How to Locate Free Wifi Hotspots

Posted on July 27th, 2009 by Elaine

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You’re going to travel to a certain country or city, but you’ll still need to make business transactions and work over the Internet. You won’t need to worry because there with Wifi technology, many places today offer free Internet access. The trick is to find these hotspots, and there are easy ways to do this.

What You’ll Need:

Internet
Laptop
Travel map
Wifi finder

Search the Internet

It’s not surprising that the information you need to get Internet access is found in the Internet itself. Even before you leave for the trip, you can do a search on the Internet for various spots around the area that allow you to connect to the Internet.

Find websites that host different Wifi hotspot directories. You’ll just need to enter local area information (such as a zip code or address) or a search range, and the site will display appropriate results. Click on these results, and you’ll be directed to the page with its map, phone number and address, as well as the type of network.

Before you head to the hotspot, though, call the number give and make sure they still offer Wifi access. Some pages might not be updated and the service not available.

Some Important City Locations Offer Wifi

In many cities today, the places frequented by tourists or businessmen are usually Wifi hotspots. One example is the airport. Hotels also offer free Wifi to guests. Although most require a password before they can be accessed, there are some that offer open connection. Even if you’re outside the hotel, the Wi-Fi signal may be strong enough to be used.

Another common area is in city schools and universities. Wifi is available for students, but you can try and connect to the system, too. Some libraries also have Wifi connection in them. Malls also have Wifi areas

Use A Wi-Fi Finder

Unfortunately, you weren’t able to do research before you left, so you’re left roaming the city with no clue where to get Internet. There’s a simple solution to this: bring a Wifi finder. This is a small and portable battery-operated radio frequency device that scans the airwaves for Wifi broadcasts, with LED lights that help bring the user to the area with greater signal. As you go through the area, this device will help point out areas where you can get free Wifi access.

Find Restaurants And Cafes

It might not be the most budget-friendly solution, but dining or hanging out at certain restaurants or cafes (such as Starbucks) can help you get on the Internet. There are many food establishments today that provide Wifi for their customers. You need to purchase their product, though, before they give you the password. If you want to get your morning coffee or lunch, and access the Internet at the same time, this is the best solution. After all, the comfort, service and food you get will be worth it.

Some Tips:

If you find out from a website that a listed Wifi location is no longer available, make a record in its listing, to help future users.
Some places only offer free Wifi at certain days and hours.
Before you order at a cafe or resto, ask first if they offer free Wifi. If their system is down, then find another establishment nearby.

Many people rely on the Internet, otherwise, their worlds would come crashing down. Save yourself the trouble of roaming around and looking for Wifi with these easy tips. Before you know it, you’ll be surfing the net again.