WiFi connection for my own computer at Indian internet cafes?
Replies: 13 - Last Post: Jun 21, 2012 8:29 AM Last Post By: joegoozey
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WiFi connection for my own computer at Indian internet cafes?
On previous trips to India I've always used internet cafe computers to process my photos, update my blogs and write emails, but of course therefore have been stuck with much hassle and limited to the very basics.No Photoshop to edit images (even if the computer does have Photoshop it's some old version without my custom settings, and the computer has a crappy monitor, and I have to do it all squeezed in between other people during business hours and paying by the minute), the perpetual risk of viruses/password loggers/etc., and the extreme hassle of having to transfer photos to their computer and then burn photos to DVDs which can take ages.
This summer I'm taking my own computer so all the above will be effortless and I can happily do my editing and writing anywhere anytime, but the only issue then is getting online. Internet cafes are everywhere but does anyone know how many are set up so that I can connect to their WiFi. By the way I'm not trying to find unlocked WiFi - I expect to to pay the cafe for the time I'm connected. I simply need to be able to use my computer, not theirs.
Mostly I'll be in reasonably large backpacker friendly towns - McLeod Ganj, Jaisalmer, Varanasi, Delhi etc.
Thanks in advance for information.
2
Thanks for the suggestion.Does that mean I just buy a local sim card to put in?
Can I just buy a "pay as you go"/prepaid card in India? Any idea of data prices? Since I'll only be in India for a few weeks this time I certainly don't want any contracts.
Thanks in advance for links or estimates.
3
The internet stick is a great way to have internet pretty much where and when ever you want it, probably the most convient but it might be a little expensive. I found it was pretty common to find hotels and cafes with WIFI but sometimes it was not a great connection. Sometimes you have to try a few different places to find a fast connection. The interent in India is getting better and better so you can always find it somewhere...make sure you make all your files small that you plan to upload or you will be waiting forever to upload one shot.4
You buy the Stick from a shop that sells SIM cards ... the stick has a card built in. Stick might cost you $30 or so, and then buy how ever much data you want ... they sell 1gig, 2 gig, 4 gig, 10 gig, 30 gig ... you get the picture - prepaid packages.You can be up and running for $40 ... pretty cheap for Internet where you want it, when you want it. (as long as you have Cellular coverage)
5
Thanks for the information everyone.A couple more questions:
1. Do these sticks charge for data at the same rate nationwide or would the price for data go up (and therefore the available time for my money be reduced) as I move to other parts of the country - as if it's charging roaming rates?
2. Can you get top-ups on these things at regular phone shops and just choose how much more data you want?
3. I'm not going to be watching videos online or downloading large files. Given that much internet access will simply for emails and low bandwidth activity, one could get quite a lot of time with 1 or 2 GB of data. Do you think the average cost of using these sticks is still a lot more expensive than paying by the hour at an internet cafe?
6
For no. 3 :In an internet cafe you cannot normally use your own computer (or rarely). The most probable way I think would be hotels and they are expensive when it comes to their wifi connection. And compared to that the stick would not be expensive.
Compared to using the horribly slow computers in the warm, sticky, crowded internet cafes, the stick is expensive, yes. :)
8
OMG ... your looking at a max of $10 a month for data You've been to India - there are Mobile shops EVERYwhere to recharge.9
It may only work for 3 weeks because it is not meant for foreigners, you need a permanent address or they will disconnect you! Most cafes will let you connect with your laptop and it is a good idea. Some more India computer tips.10
Glad you posted this question, because I was thinking about bringing my laptop also, for downloading, editing photos etc.....Does anyone that know if on overnight trains (AC 2Tier Class) have outlets near the seating area that you can charge up your laptop?? I have yet to get a confirmed answer on this question for awhile.. :-/
12
Aurin wrote:"It may only work for 3 weeks because it is not meant for foreigners, you need a permanent address or they will disconnect you! Most cafes will let you connect with your laptop and it is a good idea."
You mean they set a time limit for you to use all the data you have pre-purchased?? Really?
I've never heard of such a thing anywhere in the world. And only 3 weeks, even though a standard tourist visa is for 6 months?
13
That's NOT what he means ... he's talking about something completely different than data expiring - and this all has nothing to do with a Tourist Visa ....(not sure how that got into the mix). Aurin's talking about the mobile provider not verifying your account - you need a permanent address - and disconnecting your Sim card ... I've had it happen with mobile Sim's, but never my USB data stick.
