I will have an iPod Touch (Wifi only) in London on vacation, and last time I was in London, I got a MiFi (mobile hotspot) that came in VERY handy (following myself on the bus....getting directions, making reservations). Since then, the company has gone out of business. Has anyone 'rented' a mobile hotspot for not too much $? I guess I could 'rent' a smart phone, but I assume the hotspot would be less expensive. Cheerio!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
I have not rented a hotspot, but on my recent trip to Europe I found wifi all over the place, usually free - public parks and buildings, restaurants, stores and malls, etc. While it might not be as convenient, you shouldn't have trouble finding wifi almost anywhere you want it.
Posted by
Land of La
9126 posts
Used my iPod last May. Free wifi everywhere. Look for Costa Coffee, Cafe Neros, Pret a Mangers, sit and stay in touch. http://james.cridland.net/blog/where-to-get-free-wifi-to-do-some-work-in-london/ Most hotels have free wifi(except for the Hiltons which charge 15 pounds per day. Must be for Paris Hilton's bail fund) so need to rent anything. This happened recently in the West End. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18969551 Take the iPod. Off you go.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Time Out has lists of wifi locations. http://www.timeout.com/london/aroundtown/features/6187/Where_to_find_free_wi-fi_in_London.html
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
I don't know about renting one, but the mobile phone companies will sell you one that you can use with a prepaid data plan for not too much money. I purchased a USB modem several years ago from T-Mobile UK, which let me access data with my netbook. The mobile wifi hotspot would work similarly. Check out some of the U.K. carrier's web sites and you'll see what they offer. My recent experience overseas leads me to rely on getting data over a prepaid account rather than look for wifi. The connection is available just about everywhere and for what I do online I don't notice a speed issue. It just is more convenient.
Posted by
OP
California
250 posts
Thanks all! I was hoping to use wifi whist on the bus system (I found it invaluable in plotting where I was so I didn't get lost)...I'll check out the carphonewarehouse, but maybe not having it with me at all times will be OK. I might get a tad lost without plotting my direction whist on the bus, but I doubt anything too off track Cheers!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Couldn't you just follow along on a street map as you travel instead of having constant wifi?