cheap Internet access-Europe for visitors

:eek:Help. :(

My partner's laptop computer became non-functional even before the plane left Vancouver. He's been trying to fix the problem since then.

Now he's in Paris and will be cycling his way to Brussels. Apparently Internet paid access at hotel is quite expensive.

1. Ok...do the public libraries in large European cities offer free/low cost Internet access via their public computers within the library? Yes, I am a librarian but I don't know the differences in this area for public libraries in Europe.

Here in Canada and U.S., many public libraries do allow visitors limited time to drop by their public library branch and allow you to surf the Internet, including to check webmail. No charge..at least not for the places I've been in Hawaii, New England, Washington state, etc.

2. What other options would you suggest for him as he travels across France and Belgium. (Netherlands is on his way back from Brussels.)

He's looking at buying a laptop which I can see why (long litany of reasons which I won't disclose :o) ..but probably very expensive.

We are so spoiled here in Canada..Internet is cheap and bandwidth gets better and better.

He might be better off getting an I-phone or a Blackberry or some other kind of device that uses the cell phone system to access the internet. It would probably cost less than a new laptop, and he'd have internet wherever he goes (except when there's no cell signal, which is a problem in North America, too).

Maybe he can get a pay-as-you go plan so he doesn't have to sign a contract.

I don't even know if they have Iphones or Blackberrys in Europe.

Karen

I don't recommend using a cell phone for email/internet in europe, since data access on cell phones in europe is usually quite expensive, unless you live there and have a plan w an annual contract.

I don't know about libraries, but when we travelled through europe recently we did fine internet cafes everywhere, and prices are highly variable. Some places don't charge at all, or charge very little, to get you in there although then you are expected to at least get a cup of coffee, etc. (look for free internet signs posted in the windows, and patronize those places).

+internet cafes. That's how I get by in Italy.

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Originally Posted by Tuckervill

I don't even know if they have Iphones or Blackberrys in Europe.

Karen

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LOL!

Sure there are internetcafés everywhere. Libraries do have internetacces (but mostly it's for members only - it depends on the city). Cellphone coverage in Belgium is 100%. Never experienced a phone that is out of reach.
Most mcdonald's have free internet access for customers, and there's a thing called hot spots where there's free wireless internet.

Jeez, he'll experience unique cuisine at MacDonald's. :rolleyes:

Anymore ideas on an ongoing basis would be appreciated. It sounds like his laptop is dead...he's had it for about 5 years and it has been heavily used for every personal and business trip. What is the going price for a laptop there?

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Originally Posted by shootingstar

Jeez, he'll experience unique cuisine at MacDonald's. :rolleyes:

Anymore ideas on an ongoing basis would be appreciated. It sounds like his laptop is dead...he's had it for about 5 years and it has been heavily used for every personal and business trip. What is the going price for a laptop there?

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i'll look it up for you.

A packard bell at 299 euro (photohall, that's a shop you can find in every belgian city)

A Toshiba at 399 (vandenborre, again a shop he'll find in every city in Belgium)

thx Papaver! I've copied and pasted your message for an email to him.

I have this suspicion that he might also end up buying another memory card for his digital camera ...

Appreciate the suggestions so far. He'll be looking out for Internet cafes in the mean time.

I always use Internet cafes, too. Many hotels have free wireless now.

I would suggest being mindful when buying the laptop, if that's the way he goes. Sure he can just pick up a laptop at any big retailer, but it will have a French (or Belgian) Windows installed on it, and AZERTY keyboard. Not the end of the world, but certainly not practical to change.

It might be a better idea to buy a laptop from North America online and get it shipped there (express), in order to have a Canadian version of Windows, Canadian keyboard, etc. on it.

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Originally Posted by Grog

I always use Internet cafes, too. Many hotels have free wireless now.

I would suggest being mindful when buying the laptop, if that's the way he goes. Sure he can just pick up a laptop at any big retailer, but it will have a French (or Belgian) Windows installed on it, and AZERTY keyboard. Not the end of the world, but certainly not practical to change.

It might be a better idea to buy a laptop from North America online and get it shipped there (express), in order to have a Canadian version of Windows, Canadian keyboard, etc. on it.

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You can easily find querty too, and they are mostly cheaper (because they are less wanted) :)

the reason why i wouldn't buy a laptop here is because of the euro. You just pay too much.

Is it the euro, or the import duties? At any rate, +1 to not buying a laptop there.

It's been a couple of years since I've been over, but in the past electronics have usually been the same price in Euro as they are in dollars... which given the exchange rate, makes it much cheaper to buy in dollars. It seems like access varies depending on location, but he should be able to find an Internet cafe anywhere.

I've internet cafed my way around many European countries. :) As long as you are just checking in with emails, and not trying to catch up on all the posts on some message board ;) it isn't too expensive.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Is it the euro, or the import duties? At any rate, +1 to not buying a laptop there.

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Both I think.

Admittedly since he is in a foreign country right now and probably experiencing some cool foreign stuff. This communication cut-off for past 2 days, is abit frustrating. I want to hear the cool stories from him!

Let's see here, yesterday he was somewhere in Chateau Thierry, France. Looks like a wonderful medieval area. He didn't have accommodation lined up in advance there, which is partially why he was annoyed that his computer wasn't working to help himself search and book 1 day in advance from Paris.

This is how he handled planning and dealing with accommodation for longer self-loaded touring rides --just book places at beginning, end and a couple places in between that he would safely predict he could get the hotel on confirmed dates. The rest --play it by ear. You do have to be flexible, not knowing the terrain, weather, etc. on self-planned bike trips.

So hmmmm...he's still in France probably???:o:confused:

As an additional addendum now: he appreciates the reminder about the differences in the computer keyboard due to l'accent requirements.

Everywhere I've tried it, access at libraries has been free, but limited time (usually 30 minute limit) and you often have to wait. Also, you have to ask your way to the local library. That said, it's another part of the travel adventure, right? And you can catch up on the news while you wait because they usually also have English-language newspapers. :)

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

You'd think hotels would offer wireless internet as a compliment by now!!!

Sheesh!