Used to search for cafes with strong wifi on maps, now I look for ones with power strips near the counter

Back in 2019 I would just wander into any coffee shop in Chiang Mai and hope their wifi worked. Then I spent a whole afternoon at a place where my laptop died after 30 minutes because there was one outlet behind the fridge. Now I literally walk around and count plug spots before ordering anything. Has anyone else switched to scouting for outlets as your first step in a new city?

3 comments

3 Comments

loganthompson22d agoTop Commenter

Whoa, I never even thought about that! But honestly the real game changer for me was realizing I should check for outlets near the window, not the counter. Counter spots get crowded and loud, but window seats have that natural light and usually a plug right underneath. Also learned the hard way that some places hide outlets under tables or behind plants, so now I carry a small power strip in my bag. Its saved me so many times when a cafe only has one working outlet.

the_max21d ago

There's a spot at my local Starbucks on 3rd street where the outlet is literally behind a fake plant in the corner. I felt like a detective finding it lol. @bennett.patricia Japan sounds like a dream, I'd kill for signposted outlets over here. The power strip tip is gold though, I started doing that too after a cafe in Brooklyn only had one plug near the bathroom. Makes you feel like a pro when you walk in and spot all the hidden spots right away.

bennett.patricia22d ago

Oh, I read that cafes in Japan actually have little signs for outlet seats now, @loganthompson, that would have saved me some trouble.