something in parenthesis.

What will happen with the store. I know some countries in Europe don't get games/content the same date as UK. Am I now classed as Spain (by virtue of location/IP) or UK (by virtue of my PSN account and/or something unique in the console that says it was UK)?

Power will be a non issue, I have been before and taken/used enough different items to see that it's just a case of using an adaptor or swapping to an EU figure 8/Kettle/clover cable etc.


rp2000
 
You will still be classed as a UK account and get the same offers, etc.
Things like iPlayer won't work unless you use a WPN. Netflix still works, don't know why.

When I buy games here (Norway) it's automatically set to English while the same game will change to Norwegian if my family plays it on their Norwegian bought PS3. I would assume that the same would be for Spanish games and they will just set to English, but can't say that 100%.

Remember you have to use a UK card to add funds to your account. Also I have had problems with using a UK card when the console has been in Norway, so my advice would be to fill it up before going or bring some UK PSN wallet cards with you :p

I will still keep my UK debit card, although nowadays I use PSN cards when they are on special offer etc and I guess I can still buy the instant ones some websites sell.

Looking ahead to PS4 and XB1, I guess it's too early to say whether I should buy in the UK and ship to BCN or just buy locally? I guess rule of thumb is buy locally for warranty convenience?


rp2000
 
its possible but be careful with the voltage even when using an adapter.

Hmmm, I packed and shipped the PS3 already, but isn't it just a simple adaptor or swapping the power lead for an EU one?

OK, rp. Spill. Why are you moving to Spain? :p

Committed crimes, on the run, Spain seems like an obvious place to run.

(real reason: feel like a change and have a permanent job there, leaving tomorrow.)


rp2000
 
It's 220v over there, anything from the UK will work fine.

Personally I'd probably use a replacement cable rather than an adapter, they can be a bit dodgy sometimes.

Aye, I have a load of EU kettle leads, I just need to find some EU figure 8 leads. I don't think the PS3 will arrive for a week or two so got plenty of time to source one.

I don't particularly want adaptors sticking out of every socket in my flat, sometimes unreliable and quite often they block you using the socket next to it as well.

Bit gutted I won't be playing Last of Us for a while though, but I am sure I will find other things to occupy my time!!


rp2000
 
Good luck, rp. I should ask - puedes hablar español?

Not yet, I know a few words, but not sentences. Need to sort out some Spanish Lessons next week.

tbh, having no PS3, no Internet etc will help in this regards, no distractions!!


rp2000
 
Am I right thinking you work in Engineering (EPC)? I'm getting CVs from Spain everyday right now so its suprising to see someone going the other way. Good luck out there. Moving with work is always fun, i've got itchy feet in the UK right now but im sorting my wifes visa status out so im kinda trapped (dont tell her i said that).
I work in IT, my company has offices in most countries in the world, I am just transferring from London to our Barcelona office. I wouldn't be going to a place like Spain without a solid long term job, due to the crisis/unemployment there!
I moved to Brussels just over a year ago. I took my UK PS3 with me I had no problems at all. Things like BBC iplayer will not work but otherwise as a pure game console/blu ray player its fine.

Best way I found to manage power was to buy a 12 way surge protected extender (can go smaller if you want) put a UK > EU power adapter on that and boom you have 12 UK sockets :D I've never had an issue with that and 12 sockets pretty much caters for most of my electronics.

oh and Good Luck with the move !

Edit:

With games if Spain is like Brussels... Games in shops generally have a sticker on which will tell you the language (or read the blurb on the back) In Brussels they put a sticker NL FR and UK. That said some games like Fifa for instance has a multi language option within the game anyways so is not an issue.

Hmm, this sounds like a good solution (I'm only taking 5 or 6 things with a UK plug tbh. Other stuff I will buy locally fort warranty aftercare etc). I don't know too much about electronics but I have used Belkin ones for years. Is this the kind of thing that would work:

belkin.jpg



rp2000
 
Yea that's the type of thing I use. Just make sure it has some sort of surge protection. Works perfectly I have a 12 way and have 7 things plugged into it constantly, TV, PS3, Speakers, Laptop, NAS drive, 3DS charger and internet router. Been using mine for over a year now and not a single problem.

Cool, I'll stick it in my suitcase and try it out.


rp2000
 
Bit of a thread resurrection......

The people here who bought UK consoles and moved abroad. Where will you buy the next gen consoles? Locally for warranty purposes? Or from UK?

Will I get the exact same experience if I buy a British or Spanish console and use it in Spain?


rp2000
 
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