VHS formats refer to the way the tape is coded and will determine in which countries it is likely to playback.  Different format codes are used in different regions.  Before purchasing a videotape online, it is important to know its format.  The following list of formats and countries is provided as a guide, with these formats playing on most VHS players in the countries noted:

VHS Formats

NTSC: United States, Canada, Japan, parts of South America

PAL: Europe (excluding France), Scandinavia, Australia, India, China, Middle East

SECAM: France