WiFi at Internet Cafes

WiFi is easy to find, but typically you have to pay for it. There are a few restaurts/cafes that offer it for free, but they are usually the exception. Starbucks and McDonald's will usually give you 30 free minutes with a purchase, very reasonable rates after that.

Michael is correct that WiFi is prevalent throughout Italy. Most of the internet cafe's do offer a WiFi option. In our neighborhood (near the Vatican), internet access ran 1-2 euro per hour. WiFi access in these same locations was about 3-5 euro per hour depending on the location.

There are NO Starbucks in my neck of the woods (when we go to London or Madrid my wife insists we "visit" three times a day) but McDonald's does do WiFi in town. There was a push to make the entire city of Rome a WiFi-free community but that has faded away. You will find it available in some strange locations - like the Porta Di Roma Mall ... for free!

You will not be allowed to use your computer at an internet cafe' without paying a free as they all have coded access. Good luck!

Ciao,
Ron

Kit - I took my computer with me to northern Italy this summer and did not get anything free. It ran from 3 - 5 Euros per hour. Since it was business, I was using VPN and had trouble at about half the places that I used. I don't know if it was their problem or mine. I don't generally have a problem in the states. The best service I got was a chain outfit in Florence. I think a lot of them have different systems or quiality of equipment. In Montessoro it was horrible.

Keep in mind as well that Internet Access in Italy is controlled as a counter-terrorism measure. So even if it is free, it is not like in the US where you just sit down and surf, you will need to register with the provider, usually by exchanging your passport or ID for an access code.

My experience has been to ask someone on the street where the nearest internet cafe is located. I go there. Sometimes the local will take me there. I have found that walking to any other location on the chance to save a dollar is not worth the time and energy. And when I get there, the dollar saving may not be there.

Yes there is usually a fee what we have always done in Italy is go to a business hotel and use it there. We always had to check with reception first for access then pay after using. Nothing is simple and free any more just plan on paying. Yes they are on the look out for cime associated internet practices, that is why there is tight usage. Prob a good plan for USA too.

Problem with using the wifi at a business hotel is that the rates are usually very expensive, since those hotels cater to businessmen with expense accounts. I find the rates at places like McDonalds more reasonable since cater to a different clientele.