Does it work outside USA?

[migmog]

Hey Echo hackers!
I am really excited about this thing, and I'm really looking forward to playing with it.
When I first heard of it I just had to get one, and while I don't live in the USA I have a good friend who does, and has ordered one and will send it to me. He says ETA is end of June.

I would be horribly disappointed if it didn't work simply because of my location! Does anyone know for sure if that is going to be a problem (I'm in Scotland). Also, is the thing tied to my friend's amazon account? I have an amazon account, but I don't have prime. Is there going to be a problem for me setting it up?

[sarlen]

It wont be tied to his Amazon account and it works with or without Prime, having Prime just makes it a bit more functional. As for working outside of the US, I have not seen any information one way or the other.

Good luck!

[jwlv]

When setting up the Echo for the first time, you will need to enter some basic information such as your ZIP code.  Because you are not in the USA, you can probably just use any ZIP code. But keep in mind that weather reports, local news, and other information will be based on the ZIP code you used.

[migmog]

Thanks, guys!
I will keep you updated on my progress once I get the machine.

[chrisdl]

I've just received mine (bought on Ebay). I live in Belgium.

Weather AND Time Zone are indeed connected to the ZIP code which you enter in the app. It's US-only for now. That means that the weather forecast is useless and that you cannot set an alarm, unless you subtract the correct number of hours depending on the ZIP code you entered.

The Amazon Echo app is only available on the US AppStore (I'm using an iPhone), so you'll need to create a US Apple Account to be able to download it. I had one already, so that was no issue for me.

I'll keep you posted if I figure out any workarounds.

[ldejongh]

Hi migmog

I live in Dubai and have an Amazon Prime membership. The Echo works just fine outside the US, however location is currently tied to a US postal code. I use Seattle (the default) since it's 12 hours difference and thus easier to do time conversions. Of course this means time-specific alarms are out by 12 hours.

Asking for time or weather in a specific city or country is easy. The default city is Seattle, however I simply ask for the time/weather in Dubai, or Cape Town or wherever I'm interested in. The news updates are US-specific, though I suspect at some point it will become more international.

I connected all my Bluetooth devices to the Echo. My Bose PC speakers (Companion 5) don't deliver great sound to the kitchen, however the centrally-placed Echo is clearly audible, so I stream music or YouTube or any other audio from my phone, laptop or PC (using an Inateck BT 4.0 USB adaper) to the Echo for playback. And the Echo can be moved to where you are.

If you have a good music collection or YouTube playlist, not having Amazon Prime may not be an issue when it comes to music playback via Echo. It also supports other music streaming services.

The Echo app is freely available on the Amazon Appstore here in Dubai. I had a Blackberry Z10 and recently purchased the Z30 to replace it - the Amazon Appstore is preinstalled with the OS and the Echo app is easily downloadable. I added it to my Android tablet quite easily too. You should have no problems with this.

I hope that helps you a little bit. Any other questions, please ask.

[gradyr1953]

I've sent in a recommendation that the location parameter be accepted in lat/long as well as ZIP code. I'd suggest that all non-USA users do the same, to move that request up the priority list.

[threed]

I can confirm that it does indeed work in Canada.  I am lucky as I live on the border and use the zip code from the U.S. side.

[Monty]

Noob here! As my first post to this forum, I will chime in with "It works great in Mexico", but of course it works best with a VPN!

Have had my Echo for a couple months and have done quite a bit of experimenting with IFTTT, Smartthings light bulbs, and WeMo light bulbs. Of course Amazon does not yet have direct functionality for these like the Hue lights. And with WeMo, the Echo can control switches and outlets, but not their light bulbs for some reason!

Anyway, for time and location purposes, I use Tucson, AZ, as it matches my Mexico time zone all year around.

My VPN is full time, full house (Witopia customized Cloakbox; no device limits).

Monty

[ScarlettPhoenix]

Is Little Havana considered part of the USA? LOL!!  Yes, it does work there as well.   

[someyankinrio]

I've had mine in Rio de Janeiro for a few days. It works but..... for time, weather and other bits of current info I need to append my request with "in Rio de Janeiro". I spoke to Amazon support and was told it's high on their to-do list

[migmog]

Got my echo and love it!
I have to tag on "in Edinburgh" to common requests, and oddly I have to say "Edinburgh, Scotland" to get the weather.
-->Alexa, What's the time?
It's 11.11
-->Alexa, What's the time in Edinburgh?
"The time in Edinburgh is 4.11pm"
-->Alexa, What's the weather?
"Currently, in Germantown, MD it is 24 degress..."
-->Alexa, What's the weather in Edinburgh?
"Currently, in Edinburgh, MD it is 24 degress..."
-->Alexa, What's the weather in Edinburgh, Scotland?
"Currently, in Edinburgh United Kingdom it's 17 degrees..."

Ha ha ha! I think Alexa is a No voter :-)
And I had no idea there was an Edinburgh in Maryland

TuneIn works just fine, and when you say it like this it sounds quite retro which I like
-->Alexa, Tune in to BBC Radio Scotland
"BBC Radio Scotland on TuneIn"  *plays radio station*

It doesn't recognise my Amazon music files. Not a big deal as I usually listen to the radio, and I can bluetooth my favourite music from my phone. Shame it doesn't stream using DLNA as that's what all my other gizmos can do.

I don't care about any of these localisation issues, it is an awesome thing :-)

[Monty]

There is really no reason, IMO, that Amazon should restrict normal operation to the USA. After all, how long before they (Amazon) become global? We now have an official Amazon website here in Mexico. While much of the electronic gear is still "Importacion", much is stocked/shipped within Mexico as well.

And with the current US$/MX$ currency exchange rate, I found it very economical to order an imported item and pay the duty. My item is in transit, so will see how it all goes.

Monty

[roadbug]

Well I received my Echo today and it works great.  Used the app to put a  TuneIn station in and it started playing.  Asked it for the weather and it gave me the weather for where my VPN terminates in the states.  I then asked it for the weather for my location (Grodno) and she replied she did not know that location. I then asked for weather in Minsk and she gave me the full run down for today and tomorrow.  Minsk is just far enough away (3-4 hour drive)for the weather to be different, so will have to figure out some way to let her know where Grodno is located I guess.  As someone suggested it would be great if they would allow you to put in your location by latitude and longitude, as I know that information ffom a couple of other apps I use.
My wife loves it as she can control it as well.

[fnowling]

And I had no idea there was an Edinburgh in Maryland

There is one in Texas too.
They were High School football rivals.

Frank