Internet access in Spain

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See also: Madrid Restaurant Menus

Using the Internet in Spain

You’ll never have trouble finding an Internet connection in the big cities in Spain, whether you have a computer or not. Given Spain’s large immigrant population, there are cybercafés all over the place, and wireless (wi-fi) is becoming more common at places like Starbuck’s and even McDonald’s. (Whether you want to risk taking your laptop out in public is up to you!)

 

Setting up home Internet service in Spain

There are four main options for Internet service at home: dial-up, cable, ADSL, or G3/USB modem. The main Internet service providers in Spain are Jazztel (ADSL, dial-up); Ono (cable); Orange (ADSL, dial-up); Telefónica (ADSL, dial-up); Vodafone (G3/USB modem); Ya.com (ADSL, dial-up)

 

What to know about contracting home Internet service in Spain

Since most forms of home Internet service require a phone line, it’s best to look for a package deal (such as 24-hour Internet access and free national calls) plus free set-up (alta gratis).

The monthly rate does not include IVA (tax). My bill’s an extra €7 per month thanks to tax.

There may be a penalty for canceling service before one year or switching providers.

If you choose ADSL with a wireless router, the companies often charge you extra to have someone come and install the router for you. If you choose to do it yourself, they send you the router and instructions in the mail. I lucked out – I opted to do it myself, but since they had to come install the phone line anyway, they dropped off the router and helped me install it for free.

It can take a month or longer to get service up and going, so be prepared to wait. I lucked out, and they came after three days. But other people I know have had to wait four or five weeks.

 

Locutorios and cybercafés (Internet cafes)

You can find cybercafés in any big Spanish city, and in many smaller ones as well. As long as there are immigrants or tourists, you’re likely to find somewhere to access the Internet. (In a worst-case scenario, you can try the local public library. Sometimes they’ll let you log on for a bit.)

Most locutorios let you pay for the time used or buy abonos of one or more hours. The more hours you buy, the less you pay per hour – but be sure to check if you have to use them all in one go.

 

Wireless spots

To locate wireless Internet areas in Spanish cities, try the following site: wifi411.

 

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home phone -- cell phone/mobile phone -- international calls -- mail

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