How to get Free Wifi

If you’re using a limited data 4g or 5g phone plan in your USB mobile mifi device or using your phone as a hotspot, you may want to find free wifi spots to reduce the strain on your plan and save that data for when you really need it.

Places you can try to find free wifi include;

1. Coffee shops: Many coffee shops offer free wifi to their customers, so be sure to check out your local coffee shops.
2. Libraries: Public libraries often provide free wifi to visitors. You may need to create an account or provide some personal information to access the wifi.
3. Fast food restaurants: Many fast food restaurants, such as McDonald’s and Burger King, offer free wifi to customers.
4. Bookstores: Some bookstores also provide free wifi to customers, so be sure to check with your local bookstore.
5. Community centers: Community centers often have free wifi available for use by members of the community.
6. Parks: Some public parks provide free wifi, so if you’re looking for a place to work or study outside, this may be an option.
7. Museums: Some museums offer free wifi to their visitors. Check with your local museums to see if this is an option.
8. Airports: Many airports offer free wifi to passengers. Check the airport’s website or ask a staff member for more information on accessing the wifi.
9. Public transportation: Some public transportation systems offer free wifi on their buses or trains. Check with your local transportation authority to see if this is available.
10. Hotels: Some hotels offer free wifi to their guests. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you may be able to access the wifi from the hotel’s lobby or restaurant.
11. Hospitals: Some hospitals provide free wifi to patients and visitors. Check with your local hospital to see if this is an option.
12. Coworking spaces: Some coworking spaces offer free wifi to non-members, so this may be an option if you’re looking for a place to work for a few hours.
13. Colleges and universities: Many colleges and universities provide free wifi to students, faculty, and staff. Even if you’re not a student, you may be able to access the wifi from public areas on campus.
14. Shopping centers: Some shopping centers offer free wifi to customers. Check with your local shopping center to see if this is available.
15. Gas stations: Some gas stations provide free wifi to customers. This may be a good option if you’re on a road trip and need to get some work done.

Let’s take a look at how you can find free wifi whilst travelling in your campervan or motorhome.

How to find free wifi locations

Keep a lookout for free wifi hotspots in the areas you’re travelling through. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and public spaces offer free wifi.

You can use apps like Wi-Fi Map or WiFi Finder to locate hotspots near you. Just be aware that the quality of the wifi may not always be great, and some places may require you to make a purchase to use their network.

Wi-Fi Map and Free WiFi are two popular apps for finding free wifi hotspots. In addition, there are several other apps that you can try, such as WiFi Finder and WiFi Master. These apps allow you to search for free wifi hotspots near your current location, as well as add new hotspots to the app’s database.

You can also look for public libraries or community centers that offer free wifi. These spaces often have fast and reliable connections, and they can be a good place to get work done or catch up on emails.

Another option is to try to connect to open networks. While this can be a bit risky (since you don’t know who else may be connected to the network), it can be a way to get online without paying. Just be sure to use a VPN to protect your data and avoid accessing sensitive information while on an open network (scroll down to see our security tips and solution for using an open network).

You can also try asking locals for recommendations. They may know of places with free wifi that aren’t listed on popular apps or websites.

Internet safety when using free wifi spots

When it comes to using open wifi networks, safety should be your top priority. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Check the network name: Before you connect to an open wifi network, make sure you’re connecting to the right one. Some hackers create fake networks with similar names to trick people into connecting to them. Double-check the name of the network with the owner or the venue staff if you’re unsure.
• Avoid sensitive activities: Try to avoid doing anything sensitive, like online banking or shopping, while on an open wifi network. This is because the network is not encrypted, and hackers can potentially intercept your data.
• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to steal your data. There are many free and paid VPN services available, so make sure to do your research and choose one that’s reputable.
• Keep your device updated: Make sure your device’s software is up-to-date, as updates often include security patches that can protect you from known vulnerabilities.
• Turn off sharing: Make sure your device’s sharing settings are turned off. This includes file sharing, printer sharing, and other network-related settings that could potentially expose your device to others on the network.
• Log out of accounts: When you’re done using a website or app that requires a login, make sure to log out. This will prevent someone else from accessing your account if they gain access to your device.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of being hacked or having your data stolen while using open wifi.

Protecting Personal Information

When you’re using open wifi, it’s essential to protect your personal information. Here are some things you can do:

• Use two-factor authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This means that even if someone does manage to steal your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second form of authentication, such as a text message or fingerprint scan.
• Don’t save passwords: It’s tempting to save your passwords in your browser, but this is a bad idea on an open wifi network. If someone gains access to your device, they’ll have access to all of your saved passwords as well. Instead, use a password manager to securely store your passwords.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities: As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid doing anything sensitive while on an open wifi network. If you must do something like online banking or shopping, wait until you’re on a secure network or use your phone’s cellular data instead.
• Use a secure browser: Some browsers, like Google Chrome, have built-in security features that can protect you from malicious websites and phishing scams. Make sure you’re using a secure browser and that it’s up-to-date.
• Be wary of public computers: If you need to use a public computer, be cautious. Public computers can have keyloggers or other malicious software installed on them that can steal your information. Only use public computers for activities that don’t require a login or personal information.

Accidentally Connecting to Unsecured Networks

Sometimes, you might accidentally connect to an unsecured wifi network. Here’s what you should do:

• Disconnect immediately: If you realize you’re connected to an unsecured network, disconnect from it immediately. This will prevent any further data from being transmitted over the network.
• Turn off Wi-Fi: If you’re in a public place, turn off your device’s wifi to prevent it from automatically connecting to other unsecured networks in the area.
• Check your device for malware: If you’re concerned that your device may have been compromised, run a malware scan as soon as possible. There are many reputable antivirus programs available for free, so make sure to choose one that’s reputable.
• Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as any other accounts that may have been compromised. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to the relevant authorities immediately.

Tools and Apps for Staying Safe on Open Wifi

There are many tools and apps available that can help you stay safe while using open wifi networks. Here are some popular ones:

• VPNs: As we mentioned earlier, VPNs encrypt your internet connection and can help protect your data from hackers. There are many free and paid VPN services available, so make sure to do your research and choose one that’s reputable.
• Anti-malware software: Antivirus programs can help protect your device from malware and other types of cyberattacks. Make sure to choose a reputable program and keep it up-to-date.
• Password managers: Password managers can help you create and securely store strong passwords for all of your accounts. This way, you don’t have to remember them all yourself, and they’re less likely to be hacked.
• Privacy-focused browsers: Some browsers, like Tor, are designed to protect your privacy while browsing the internet. These browsers use encryption and other security features to help keep your data safe.
• Firewalls: Firewalls can help block unauthorized access to your device and network. Many devices come with built-in firewalls, but you can also download third-party firewall software for extra protection.