Hotspot Locators
One of the best things about smart phones is the fact that you can download apps for just about anything. There are a variety of hotspot location apps that are available, ranging in price from $2.99 to free (the best kind). They have many of the same features and are great for when you travel. You can type in your destination city and a little map will pop up showing you all the available hotspots in the surrounding areas. You can even view a list with the names and addresses of businesses that offer wi-fi.
Online
If you’re planning on traveling, or simply want to know what’s around your office, you can visit several websites that list wi-fi hotspots. One website, openwi-fispots.com, will give you information in lists, much like some of the hotspot locator apps will.
After navigating through the site via a series of clicks and pages, you’ll be rewarded with a map dotted with hotspots, and a corresponding list with their addresses. You can also find customer write-ups and reviews on each location that’s featured.
Send Me a Sign
The best way to find free wi-fi is through word of mouth. Ask around. Most people have a location they like to visit often, and if that location has free wi-fi they’ll be more than happy to tell you, especially if it’s someplace unexpected like at a grocery store.
If you know you’ll be in a certain area all day, call ahead and ask if they offer free wi-fi. If they don’t, they might know a location that does. You can also hunt for a hotspot visually by looking through windows for places that have people sitting inside working on their laptops, although this isn’t always the best method.
And keep your eyes open for a sign. Most businesses will advertise if they offer free wi-fi, because they know there are people who are looking specifically for hotspots.