cheap Internet access-Europe for visitors

[shootingstar]

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 ) ..but probably very expensive.

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

[Tuckervill]

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

[Triskeliongirl]

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).

[Biciclista]

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

[papaver]

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

Karen

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.

[shootingstar]

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

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?

[papaver]

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

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?

i'll look it up for you.

[papaver]

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)