WiFi in France

Karen,

There's no need to "purchase pre-paid Internet" for using Wi-Fi in France (or anywhere else). Your Netbook should connect anywhere there's a Hot Spot. Some Wi-Fi systems are locked, so you'd need a Password to use those, but Hotels usually provide that to guests.

If you're accessing Wi-Fi at Starbucks or other locations, there's usually a small charge which may be waived with a purchase.

You might pay a visit to coffee shops in your area that have Wi-Fi, and give it a try before you travel to Europe. That way you'll be familiar with how it works, and can sort any minor problems at your local computer shop.

Karen,

Many of the parks in Paris have free wi-fi. It can be hard to find the signal sometimes since it's a small range so you might have to walk around with your computer looking for the network. The network name is Orange and once you connect to it, you create a free account. The length of the account depends on the park but you can keep creating new accounts until you're set with what you need to do.

Most McDonalds also have free wi-fi and they are more open to you just sitting in a corner using it without buying anything then say a coffee shop.

Check the free city maps that hotels usually provide. Sometimes, these will show you where the hot spots are.

I was in France recently. Except for my hotel in Avignon, all my hotels had Wifi and I was able to use it in my room. One charged a little for using it. In Avignon I found two nearby cafe/bars and Flunch (cafeteria-style place) with free Wifi. In Paris I passed two parks that had the "free Wifi" signs. I couldn't tell if Starbucks in Paris had Wifi. You save time as well as money when you can get on the internet almost wherever you are. I was able to follow the Volcano news and prepare for my own departure from Europe.