Airport Scam for your Camera Batteries costing up to £80

Warning

I was advised this week from one of our customers returning from one of Our fabulous trips to the Far East of an elaborate and shocking scam going on in airports in China. His words not mine. (see i’m getting good at these controversial comment disclaimers)

There are no signs up and they will not give you any warning but you are apparently only allowed to carry one Battery for your Camera and if you have two one will be confiscated without notice. Whats more the laws on Batteries and electronics are so hard to understand.

From what I can understand through extensive research there are generally two types of batteries used in Cameras and consumer electronics they consist of Dry cell rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad). Lithium ion batteries (including rechargeable lithium, lithium polymer, LIPO, secondary lithium) which are allowed, but with some limits.

You can travel with these batters if they are safely installed within the devise or are packed safely using a plastic salable bag to protect the battery from short circuit.

Passengers may carry consumer-sized lithium ion batteries with no more than 8 grams of equivalent lithium content or 100 watt-hours (Wh) of power per battery]. This size covers AA, AAA, 9-volt, cell phone, PDA, camera, handheld game, standard laptop computer batteries, camcorder batteries, and many drone batteries.

Spare Rechargeable batteries are not allowed of any kind in checked baggage unless in equipment when it will be allowed. This is in case the batteries come into contact with other batteries or coins and other loose metal. With me so far?

Then there are wattage and capacity and size limits.

To be honest with you after much research I’m still utterly perplexed how you get spare Camera batteries on an aircraft. If you are traveling to a part of the world  where you plan on photography your memories I suggest you read clear guidelines on traveling with electronics.

Have you had an experience of confiscation on electronics I would like to hair from you.

p.s. This is yet another reason why cruising is such a good idea. did you see what I did there so predictable. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.