How to find free internet access while traveling
The authorities of many cities skillfully use the Internet addiction of modern tourists. Last year, Germany's national tourist board even launched its own city Wi-Fi search app called Youth HotSpot (there are free versions for Android and iOS). And sometimes cities with good Wi-Fi are not where you expect them to be.
1. Taipei, Taiwan
Recently, it has become much easier to go online in Taiwan. Travelers can register on a special website before arriving in the country, where they can get free access to a Wi-Fi network with 5,000 access points for a whole month. This is a government initiative, all iTaiwan hotspots are indicated on a special map.
2. Florence, Italy
The Firenze Card Tourist Card (firenzecard.it) costs €72 but allows free entry to most major museums, public transport and includes 72 hours of free city Wi-Fi. There are many connection points throughout the city center, including in popular parks and squares. The open-air sculpture gallery of the Loggia de Lanzi can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful Wi-Fi zones in the world.
3. Tel Aviv, Israel
In 2013, a free city Wi-Fi network appeared here for residents and tourists. 80 hotspots are scattered throughout the center: they are on the Mediterranean coast and in Old Jaffa. Just look for a network called free_tlv.
4. Helsinki, Finland
In the capital of Finland, you can get online quickly and without a password thanks to a network of hotspots in public spaces, squares, and even in some city buses and trams (you can find them on the map). Can't wait to connect to the internet? This can be done immediately after landing at Helsinki Airport.
5. Hong Kong
One of the most futuristic metropolises in the world, as expected, offers visitors free internet. There are several public Wi-Fi networks, the main ones are GovWiFi (in parks, libraries, public spaces, at ferry piers) and MTR WiFi (you can get 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi up to five times a day at MTR stations). Buying an official tourist SIM card (Tourist SIM) for 69 Hong Kong dollars, you can access another 12,000 Wi-Fi hotspots.
6. Macau, China
Macau competes with its neighbors for the attention of tourists and offers free internet through the WiFiGo network from 8:00 to 13:00. There are about 150 connection points in the city, so there is almost always Wi-Fi near you. This includes ports, museums and tourist information centers. One session is limited to 45 minutes. After that, you can log out and immediately reconnect. WiFiGo hotspots can be found on Google or on a special map.
7. Paris, France
Paris is another European city with a public Wi-Fi network. Tourists have access to 200 connection points, the session can last up to two hours in a row without a limit on the number of connections. Simply search your phone, tablet or laptop for the Paris Wi-Fi network.
8. New York, USA
In the tech capital of the East Coast, you don't have to look for a hotel with Wi-Fi. It is usually found in fast food establishments and coffee shops. Free Wi-Fi is also available in public spaces, including 16 parks and tourist hotspots like Times Square and Battery Park. In tourist information centers, you can get several maps where city hotspots are marked. Free Wi-Fi is available at 36 metro stations, and will soon appear at 40 more.
9. Perth, Australia
Australia's most connected city has a large Wi-Fi network in central shopping malls, cafes and downtown. The Perth Wi-Fi network was launched in November 2013, and in the near future the authorities plan to provide free Internet to remote areas. One session is limited to an hour (50 MB), after which you can immediately connect again.