I keep seeing this question pop up, so let me take the liberty to address it. Can you use Kindle overseas? The answer is yes and no. Yes. if you plan to “load up” before you leave or download all your content with USB cable while overseas and no, if you plan to use wireless whispernet while there.
Quite frankly, the wireless whispernet technology is not available in international countries for various reasons. But that of course only limit your kindle usage if you are trying to get your content wirelessly while there.
You can, however, use the old USB – Kindle-Computer connection to get around the problem. All you need to do is get access to a computer while there and follow the procedure. You can also get your content from the Kindle Store
Perhaps an even smarter option is to “load” up before you leave. Get all the content you think you will be able to read depending on the amount of time you plan to stay. Of course if you plan to stay “forever,” that’s another story…After all, Kindle do hold up to 200 books and magazine in RAM…and that should hold you for quite a while.
Overseas Content
Everything I said so far is good as long you are planning to read content that’s accessible via Amazon…and from other compatible sources. There are a lot of Kindle support
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They should be able to buy it with credit card from there, but if it doesn’t work, then your next best bet is to use yours in the UK.
I bought a kindle and sent it to Chile, South America as a gift, will they be able to access and buy books with a credit card from there, or would they have to buy it with my credit card in the UK.
Question re: charging the Kindle in Europe (including Germany, Slovakia and Croatia): are there any issues with the different voltage in these countries. That is, is a voltage converter needed to recharge my Kindle.
jim
well, you are going to need an amazon account to get content from amazon. If you have one already you are set, if not you will need a US credit card to open one…unless of course you know someone in the US with an account and you can mutually agree to get content via their account.
On the other hand, you can free access content at from other sources nine quick path to kindle content and more kindle content…
Hi again,
I think maybe you didn’t understand my question. I ‘do not’ have an american credit but someone is selling a Kindle where I am. Can I just use my credit card to buy content only, and is it ‘locked’ if the person from who I am buying the Kindle has already registered it? Thanks for your help.
yes, you can. Just go to Amazon.com, click on your account, scroll down and click on manage your kindle.
This will take you to the account sign-in page. create an account and it will take you to a page to register your kindle.
You can then set up automatic content purchases with your US credit card. You will have to retrieve them from the computer since you are in Dubai.
I was wondering if you need a US based credit card to buy content? I am in Dubai and someone is selling a Kindle, can I purchase this one and buy content myself with an overseas credit card or is each kindle locked into a specific computer/account? Thanks for your help.
The amazon Kindle comes with it own charger. Yu don’t really need a converter all you need is an outlet or or computer with a USB port.
do you recommend a particular converter to recharge my Kindle in France? Anything special I should know?
Thanks very much,
Patty
You will only be able to use the card if it has a US address. You will also need a US address for registering the account. Once all of that is established the Kindle will be shipped to the US address, then you can have it forwarded to you.
You will still be able to download content in Thailand, but not with the whispernet. You will have to use the USB cable and download it directly from the online account to the Kindle.
This is the most useful “How to use Kindle overseas” information I have come across. Thank you for posting.
I understand the technical part of content transfer better from reading your post. However, there are some details that you may kindly explain to me. They are regarding how to purchase it when you live in a foreign country.
I hold a city bank visa card and live in Thailand. How can I purchase Kindle? Shall I have it sent to a US address and then forwarded to me? Will my credit card be accepted?
From what I have learned, registering your account seems to be the most crucial step if you are to try to use Kindle overseas. Maybe you could shed more light on this.
Thank a lot and all the best
Tim
Here’s Amazon’s response…
If you’re outside the Whispernet service area (either within the United States or when traveling internationally), you can still buy content from the Kindle Store and access your Kindle items Archived on Amazon.com through your computer and transfer them via USB to your Kindle.
Please note that, Whispernet (Wireless connectivity) service is currently available only in United States. So, I request you to purchase the Kindle content from your computer and download it to your Kindle with the help of the following steps:
To connect Kindle to your computer, plug the larger end of the USB cable into an available USB port or a powered USB hub connected to your computer. Then connect the other end of the USB cable to the micro-USB port on your Kindle.
To download items from Amazon.com:
1. visit the Manage Your Kindle page at http://amazon.com/manageyourkindle
2. locate your content in the “Your orders and individual charges” section.
3. Then click on the “Download/Send to . . .” pull-down menu
4. select “Computer.”
After you’ve selected a Kindle book and downloaded the file to your computer, connect your Kindle to your computer using the USB cable and drag the file to the “documents” folder on your Kindle using your computer’s file browser.
For more information, please consult the User’s Guide for your Kindle. You can download a copy and find additional instructions on our Help pages here:kindle support
If you need further assistance, please contact customer support at 1-866-321-8851. You can also reach us via phone or e-mail through our Help pages here:
Hi,
I am abroad and I want to buy kindle books, download them to my computer and then upload them to my kindle 2 via USB. The problem is that, when I want to buy them at amazon.com, the only option available is via wireless, therefore a message immediately appears saying that there are “geographical restrictions” for my kindle. Of course I can go to “my account” and change the options (for the delivery of the digital items) but first i need to buy them! How can I do it? Many thanks in advance,
Javier