Power Banks for Overseas Travel? (Japan, Jetstar)

wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 11:29
Last edited 03/04/2025 - 13:57 by 1 other user

G'day everyone, I'm travelling overseas for the first time at the end of this year.

I'm going to Japan on Jetstar. I think I've got data sims sorted (Airalo or Travelkon), but I need to sort power banks. It's just for phone/tablet/watch charging. I'm not taking a laptop. It seems that Jetstar allows either 100Wh or 160Wh. Can anyone clarify which it is? They mention both limits in different places on their site. Am I correct in thinking that a 25000mAh power bank is usually equivalent to 100Wh?

From some reading I've done, some people like these Iniu power banks. Others seem to like Anker, but they don't seem to make a 25000mAh model that isn't a laptop charger and therefore expensive.

Am I on the right track here? Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Electrical & Electronics Power Bank

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Comments

  • Porker on 03/04/2025 - 11:46

    Do you still have the links to the Jetstar information stated? Might be an interpretation thing.

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 11:52

      So Jetstar mentions here that batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh require approval. https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/articles/dangerous-goods I assume that would be for medical equipment etc and they probably wouldn't approve a general powerbank of that size? They also link to Qantas' policy which says something similar (https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/dangerous-g…).

      So it seems that 100Wh is the limit. But I've read in various places that even 100Wh power banks can cause issues, especially if they're physically large.

      • Dr Phil on 04/04/2025 - 22:41
        -4

        Some simple guidelines from someone who has travelled on 10hr long international Jetstar flights

        1. You dont need a backup battery charger on board the plane
        2. Most Jetstar aircarft have USB connections for charging your phone etc
        3. Nearly all Tablets and iPads have more than have sufficient charge to watch several movies during the flight.and even for on the way back. Just make sure the movies have been downlaoded to your ipad/Tablet as you wont have internet on board
        4. Dont forget that part of the flight (several hours) is SLEEP
        • wombat81 on 04/04/2025 - 22:53

          Thanks but I really struggle to sleep on planes. But I'm sure it'll be fine.

          I'm not really concerned about requiring power on the flight. It's more for being out so day doing tourist stuff.

          Thanks for the info

  • geoffreyhunter on 03/04/2025 - 12:11
    +2

    I took a Zyron 20000 mah on Jetstar Japan. Cabin baggage only. Great unit with very fast charging and 3 built in cables.
    You won't be disappointed.
    Xray machines are programmed to find chargers in checked in baggage….my snowboard bag was identified in the oversize xray as a suspect…..sure I had 2 items with similar shape….snowboard wax and wax iron
    To convert milliampere-hours (mAh) to watt-hours (Wh) for a power bank, you need to know the battery voltage (V) and use the formula: Wh = (mAh * V) / 1000. Use 5 volts.

  • RichardL on 03/04/2025 - 12:13
    +2

    Refer to this Forum Post.

    Generally anything under 27000mAh should be under the 100Wh limit of most airlines.

    Both Power Bank you have linked are below the 100Wh limit (INIU is 92.5Wh and Anker is 74Wh).

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:27

      Thanks heaps. Great staeting point.

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:28

      Thanks very much. I'd read a few past threads but I hadn't seen that one.

  • geoffreyhunter on 03/04/2025 - 12:18
    +2

    Off topic…
    1.To stay in touch with Australia use the usual Whatsapp, Messenger etc….but also set up wifi calling…and as long as you have an internet connection you can receive sms and send sms (maybe not mms) and call and recieve calls on your Australian 04 number….I wish I had known about this little known feature which became available in April?2024….I'm currently trialling wifi calling in Australia…a little laggy at times…you will see the little symbol appear at top right of your phone…check it out.
    2. Start with 20000yen cash from Australia.
    Get a Bankwest debit card and withdraw further yen from 7 eleven convenience stores….choose yen instead of AUD on the terminal…Bankwest rate always better….you might need to select "credit card" if "debit card" doesn't work. Wise cards have great rates too but charge fees after first 2 $350 withdrawals per month.

    • Mugsy on 03/04/2025 - 14:15
      +3

      Note that wifi calling from overseas only works for services that use the Telstra network. If your provider uses the Optus or Vodafone networks, wifi calling won't work from overseas.

      I personally couldn't get my wife's Boost service to work over wifi calling when she was in China but she was using an esim that was roaming in China and have read that can cause issues with wifi calling and data switching when using two sim/esim services.

      Another consideration if one wants a back up means to call back to Australia is to grab an Amaysim starter pack that's usually on sale at Coles/Woolies… The $40 one is often discounted to $15 and is the best one to use for this hack. Set up an Amaysim account while still in Australia so that all the ID verifications are sorted. The sim card can apparently be activated overseas through the app (assuming you have wifi).

      When activating, don't go on the monthly plan. Get $40 worth of PAYG credit… that credit can then be used to buy a roaming plan… the $25 roaming plan includes 2Gb data and a call/sms allowance. Lasts 365 days too.

      Not a bad back up for $15… in case one loses their main mobile and needs a means to contact home.

      I have a Moto G54 as my back up phone for travel purposes but for anyone who doesn't utilise a back up phone in their setup, having the Amaysim starter pack and an Amaysim account tucked away in the luggage can be a life saver (one just needs to get a mobile phone, download the Amaysim app and login).

      As is a back up debit card.

      On the debit card front, note that it's Mastercard debit cards that are fee free at 711 ATMs between 7am and 7pm. Bankwest, Macquarie and Up are the options of choice here. For VISA debit cards, Aeon bank is apparently fee free for VISA debit cards. Debit card options include ME, Suncorp, uBank, HSBC to name a few that have no hoops.

      • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:37

        Thanks for all that info. I'll have a read in more detail.

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:36

      To stay in touch with Australia use the usual Whatsapp, Messenger etc…

      We use Google Messages. Any issues with that?

      also set up wifi calling

      Well I have wifi calling at home. Is that what you mean? Or is there a different process for using it remotely?

      Thanks for the info on money. Sorting that out is my next step. I'll check out your suggestions.

  • jv on 03/04/2025 - 12:58

    Be aware that you can no longer use these onboard on many airlines.

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:38

      Thanks JV. I have heard that.

  • scrimshaw on 03/04/2025 - 14:07
    +5

    It's just for phone/tablet/watch charging. I'm not taking a laptop.

    you are not going to need a huge powerbank if you don't have high drain devices like laptops, I wouldn't overthink it and buy an overkill powerbank just for the purpose of keeping your device charged on flights. Considering that the heavier the powerbank is the more cumbersome it is to carry it with you on day-to-day activities.

    For my JP trip I carried a smartwatch, smartphone and convertible Windows laptop, but only brought along a 10,000mah powerbank primarily for the phone.

    You'll have plenty of opportunities to charge devices using power outlets at the airport, and the plane should also have at least a 1 amp slow USB charging for phones. (remember to bring a Type A to Type-C cable if you want to use it)

    As a tourist anyway the only device that you'll want to keep topped up is your smartphone, smartwatch and tablet optional. Your tablet should hold enough juice for 5-6 hours of inflight entertainment but a 10,000mah powerbank should be plenty for the entire duration of the flight, for both the phone and tablet. (you'll sleep for a good chunk of the flight anyway)

    • Mugsy on 03/04/2025 - 14:43
      +2

      I concur with this.

      I've been planning a trip to the Kansai region of Japan for some time now (just need to get my wife's and my finances in order first… we've been building a house and need to dispose of our previous property assets to get the house loan manageable).

      Since I can benefit from not overspending on this trip and because it's a pain lugging luggage up and down stairs, I plan on flying with the 7kg carry on only on Jetstar so a powerbank was not a consideration to keep weight down. From my research, there's enough USB ports and power points along the way so having a universal power adapter and USB-A to 'your phone's connector' cable, and keeping one's phone topped up is the way to go.

    • wombat81 on 03/04/2025 - 18:39

      Thanks for that. Useful info.

  • foxmulder on 03/04/2025 - 14:30
    +1

    In mAh, 26800 mAh is the limit for one item. And you can bring 20 of them.

  • DingoBilly on 03/04/2025 - 16:16
    +2

    You probably don't even need one really.

    I've taken a powerbank twice now for two one month trips. It wasn't used once, even with all day sightseeing. There's a lot of chances to charge.

  • djandymarc on 04/04/2025 - 08:52
    +1

    For the flight on jetstars dreamlimers have usb ports on the seats. My seat had a 240v power socket as well under the seat.. For when you are there just buy a multi travel powerbank and take a powerboard from home to plug into the top.
    I got this one..
    https://amzn.asia/d/eRA3thI
    Worked a treat last time i was there.
    As others have said get approx 100000 yen cash just incase. For cards i have an Up account which has an awesome exchange rate and no fees (better than any money exchange) Worked everywhere in japan for me last year.

    • wombat81 on 04/04/2025 - 12:47

      Thanks mate. I've gone with Bankwest but Up does look decent too.

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