Using an Internet Cafe

The terminals have a timer on them, and you may be directed to one or just choose one, sign in as directed by the counter clerk - they usually sell coffee and other stuff - and it costs about 1-3 euro per hour. Don't forget to sign out and close all websites you open. Then you pay when you leave whatever amount is on your timer. They may differ slightly, but that's the basic concept.

Some you prepay and get a ticket, some you post pay, some you enter your credit card and it charges it accordingly. Varies depending on what software the place is using and how the owner set it up. I would avoid checking bank statements, moving money, etc. There are stories abound (although I believe grossly exaggerated) of people getting passwords stolen via keyloggers etc.

We needed internet access in France and looked for cyber cafes, there were not many to be found. I think with all the smart phones and wifi available internet cafes are a thing of the past already. You will need your passport because of terrorism laws in France it is harder to get online there than it is in the U.S. Some hotels had computers in the lobby for going online. A smart phone on wifi is the way to go.

As another person posted, the payment process varies. Mostly I have seen a front desk arrangement. Belly up to the counter, hand over the fee, and you get a ticket with a log-in and password. Choose whatever computer you want. The log-in and password combo tells the machine you how long you have - so the timer starts counting down when you log in, and warns you when you've got, say, 10 minutes left. As of November, the price at Milkbar in Paris (I know you will be in Toulouse, but just for a comparison...) was 3 Euros an hour. And yes, these days there are fewer internet cafes around, but they are still out there. I've seen groups of teenage boys hanging out playing video games en masse... so they seem to still have some life in them! Here's a site for one place in Toulouse: http://www.net-inov.com/cybercafe_toulouse_cybercafe/cybercafe_toulouse.html Oh - and a BIG NOTE: European keyboards are laid out differently than the standard American Qwerty keyboard, so ask the attendant if they have American keyboards. The European ones are fine once you have gotten used to them, but it's irritating to waste time hunting and pecking for the @ character and so forth, when you are paying by the hour!

Mary, As the others have said, the payment methods differ a bit between different shops. The most common method I've found is to speak with the Attendant first. He'll point you to a machine and possibly provide a Password. Regarding "what does it cost", the rates will generally be posted, or you can ask. When you're finished, it's a good idea to clear the Cache, if you know how to do that (some Net Cafés have their PC's set up to do that automatically). Go back to the Attendant and pay for the time used. As Kira mentioned, the European keyboards are laid out differently and the @#$% French keyboards are the most difficult for me (which is one reason I always travel with a Netbook now!). If you're used to touch typing, you WON'T be able to work quickly, which will use more net time. Some Net Cafés provide American-style keyboards, and others don't. Happy travels!

it's less common now in western europe with wifi everywhere, so if you have something works with wifi you can get it for free in many places. they're still very common in eastern europe. just go in and ask the attendent it's usually around 1euro or less for like an hour, so it's dirt cheap you don't have to worry about. a lot of times the pc has a timer so they can't cheat you. some hotel/hostel have free pc you can ask about using it. most peple using these cafes are just kids for IM or games, so I think 15 min is enough for you with email, fb, etc.

I was in Germany a few weeks ago and yes they're a LOT less internet cafes then even 2 years ago. Like stores that sell CD's you may have to look a bit to find one.

I don't know about France, but public libraries in the U.K. had computers you could pay a small amount to use. I've used them, but I'd be more hesitant to do so these days for fear that some kid had successfully loaded a keylogger on it. (A keylogger is a program that surreptitiously keeps track of everything typed or even clicked on a computer. This information can then be recovered later, or it might even be sent in the background to an email address or web site.) Wifi over a SSL/TLS connection is more secure.

When I was in France and encountered the French keyboards at internet cafes (often they only have 1 or 2 computers that actually have English keyboards and they are frequently being used), several of the workers, knowing I was American, came over and adjusted the setting of the computer I was assigned to so I could type the same as if I was using an English keyboard. Obviously, this will only work for you if you are able to type without looking down at the keys. If you don't want to lug a heavy laptop and you have the money to spend now, you may want to consider investing in an iPad. It's lightweight and serves multiple functions when traveling - check email & bank accounts, listen to music when you are back at the hotel, watch movies on the airplane, travel apps, etc. You may even be able to find a factory refurbished iPad online at the Apple store which will have a warranty.

If you are in a decent sized city, you may find a lot of internet cafes. I would do a google search to find the locations or just ask your hotel front desk. I use them occasionally here in Frankfurt when my computer decides not to play nice. Price at the place near me is 1.50 euro per hour. I walk in, they tell me which computer to use, and when I am done, I pay for the amount of time I used. They figure it in 15 min. increments, and there is a little time clock on the screen that lets me know how long I have been on line.