Wifi Trip: 5 cities, free wifi spots

Travel in emerging markets is rising rapidly. Business men and women are constantly chasing the next big thing in these markets. The need for quick and easy internet access is a growing demand. You need to know how to get to your hotel, how to get around the city. You need to find a foreign exchange and figure out why your credit card isn’t work when you were promised it would. Having internet access could fix all these problems.

In our Wifi Trip series, we are tracking down some of the best wifi spots around the globe and here is our first installment.

Cape Town

If you are wine tasting in the world famous Constantia Valley or hiking through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and surrounds, the Constantia Village shopping centre offers free wifi via local service provider RedButton – so you can check in with your latest business developments.

If you are in the city, trendy Kloof Street’s Cafe Gainsbourg offers unlimited free wifi. And for the beach lovers, Caprice in Camps Bay is a good bet if you on the beachfront.

South African hospitality tycoon Sol Kerzner has ensured his One and Only resort in Cape Town offers free wifi. Minutes from the Waterfront’s shopping area and overlooking, wifi is available through the restaurants and hotel lounge making it a great spot for business meetings.

Buenos Aires

Free wifi remains luxury only offered only at some restaurants, cafes, and five-star hotels in the city, but things are changing fast. Availability is on the rise though and if you need to get somewhere and get online, take the train.

The Buenos Aires underground currently has 69 stations spread on five lines, with a length of 24.5 miles, and moves an average of over twenty million people per month.

If you are not on the move, the Krakow Cafe Bar in San Telmo, has free wifi. If you can get to the famous tango bar Los 36 billares at Avenida de Mayo, the coffee and the food come highly recommended. Wifi included, of course.

Nairobi

The Kenyan-capital is quickly rising up as an East African business hub. So it’s no surprise you’ll find major tech industry names and free wifi in the terminal buildings on arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

If you find yourself in the Westlands, head to Westgate shopping mall, Dormans Coffee House has staff that will always welcome you with a smile even when they think you are just there because of the free wifi. With time, you also get to know the regular customers who are always there with their laptops.

In Nairobi’s business district the Coco Bar and Restaurant Lifestyle Lounge has reliable internet, though bear in mind there are no power spots to charge, so head there with a full battery.

Shanghai

You are spoilt for choice here.

Le Petit Jardin is a cozy hidden cafe with ornaments and old 1920s furniture and plus a glass conservatory area, located at 220 Kangping Lu, near Huashan Lu.

Coffee Bean Novel Plaza and Behind The Wall are in walking distance with good wifi. The center of Shanghai is filled with free wifi and a full listing here. If you are in the west of the city, Coffee Bean Hong Feng

Bangkok

Wifi has been described as the Holy Grail in Bangkok, with wifi charges in Bangkok often at ridiculous rates of up to US$10 or more per hour.

The Dubliner pub, located between Soi 22 and Soi 24 on Sukhumvit Road, has just started providing good quality free wireless internet to its customers. The Dubliner is a local and lovely pub – dark wood, great staff, good beers and excellent food, according to Chris Mitchell.

If you prefer a less boozy environment, the Tamarind Cafe nearby to the Dubliner on Sukhumvit Soi 20 is a gorgeous cafe complete with spiral staircase and ever changing artwork from local artists on its pristine white walls. As far as your wireless needs go, bear in mind they are only open from 3pm on weekdays and all day at the weekend.