For someone who blogs daily when on vacation, it is always important for me to have a place to stay with an internet connection. I have been known to PAY "whatever is necessary" for this service to get a daily blog posted when traveling. It has ranged from an hourly rate of a couple of euros to a one time 20 E fee for the whole stay to $14.95 a day in U.S. hotels!
In Bassano, we had both a TIM and a WIND store a block from our hotel. We both have Italian cell phones. Mine has service from WIND, and Brad's has service from TIM. We are proficient on going to the tabacchi to buy a card to add minutes of use to our phones.
We bought a Superinternet SIM, which gives me wireless internet anywhere in Italy. This little thingy that goes in a USB port cost 49 euro.
There was a 15 euro activation charge, and I was good to go. Adding minutes of use is done just like it is for my phone, OR can be done online. For the 15 euro, I had 20 hours of internet for my trip. More can be added at the rate of 50 cents an hour. It works ANYWHERE!
Whoo Hoo! No more extra hotel charges for internet, and I don't have to do it in the hotel lobby!
Comments (8)
Love this idea-thanks for sharing! Is this something you can buy here or do I need to get in in Italy?
Posted by janie | October 6, 2010 7:28 AM
Posted on October 6, 2010 07:28
Great tip! Thanks.
Posted by menehune | October 6, 2010 8:52 AM
Posted on October 6, 2010 08:52
I'm pretty sure this must be purchased in Italy, but you can add minutes online. Check the WIND website.
Posted by Palma | October 6, 2010 9:00 AM
Posted on October 6, 2010 09:00
I use one of these for work. I believe that, like unlocked cell phones, some might work overseas as well where there is a network. I bet that the charges would be HUGE htough! LOL
Posted by Jerry | October 6, 2010 5:41 PM
Posted on October 6, 2010 17:41
Once you buy this can you continue to use it on subsequent trips or do you need to get a new one each time? great gadget.
Posted by jane | October 7, 2010 6:26 PM
Posted on October 7, 2010 18:26
Yes, Jane, you can use it on all of your trips! All you do is add minutes, just like an Italian cell phone.
Posted by Palma | October 7, 2010 6:49 PM
Posted on October 7, 2010 18:49
Do you know where you can find a wind store in Florence? Or are they only located in Bassano?
I am so happy I found your blog! I'm living in Italy for 4 months and I really want to chat with my boyfriend in America. Thank you for posting!
Posted by Lizzie | October 7, 2010 7:58 PM
Posted on October 7, 2010 19:58
They are EVERYWHERE! Here are 2 in Firenze:
Viale Don Minzoni 46
Via S. Zanobi 1-3
Posted by Palma | October 7, 2010 9:18 PM
Posted on October 7, 2010 21:18