While charging my laptop and phone, I realized that not all cafés or restaurants support all types of power plugs. Some sockets only work with certain adapters, and if you’re from another country, charging can suddenly become a problem.
For digital nomads, travelers, remote workers, and even local users, this kind of information would be very helpful when choosing a place to work or stop for coffee.
I know Google Maps already shows Wi-Fi availability in some places. Adding power plug details could be another small feature with big impact.
What do you think?
Would this be useful in your country too?
Nice idea. One challenge would be to correctly name and reduce the number of plugs available. In my opinion this is very complicated. Just take a look at this website:
That’s such a nice little detail to notice @SophatCHY, if Google Maps can implement this attribute or tag it would help many travellers and working professionals (Including me)
Good point @SophatCHY The first point for cafés and restaurants should be the question “Are there power outlets for customers at all?” The type of outlet in Germany would be clearly Schuko in 99%, I guess. In Italy we often did have have that problem in hotels or B&B, since there might be three different types.
Also in Switzerland, where you might need to borrow an adapter at the hotel reception.
Very good point @SophatCHY. When we travel, my wife has a kit with a variety of adapters, so we can usually find something that works. But that extremely long list @MortenCopenhagen posted is a surprise to me.
Good point @SophatCHY
Definitely it could be useful for travelers.
Normally when I’m traveling I bring with me an universal travel adapter to avoid the problem.
Already noon and you are still dreaming @MortenCopenhagen In theory, we should have a standard within the EU, but only in theory. Every household, I saw in Italy has dozens of adapters …
A photo from a hotel in Italy. Those were not our own adapters, but those provided by the hotel to attach TV, fridge and other devices in the room:
Thanks, @Dinithea, for the suggestion. Yes, adding this detail in reviews is something I already try to do, but I was thinking a structured field on Google Maps could make it more visible and consistent for everyone.
Thank you, @TusharSuradkar. Exactly my thought. Small details like this can make a big difference, especially for international travelers and remote workers who rely heavily on Google Maps.
That’s a very valid point, @MortenCopenhagen. I agree it can get complicated quickly. Maybe a simplified option could work, like “power outlets available: yes/no” or “universal socket available,” without going too deep into all plug types.
Thanks @tony_b, for sharing your experience. Many travelers prepare well, but for first-time visitors or spontaneous stops, having this info on Maps could still be very helpful.
@WilfriedB That photo really shows the reality well. Even within the same country or building, it can be very mixed. This is exactly why I thought some basic visibility on Maps could help set expectations.
Thank you, @Noorx1302, so much! I’m glad you find it useful. Yes, if Google Maps could add this as an attribute or simple tag, it would really help travelers and people working on the go like us.
In theory, we should have a standard within the EU, but only in theory. Every household, I saw in Italy has dozens of adapters …