When travelling, carrying a fully charged mobile phone can come in handy. Aside from helping us deal with last-minute delays, emergencies, urgent matters and “Googling” directions while overseas, it also helps us stay connected with our loved ones while we are away. Indeed, the convenience of travel depends partly on the percentage of our phone or laptop’s battery, and that’s why numerous Southeast Asian countries have started installing charging stations in their airport terminals. To make things even easier, we’ve compiled a handy guide on where to find these charging stations for times when you find your battery on red.
Charging station etiquette
No matter how you choose to charge your devices, keep these charging station etiquette tips in mind:
- If you don’t have a device to charge or you’re already done charging your device(s), move away from the charging station to allow other travellers to power up before takeoff.
- If there are no empty spaces available to plug in, but you see someone else’s device is fully charged, don’t unplug it. First, identify whose device it is by asking passengers standing or seated near the charging station. Most people stand at or keep a close eye on their devices, so it shouldn’t be hard to identify whose electronics are occupying the space you want.
- Keep an eye on your device. Some charging stations have seating. Make yourself comfy while waiting for your device to charge, so they don’t go on a one-way trip without you.
- If you must walk away from your device, return periodically to check on the charging progress. Don’t keep fully charged electronics plugged in as other travellers may be equally eager to charge their devices before takeoff.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport is one of the best, not to mention busiest, airports in the world. Welcoming over 50 million passengers per year, this ultra-modern airport offers comfort and ease for every traveller with more than 800 free airport charging points for various mobile phone models across all of its terminals (the most popular locations are the ones located in Terminal 3, Level 2 and in Terminal 2, Level 2).
Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan’s main international airport has been awarded for its service quality, as well as for its able airport staff (in fact, it won Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport award in 2015). Apart from a major upgrading project the airport is currently undergoing, it has also made sure its passengers are able to stay connected by installing free charging stations, which you’ll find in Terminal 2 near gates C5, B4 and A6, the lounges, as well as the e-library Waiting Lounge.
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
There is no shortage of airport charging stations in Hong Kong’s HKIA terminals. Apart from the phone and laptop battery recharge service available at a cost by Worldwide Flight Services on Level 6 and 7 of Terminal 1 and Level 5 of Terminal 2, you’ll find over 1,000 plug points scattered across the airport, from the Express Station to numerous boarding gates, which you can use for free as long as you have a proper travel adapter that observes the airport’s safety regulations.
Yangon International Airport, Yangon, Myanmar
As Myanmar’s main international gateway, the Yangon International Airport is the country’s busiest and largest airport. While it is still in the midst of further expansion, the authorities understand the importance of modern technology such as mobile phones and laptops for every traveller, which is why Yangon‘s airport has appointed numerous airport charging stations sponsored by Samsung in the waiting areas.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
As one of the most frequented cities in world, Bangkok’s airport is obviously one of the busiest. And for the millions of tourists who traverse Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the charging stations available for phones, tablets and portable computers all across the airport make powering up easy to do. For additional convenience, the airport has listed specific locations where you can find them: Terminal on fourth floor (two stations), Concourse A on second floor (one station), Concourse B on second floor (one station), Concourse B on third floor (one station), Concourse C on fourth floor (one station), Concourse D on third floor (three station), Concourse E on fourth floor (one station), Concourse F on fourth floor (one station), Concourse G on fourth floor (one station).
Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia
You can find several free airport charging kiosks for mobile phones at Jakarta’s international airport in Terminal 3, Level 2. Strategically located near the elevators (for easy spotting!), these stations allow travellers to power up various models of mobile phones.
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines
People might have difficulties finding charging stations in Manila’s four airport terminals, but you’ll find that there a quite a lot if you pay attention, ask the concierge, or read this guide. Apart from the power outlets you’ll find everywhere, which you can use for free as long as you have the right adapter, there are also specific charging stations for mobile phones and laptops at the different terminals. In Terminal 2, commonly known as the Centennial terminal, you’ll find charging stations near the departure areas, while the charging stations in Terminal 3 are situated near the check-in counters and departure areas.
Main image: istockphoto/Prasit Rodphan
