Thailand forum

Internet access

bumbly

motodop
Posts: 23

Hi everyone!

I'm from Canada and I'm taking my Dell Laptop with me on my trip as I am relying heavily on the internet to get me around, (I leave in 10 days, super excited!!) I was under the impression that I would be able to use wireless internet by hotels, hostels, and cafe wifi's and wireless password connections, etc. but I've recently heard conflicting information stating that I need to buy some kind of "international wireless adapter" to tap in, is this the case?? Please help!?
Thank-you!

#1 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 10:45
Captain_Bob

under-employed
Posts: 950
Located in:

Private message

No you don't need anything additional to get wifi wherever it's available.

"I am relying heavily on the internet to get me around"
Just FYI most budget accommodation isn't shown anywhere on the www. Best to just wing it (and take a break from the internet).

#2 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 11:28
bumbly

motodop
Posts: 23

Thank you for your prompt response Captain Bob! I'm happy to hear that this is not true, I thought it sounded a bit fishy.

I am a young woman traveling alone with no artinerary except to find fun hostels and budget accomodations and hop busses from town to town, I havent made any reservations or plans anywhere and I've never done anything like this before. I suppose my laptop is keeping my fears at bay by acting as my travel guide and companion, with out online map directions and Travel Fish, etc. those fears seem to float back in. But I thank you for your advice and it is reassuring to me that I am just as big of a worry wart as I had thought!
Cheers!

#3 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 13:27
bumbly

motodop
Posts: 23

Thanks Khunwilko!

#4 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 13:37
khunwilko

som tam seller
Posts: 560

Thailand is in the dark ages when it comes to internet access.
you will find that most hotels have wireless available and an internet cafe of some sort.
They will have a broadband connection.

the more expensive hotels seem to charge exorbitant fees up to 600 baht per 24 hours for access whilst the cheaper hotels offer free access.

THere are plenty of wi-fi hot spots in shopping centers and other public places.

You can get a mobile internet "dongle" for about 2000 baht - this will give you nationwide -pre-pay access on the mobile network. At present there is little to no 3G so the mobile connection is only marginally quicker than a dial-up one.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi and Pattaya have local 3G networks - they reckon the coverage will improve by the end of the year.

You won't need any special equipment for your laptop. However you might want to check the frequency compatibility of any mobile phone you bring.
This should be unlocked and you can then buy a pre-pay SIM in Thailand - they also offer a slow mobile internet service.

#5 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 13:51
khunwilko

som tam seller
Posts: 560

A word about security.

Thailand is not a hot spot for thievery as such, but it will pay to take a few precautions re your laptop.
Here are some off the top of my head..........

Don't wave it about....the fewer people who know you have it the better.

Get a good strong bag for it. An inconspicuous one if possible.

It's not so much the locals you need to worry about - many of the Western tourists are thieves too.

Get a good long security cable and maybe a short chain too...that way you can improvise some way of chaining it to your hotel room.

It is unlikely that there will be a safe big enough for your laptop. Hotel safes don't enjoy a good reputation either.

Back up well before you leave home so if it IS stolen you won't loose you life's work!

If you want to back up stuff here, external HDDs (320GB) start at about 1300 baht. THere are also the usual SD cards, thumb drives etc

If you forget any peripherals, e.g. your charger, you'll find plenty of places to get spare parts for most of the common makes.

Any little extras - USB hubs, card readers, etc are available everywhere.

Repairs are cheap as the cost of labour is EXTREMELY low.

#6 Posted: 4/3/2011 - 14:03