To take external battery charger or not?
 

I don't know if you guys will take battery charger with you or not when travelling abroad. Since for a short-term trip (less than 10 days), I don't think it necessary to get a local phone card and therefore I won't be using the phone much and the power won't be a problem.

My phone is used as a calculator, a camera and to check email, look-up something etc when wifi is available, to listen to music or play games. I also provide the airline with the number in case they change the flight times (has happened more than once). I always take my charger, it does not weigh much and takes almost no space, take an universal adapter as well although one may be available at your hotel.

No, I always take battery charger with me. I think it is necessary to carry while you travel because in case your phone battery get down then you can charge it immediately.

I always brought my battery charger with me even i used to go for short trip. Because my phone is always with me when i am getting bored during travel so that's why.

How long does a charge last? How heavy is the charger?
I don't take trips that short, so I always take a charger, hasn't overweighted me yet.

I would take my phone charger even if I was only going on an overnight trip. My rule is if I'm taking something electronic, I'm taking what is needed to charge it. Thankfully, nowadays most gadgets are using micro USB ports for charging and one cord will charge most of my electronics.

Definitely take your charger. Most chargers are the size of a small pack of gum - not sure why you wouldn't bring it.

I think you guys misunderstood me. The battery charger, I mean, is the power bank, not the original cable the phone carries. But thanks for all of your answers, I've looked around and at the end got a RavPower 10400mAh, it's a great one. Being able to charge 2 devices at the same time, large capacity and portable. If you guys wish to get one, here's the deal: http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-10400...dp/B009V5X1CE/

Nope - never take anything like that. Just charge my phone and other devices just like I would at home. The only time I could see taking something like this is if I was going to be someplace without electrical outlets.

Now your question makes more sense! :)

I'm with november_moon, I'd consider taking something like that if there was sporadic or no power supply. And then I would consider getting something like this:

http://store.solio.com/Solio-Store/C...rger-S13-AF1RW

I've actually thought of getting this as part of an emergency preparedness kit to keep at home.

I had an early model of the Solio and it was kind of a pain to use, but that was 5+ years ago. It looks like they have made some significant improvements though.

How about emergencies? I think it is no harm to bring an external battery charger when you are outside travelling. It keeps your phone live all the time and you never lose contact with your family. I have been used the RAVPower 10400mAh which I am happy with.