A search turned up only older posts that discuss ExpressoWiFi, so I would like to ask whether anyone has more recent experience or has found better options. My specific need is for WiFi service in an apartment that doesn't include WiFi. I need to connect to multiple devices, such as a tablet or US cell with international travel plan. I have a TIM pay-as-you-go Italian cell, but I don't think adding internet to it gets me what I need. The ExpressoWiFi website quotes 4 euro per day for the period I need, which isn't cheap but it's less than I saw quoted on other similar companies websites. Has anyone found a better portable WiFi device option? For those who have used ExpressoWiFi, how promptly did they refund the deposit? Any other fees or charges? Any experience with pickup/drop-off at Hotel Pierre in Florence? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
These paid WiFi hotspots are pretty much obsolete unless you can't dig up a smart phone with hotspot capability. Just buy a SIM (or use your existing TIM SIM, perhaps) with a lot of data, that allows tethering/hotspot, and use that. If you don't have a smart phone that can provide the hotspot, invest in a cheap Android phone that can do so.
I've purchased TIM SIM cards before, but on a recent trip through Italy and France, I arrived with a Dutch Vodafone SIM card in my Android phone and use my hotspot extensively. Data roaming was free and will be in a few weeks for all mobile providers per new EU rules abolishing mobile roaming fees.. I had WiFi for my laptop and my tablet on trains and in hotels that had weak WiFi signals. The total cost to me for 3GB of data for a month was 20 Euros plus $7.00 USD for the SIM via eBay.
If you will be only in Italy, you can just buy a new SIM when you arrive (or again, try to use your existing SIM somehow). The Dutch Vodafone SIM could be purchased and activated abroad, whereas Italian SIMs must be registered locally with a copy of your passport, as you probably know from past experience.
Posted by
OP
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Thanks, Andrew. Didn't realize I might be able to use an Italian cell as a hotspot. I kept my old Droid when I got my new cell and was already planning to have my TIM account migrated to it next visit, so I'll check to see if a hotspot option is available. ExpressoWiFi can be my much-more-costly backup plan.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
If you want to use your old phone in Italy, just make sure that 1) it is unlocked and 2) that it has the right frequencies to work in Europe - and particularly at the faster frequencies. Europe uses different GSM frequencies than we use in North America. Your old phone may work only on very slow 2G "edge" frequencies in Europe (I have an Android like that that is 4G in the US). So it may work as a hotspot but also be very slow. Maybe you can live with that. If not, you might consider investing in a better phone for Europe. If you don't visit very often, maybe something like the ExpressoWiFi hotspot would make sense for you on this visit.
If you aren't sure about your old phone's frequency capabilities, you can look them up online using the phone's make and model number. You would want it to work at 900MHZ UMTS (not just GSM) in Europe to be able to use 3G networks for example. 4G would be even better but not as important.