diff --git a/matrix-util.js b/matrix-util.js
index bbdbad1..cd77763 100644
--- a/matrix-util.js
+++ b/matrix-util.js
@@ -26,7 +26,11 @@ function MatrixUtil(options) {
 MatrixUtil.prototype.updateBuddyState = function(jid, state, statusText, resource) {
     if (!jid) {return; }
     if (jid == 'undefined') {return; }
-    jid = jid.toLowerCase();
+
+    try {
+        jid = jid.toLowerCase();
+        jid = jid.toLocaleString();
+    } catch(e) { }
 
     if (!resource) {
         resource = 'undefined';