All you need to know about free WiFi in Europe

When traveling, a reliable internet connection is a necessity. Relying on unsafe and unreliable WiFi networks in coffee shops, public places, or shopping centers
is not a viable option.

Travelers have many alternatives to consider, such as pocket WiFi, international data roaming, travel SIM cards, or eSIM solutions.

Usually, pocket WiFi from Hippocketwifi is the best way to browse in Europe. That isn’t to say that you can’t get free WiFi in Europe, but you certainly get what you pay for. If a fast and secure internet connection is essential when you travel, there are certainly some things you need to consider first.

Summary

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• What is free WiFi?
• How to get free WiFi in Europe
• Cafés and restaurants
• Co-working spaces
• Hotels and hostels
• Public libraries
• Public transport
• Shopping centers and malls
• Tourist information centers
• Train stations and airports
• Pros and cons of free WiFi in Europe
• What are the risks of using free WiFi in Europe?
• Tips for accessing public WiFi networks in Europe
• What are the alternatives to free WiFi in Europe?

What is free WiFi?

Free WiFi, or free internet access, is exactly what it sounds like-a way to access the internet without having to pay for it.

Your phone might provide unlimited internet access at home, which you pay for one way or another, but this kindness rarely extends to travelers.

Free WiFi is typically provided by businesses and public spaces with a WiFi connection for another reason.

In public spaces, these connections may be entirely unsecured and accessible by anyone. However, businesses usually protect their networks with a password or key that they only provide to customers.

These internet connections are the same as the WiFi you use to connect to the internet at home or work. Somewhere, there’s a device connected to the internet either over a mobile network or through fiber optic or telephone cables. The device subsequently broadcasts a wireless connection (WiFi) to which other users with WiFi-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers can connect.

It should be noted that while many of these WiFi connections are free, there are also WiFi connections in public spaces that you have to pay for, with local internet service providers (ISPs) offering these at a cost. Naturally, the paid-for WiFi tends to be better, faster, and more secure than a free WiFi connection.

How to get free WiFi in Europe

While free WiFi isn’t a solution we’d recommend if you can get pocket WiFi or another data solution, it can be helpful if you don’t have any other way of connecting to the internet.

Free WiFi is a common feature in Europe, making it easier for you to stay connected while on the go. So, where can you find free WiFi in Europe? Let’s explore some popular options.

Cafés and restaurants

Cafés and restaurants often offer customers free WiFi, making it a convenient option for travelers. In many cases, you just need to buy something, and a staff member will provide you with the WiFi password or key, which will be visible on a sign in the café or restaurant or even on your receipt.

Co-working spaces

A co-working space will likely provide a WiFi connection for digital nomads and those traveling for work. Technically, these connections aren’t free because you must first pay for the co-working space. WiFi comes with it, but that’s the same for most “free” WiFi connections.

Hotels and hostels

Your accommodation will likely have access to the internet. Nowadays, most hotels and hostels in Europe provide free WiFi. Still, cheaper or more rustic accommodations may have a “business center” with a computer or two that has internet access.

Public libraries

While many people rarely set foot in a library, they often provide free WiFi or access to computers with internet connections.

Whether or not you can use these will depend on the country that you’re in, as some countries and libraries may require you to have a library card before you can access their free WiFi.

Public transport

Free WiFi on public transport in Europe is becoming increasingly common, particularly for public transport on longer journeys.

In some places, free WiFi is available on trains, buses, metros, and even local trams. For medium—and long-distance train journeys, sometimes free WiFi is available, but many providers sell internet access to travelers.

Shopping centers and malls

Large shopping centers and malls in Europe typically have WiFi connections that shoppers can use. In some cases, you can access the network for free, but many connections may require you to sign up to the center’s mailing list or provide them with an email address.

Tourist information centers

Most cities and popular tourist destinations will have either free WiFi or an internet connection that visitors can use.

If they don’t, however, and you need information, you’ve come to the right place. Staff at tourist information centers will have access to the internet even if you don’t, so if you are only going to use the free WiFi for information, ask a staff member to help you.

Train stations and airports

Much like shopping centers in malls, you can find free WiFi in Europe at train stations and airports. These free WiFi connections usually ask users to provide some information to connect. This is often an email address to contact them with special offers or marketing materials.

Pros and cons of free WiFi in Europe

As with any internet connection when traveling, free WiFi has pros and cons.

The biggest advantage to using a free WiFi connection is that it’s free. You don’t need to factor this into your trip budget, which is always nice.

Unfortunately, there are undoubtedly many downsides. Free WiFi connections are only sometimes fast or reliable, and you can’t expect a good connection in areas with hundreds or even thousands of tourists using them.

You’re unlikely to find any of these connections in rural areas. While there are plenty of beautiful areas of Europe worth visiting away from larger cities and urban areas, free WiFi networks aren’t very common. While there may be a building or two that has a free WiFi connection, don’t expect very high speeds.

Unsecured networks also put users at risk. Information sent and received across the network can be accessed by hackers or scammers.

What are the risks of using free WiFi in Europe?

• Unsecured networks mean that hackers and scammers could access your personal data.
• Scam networks masquerade as legitimate networks and hack users that connect to them.
• Low-speed and unreliable connections could result in messages not being sent, lost connections, uploads failing, or long download times.

Tips for accessing public WiFi networks in Europe

Sometimes, you may have no other option, and you’ll have to access free Wi-Fi in Europe. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid the pitfalls and risks.

• Always check the network that you’re connecting to. If you need clarification about which network is genuine, ask a staff member for the network name and key.
• Set up your devices to be better protected. Antivirus software and even a virtual private network (VPN) are helpful for regular travelers. The latter encrypts and sends your data via another route to hide your personal information and location from other users on the network.

What are the alternatives to free WiFi in Europe?

The best solution, however, is to avoid using free WiFi and instead choose a reliable solution for accessing the internet when you travel like pocket WiFi in Europe.

While these solutions aren’t free, some are cheaper than the coffee you’d have to buy to get the WiFi password in some places.

Pocket WiFi, for example, is the fastest and most reliable solution. You rent a small device that connects to a mobile data connection (much like your phone) and then provides a WiFi connection for your other devices.

This network is secure and just for you, so you needn’t worry about the risks that free WiFi in Europe can pose.

The cost of pocket WiFi varies by provider, but Hippocketwifi offers the best value for money. With prices starting at just €3.90 per day, it can offer fast, secure, and reliable WiFi for several devices across Europe!