Spain By Email And Internet

Email is easy to access in Spain and Portugal. Internet costs only about €1-3 per hour in most cafes. Many hostels, libraries, and schools also provide free access. In small towns, if internet acess is not listed, check the library or the tourist office, where travelers occasionally get access for a small fee. These establishments are listed in the Practical Information sections of each city. Lucky travelers with wireless-enabled laptops may be able to take advantage of an increasing number of internet “hot spots,” where they can get online for free or for a small fee, or at internet cafes with Wi-Fi. Newer computers can detect these hot spots automatically; otherwise, websites like www.jiwire.com, www.wififreespot.com, and www.wi-fihotspotlist.com can help you find them. For information on insuring your laptop while traveling, see.

Wary Wi-Fi. Wireless hot spots make internet access possible in public and remote places. Unfortunately, they also pose security risks. Hot spots are public, open networks that use unencrypted, unsecured connections. They are susceptible to hacks and “packet sniffing”—ways of stealing passwords and other private information. To prevent problems, disable "ad hoc" mode, turn off file sharing and network discovery, encrypt your email, turn on your firewall, beware of phony networks, and watch for over-the-shoulder creeps.

More Staying Connected in Spain

By clicking submit you agree to the terms of the Let’s Go Privacy Policy

For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.