Quick answers to the questions Australian travellers ask us most: power banks, the 100ml liquids rule, plug adapters, packing cubes, pickpockets, RFID and sleeping on planes. Airline and airport rules were checked on 16 October 2026; they can change, so check with your airline before you fly.
Disclosure: Trip Topp sells some of the products linked below.
Flying with power banks
Can I take a power bank on a plane in Australia?
Yes, in your carry-on only. Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia allow up to two power banks per person. Power banks up to 100Wh need no approval; 100Wh to 160Wh needs airline approval. A 10,000mAh power bank is about 37Wh, well under the limit.
Shop: Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, 10000mAh
Can I use or charge a power bank during the flight?
Not on Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin Australia. Power banks can't be used or charged onboard, including from in-seat USB ports, and must be kept within reach in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you. Many overseas airlines have similar rules, so check with your airline before you fly. Read more: Best travel tech for Australians.
Travel adapters and voltage
Which travel adapter do I need for Bali, Europe, the US or Japan?
Australia uses Type I plugs. Bali (Indonesia) and most of continental Europe use Type C and F, the UK uses Type G, and the US and Japan use Type A and B. New Zealand uses the same Type I plug as Australia, so you won't need an adapter there. Read more: Plug types by country.
Shop: PlugMate Universal Travel Adapter
Does a travel adapter convert voltage?
No. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage. Australia runs on 230V, the US on 120V and Japan on 100V. Most phone, tablet and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V (check the label) and work anywhere with just an adapter, but single-voltage appliances need a separate voltage converter.
Liquids and toiletries
Is the 100ml liquids rule still in place at Australian airports?
Yes, for international flights. Liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, and all of them must fit in one clear, resealable bag about 20cm x 20cm, one bag per passenger. The limit is the size printed on the container, not how much is left inside. Flights from domestic terminals have no liquids limit. Read more: How to pack travel toiletries.
Shop: PackBottle 90ml Silicone Travel Bottles or the Clear Toiletry Bag
Packing cubes and carry-on weight
What's the difference between packing cubes and compression cubes?
Standard packing cubes sort your clothes into sections so your bag stays organised. Compression cubes add a second zip around the edge; closing it after packing squeezes the cube flatter, so the same clothes take up less room in your bag. Read more: Do compression packing cubes work?
Shop: Compression Packing Cubes
Will packing cubes help me stay under my carry-on weight limit?
They help with space, not weight. Cubes let you fit more in and keep it tidy, but your clothes weigh the same and the cubes add a little weight of their own. Carry-on limits differ by airline and fare, so weigh your packed bag before you leave home. Read more: Packing 7 days in a carry-on.
Why weigh your bag before you fly?
Baggage limits differ by airline, fare and route, and airlines charge for overweight bags at the airport. Weighing at home lets you move items between bags before you leave, and a pocket scale means you can check again before the flight home, after shopping.
Shop: PackCheck Digital Luggage Scale
Pickpockets and anti-theft bags
Do anti-theft bags actually work?
They make you a harder target, which is what matters. Most pickpocketing is opportunistic: thieves look for an open zip or an easy pocket. Features like hidden or lockable zips, pockets that sit against your body and RFID-lined card slots slow a thief down and push them toward an easier target. No bag makes you theft-proof, so wear it in front of you in crowds and keep valuables in the inner pockets. Read more: Anti-theft bag comparison.
Shop: TravelGuard Anti-Theft Sling Bag
How should I wear a travel bag to avoid pickpockets?
Wear it across your body with the bag in front of you, not on your back or hanging behind your hip, especially on public transport, at markets and at busy sights. Keep zips closed between uses and never put your phone or wallet in an outer pocket. Read more: How to avoid pickpockets overseas.
RFID wallets and passports
Is an RFID-blocking wallet worth it?
It's cheap, low-effort protection, but real-world RFID skimming is rare. Contactless payments use a one-time code for each transaction, and card fraud mostly comes from data breaches, phishing and physical theft. RFID blocking costs little and adds no bulk, so it's worth having, but where you carry your wallet matters more than the lining. Read more: Do you need an RFID wallet?
Shop: ZenShield Slim RFID Card Wallet
Will an RFID wallet stop my card working at the checkout?
Only while the card is inside it. Take the card out to tap and it works normally. Phone and watch payments aren't affected.
Do Australian passports have RFID chips?
Yes. Australian ePassports have a chip containing your photo and personal details. It's protected by encryption that uses details printed inside the passport, and an RFID-blocking passport holder adds another layer.
Shop: JetPocket RFID Passport Holder
Sleeping on planes
How do I stop my head falling forward when I sleep on a plane?
Most neck pillows support your head sideways but not forwards, which is why you wake up with your chin on your chest. Turn a U-shaped pillow around so the thicker part sits under your chin, recline your seat if you can, and lean against the window if you have a window seat. Read more: Airport carry-on essentials.
Shop: SnoozeWrap 3-in-1 Sleep Kit
Memory foam or inflatable neck pillow: which is better?
Memory foam is more comfortable and holds its shape, but takes up more room. An inflatable pillow packs down to pocket size and lets you adjust the firmness, but feels less plush. If your carry-on is tight on space, go inflatable.
Shop: NapMate Memory Foam Pillow or the TravelEase Inflatable Pillow
Luggage locks
Do I need TSA-approved locks when flying from Australia?
Locks are fine on checked bags in Australia. If you're flying to or through the United States, US security may need to open your bag: TSA-approved locks can be opened with their master key, while other locks may be cut off.
Shop: TSA Luggage Locks, 2-Pack
Should I lock my carry-on bag?
It isn't required, but a lock deters opportunistic theft from bags in overhead lockers, hotel rooms and luggage storage. Set a code you'll remember and avoid obvious ones like 000 or 123.
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