Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Using Wi-Fi and Data Roaming
A good approach is to use free Wi-Fi wherever possible, and fill in the gaps with data
roaming.
Wi-Fi
(sometimes called “WLAN”)—Internet access through a wireless router—is
readily available throughout Europe. But just like at home, the quality of the signal may
vary. Be patient, and don't get your hopes up. At accommodations, access is often free,
but you may have to pay a fee, especially at expensive hotels. At hotels with thick stone
walls, the Wi-Fi router in the lobby may not reach every room. If Wi-Fi is important to
you, ask about it when you book—and be specific (“in the rooms?”). Get the password
and network name at the front desk when you check in.
When you're out and about, your best bet for finding free Wi-Fi is often at a café.
They'll usually tell you the password if you buy something. Or you can stroll down a café-
lined street, smartphone in hand, checking for unsecured networks every few steps until
you find one that works. Some towns have free public Wi-Fi in highly trafficked parks or
piazzas. You may have to register before using it, or get a password at the TI.
Data roaming
—that is, accessing the Internet through the cellular network—is handy
when you can't find useable Wi-Fi. Because you'll pay by the megabyte (explained earli-
er), it's best to limit how much data you use. Save bandwidth-gobbling tasks like Skyping,
watching videos, or downloading apps or emails with large attachments until you're on
Wi-Fi. Switch your phone's email settings from “push” to “fetch.” This means that you
can choose to “fetch” (download) your messages when you're on Wi-Fi rather than having
them continuously “pushed” to your device. And be aware of apps—such as news, weath-
er, and sports tickers—that automatically update. Check your phone's settings to be sure
that none of your apps are set to “use cellular data.”
I like the safeguard of manually turning off data roaming on my phone whenever I'm
not actively using it. To turn off data and voice roaming, look in your phone's menu—try
checking under “cellular” or “network,” or ask your service provider how to do it. If you
need to get online but can't find Wi-Fi, simply turn on data roaming long enough for the
task at hand, then turn it off again.
Figure out how to keep track of how much data you've used (in your phone's menu,
look for “cellular data usage”; you may have to reset the counter at the start of your trip).
Some companies automatically send you a text message warning if you approach or ex-
ceed your limit.
Internet Calling
