finding free WiFi hotspots while traveling

[haven]

Here's a thread to share ideas about finding free WiFi hotspots while away from familiar territory. Share your ideas and software.

Idea #1: http://www.wefi.com/maps
WeFi offers a web page that identifies free WiFi service hotspots near the location you enter. Use a specific street address, a zip code, a city name, even lat/long coordinates to specify the location you're interested in. WeFi overlays the map with the WiFi hotspots nearby. Sometimes there are so many hotspots that you have to zoom in the map to see them.

The WeFi database of hotspots is kept up-to-date by people who choose to download the WeFi app to their mobile device. You don't need to download the app to use the service, however.

Wefi is a company that develops WiFi monitoring software for system administrators. Use of their hotspot finder is free.


Idea #2: Boingo WiFinder app, http://www.boingo.com/
for Android, iPhone, Windows and Macintosh computers

For years, Boingo has offered paid access to its network of hotspots. Lots of hotels use Boingo to provide service to guests. Now Boingo's app shows free access points as well as Boingo's pay-to-play access points. You can configure the WiFinder app to automatically connect you to a free hotspot as you pass nearby. The app works world-wide.

Share your ideas here.

 

[haven]

Finding free WiFi when you're traveling is a challenge. How can you use the Internet to find hotspots when you don't have Internet access?

One approach is to plan ahead. Look for WiFi hotspots near your destination prior to your arrival. If I know I'll be in High Island, Texas tomorrow to observe the bird migration, then I can look for WiFi possibilities near High Island before I travel.

A second approach is to use a data contract with your cell phone provider to browse the web to find a hotspot near your location. Then switch from 3G to WiFi when you arrive at the hotspot. This saves time and money.

Third, consider an app like the Boingo WiFinder mentioned above. It automatically tells you when you're in range of a free hotspot.

Fourth, look for a McDonald's or Starbucks. Both companies offer free WiFi in a great many of their stores. Other locations that often offer free WiFi access include Wal-Mart and Sams Club stores, bookstores like Borders and Barnes and Noble, and many city libraries.

What's your favorite way to find free WiFi service?

 

[dwh]

My fav?

http://www.aircrack-ng.org/

 

[kai38]

I've used McDonalds when on the road so far I have come across only one that didn't have free WiFi but it was connected to a gas station in Searchlight NV.
Try public libraries or parking lots of hotels to "borrow" their WiFi

 

[4xdog]

WiFi Get on the iPad.

 

[Lynn]

Anybody really interested in getting the most from free WiFi, especially in their vehicle, should research Wardriving (mapping hotspots as a hobby).

I'd call it a 'fringe' hobby, and there's bound to be a lot of illegal activity going on, but there is some great info out there about techniques and equipment.

 

[Antichrist]

There are also hotspot locator devices such as:
http://www.buy.com/prod/802-11b-g-w...in/q/sellerid/29345858/loc/101/216778377.html
There is also open source software that works with a number of wireless cards.

 

[dzzz]

I find I don't bother hunting for wifi much anymore now that 3G works well. I think it amounts to a couple dollars per day when traveling. Even the "2G" E service seems to have improved. Not good enough to surf, but fine for mail. I find 3G is almost always faster than free wifi. "Borrowed" wifi can be very good, of course. But too much luck involved finding a fast connection.

I suspend my comcast service at home when traveling. My data on the road is less expensive than at home.

I've even watched netflix on my laptop over 3G. Can't do it every day and stay under the 4 gig cap, but maybe 5 movies a month is O.K.

I find the "personal hotspot" on the iphone works great. I understand android phones have had this for awhile.

 

[Mike S]

I travel all over the West. I just stop at truck stops (free WiFi) or libraries (free WiFi), there is a lot of free access out there. Or buy a USB 3G cell modem.

 

[Toyotero]

I've used McDonalds when on the road so far I have come across only one that didn't have free WiFi but it was connected to a gas station in Searchlight NV.
Try public libraries or parking lots of hotels to "borrow" their WiFi

I just go to McDs as well. ATT has the contract with them (got it when they bought Wayport a few years ago, you'll notice the SSID). I think about 99% of them are equipped. Also, I think that Starbucks are no longer membership and are open. Tourist information centers typically have wifi as well as some rest stops and hotels without WEP. That's how I connect when on the road.

 

[Bigjerm]

Hotels have been good for wifi but they are starting to switch to passwords with room numbers and last name. McDonalds and Starbucks are great and are located just about everywhere.

 

[Lynn]

Speaking of hotels, I've noticed on business trips that the more expensive hotels (Hilton, etc.) charge for WiFi, parking, breakfast, everything, while the cheaper hotels (Best Western, etc.) supply it for free.

Seems strange to me, but maybe it's because most business travelers can 'expense' the charges, while the cheaper hotels get more vacation travelers, so have to be more competitive?

 

[Toyotero]

Speaking of hotels, I've noticed on business trips that the more expensive hotels (Hilton, etc.) charge for WiFi, parking, breakfast, everything, while the cheaper hotels (Best Western, etc.) supply it for free.

Seems strange to me, but maybe it's because most business travelers can 'expense' the charges, while the cheaper hotels get more vacation travelers, so have to be more competitive?

That is exactly it. The business model is targeting business travelers who expense it.... who else would pay $12 per day for internet? (that was Wayport's price a few years ago in hotels)

 

[orangeTJ]

A lot of the Safeway stores have WiFi.

Safeway is a large grocery store chain in some of the western states.

www.safeway.com

 

[orangeTJ]

I extend my range with one of these:

http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/captifi-wifi-antenna.php

I have a fold down ratcheting style marine antenna mount attached to the roof rack of my truck camper, and place the antenna up there when needed.