What tasks is it reasonable to get done while in layover, rather than in advance? [closed]

A lot depends on where you are going and where you have your layover.

If you are going somewhere quite expensive and stopping somewhere cheap, then maybe you could get things like a plug adapter at a better price (even with the airport premium). Doing the reverse, then wait til you get to your destination.

Of course then there is the issue as to whether the intermediate stop will sell adapters that work with your home plug and your destination's sockets.

Changing money, definitely something to do during your 2nd layover between international and domestic. Changing money at home or during your first layover is a bad idea as the exchange rates will be poorer.

Once you reach your destination, changing at the airport versus changing at a bank in downtown versus using an ATM depends on what country you are in.

Best course of action, relax, grab a bite to eat or drink, have a shower. Give yourself some time off from "work".

Yes airports always charge a premium. People mostly buy stuff there because they're bored or absolutely have no choice. Though probably for the money-changing bit you could be ok, but as stated in the comment it's better to just use the ATM at the arriving airport anyway. Unless you need power immediately, you can also just buy a power adapter in the country you arrive in. Hotels and hostels usually have a lot of leftovers too that you can borrow.

It is better to do what you can before you set off, because you don't know that your journey is actually going to follow the itinerary the airline gave you. There may be delays or cancellations or you might be re-routed, leaving you with no time except running from one plane to another.

Sometimes you can find a good deal on alcohol or tobacco but you do need to know what a good deal is before you see it. And be aware that you may be liable for duty if you exceed whatever allowance you're permitted.

I used to use the layover time to get extra work done, but these days I sit back with a beer and browse Stack Exchange instead.

Reasonable tasks to do on a layover:

• Work
• Find entertainment
• Eat
• Sleep (have a good plan to wake up) or stay in a day room.

I prefer not to buy things other than necessities (food, medicine) at a layover airport, especially things I'll want at my destination:

• Anything I buy on layover is one more thing I have to manage on the planes.
• It may not be compatible with my destination. Even if the store staff says it is. Oh, and good luck with a return.

Regarding changing money:

• Read this on travel.stackoverflow.com

The one thing I would recommend you purchase at your destination airport is a SIM. The staff should be very familiar dealing with foreign travelers and, if there's a special 'visitors/tourist' SIM, it will be easier to get there.