cheap Internet access-Europe for visitors

[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.

[papaver]

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.

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

[papaver]

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

[OakLeaf]

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.

[Possegal]

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.

[papaver]

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

Both I think.

[shootingstar]

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???

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

[Duck on Wheels]

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.