Here we talk mainly about phones, but any device that is WiFi enabled such as a Notebook or Tablet may be used to connect to a WiFi network.

WiFi (or as they say in France WeeFee) is a technology that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity. A WiFi connection is established using a wireless adapter to create hotspots or areas in the vicinity of a wireless router that are connected to the network and allows users to access internet services.  You are more than likely familiar with this as you probably use it at home or maybe in your local coffee shop to avoid using data on your wireless plan.

When you are home, you may typically connect to your home WiFi Network to avoid using data on your network plan.  You may have set your phone to auto-reconnect when you are home so it's transparent to you and you do not have to do anything to connect.  When you leave your home, your phone will automatically switch to using the network of your service provider.

Connecting to WiFi

If your device is WiFi enabled, it probably has a symbol similar to:

An easy way to connect is by clicking on the symbol.  If WiFi is off, it will turn it on.  If WiFi is already on, you will need to click it to turn it off, then click it again to turn it back on.  The act of turning it on should popup a screen where you will see a list of all the available networks in range.  Click the one you want to connect to and if prompted, enter a password to complete the connection.

Some networks may display a web browser page requiring you to accept some terms and conditions before the connection will become active.

If you are unfamiliar with connecting to WiFi networks and have questions, talk to your local service provider.

Availability of WiFi Networks

Mobile Hotspots

WiFi networks are everywhere and if your phone has it, you can enable WiFi Hotspot functionality allowing others to connect to your phone to access this internet.  If you have a WiFi enabled Tablet for example that is not connected to a network service plan, you could connect it to your phone using this method allowing it to access the internet.

Hotels

Most hotels provide free WiFi access for their guests.  When you check in, ask for the WiFi name and password.  Some have passwords while others may not.  When you connect, set the connection to auto-reconnect so that whenever you return to your hotel, your phone will automatically switch to the WiFi network and will not be using data on your network plan.

Shops

Many shops now provide free WiFi to their customers.  The process works the same as described under 'Hotels' above.

Cities

Some cities are WiFi enabled and you simply follow the same connection process as described above.  For example, Paris is a WiFi enabled city and you will see signs posted around town providing information on how to connect.  We used a photo of the Eiffel Tower for our WiFi Tips Page although we are not entirely sure if the Tower is actually a WiFi Hotspot.

Trains

We have found that some trains are also WiFi enabled such as the French TGV trains. 

WiFi Traveling Example

Depending on your phone plan, you may have free texting and data usage while roaming internationally, but data transfer rates may be at reduced speeds so connecting to a WiFi network may provide faster speeds when it comes to uploading your photos to the internet.

Typical Travel Scenario

• You spend the day playing tourist and have taken numerous photos
• You return to your hotel in the evening and want to backup your photos on the internet
• If you are using a camera, you connect it to your phone and quickly transfer all your photos to your phone
• Connect your phone to the hotel's WiFi network
• If you have not done so, login to Google and begin the photo sync process with Google Photos

See our pages on Google Setup, Cloud, Drive & Photos and Backup Photos - Google Photos

Security Risks

WiFi is a great and wonderful thing, but there are security risks you should be aware of when connecting to a public network.

Anytime you connect to a public WiFi network, data can easily be intercepted by cybercriminals putting your personal information and digital identity at risk.  Furthermore, if your device is not protected by an effective security and anti-malware product, the risks are even greater.

When connected to a public WiFi network, it's convenient to check email, post to social networks, surf the web and perform other activities.  Cybercriminals can spy on these public networks and intercept data that is transferred across the network link.  By doing this, they could intercept banking credentials, account passwords and other valuable information.

To lessen the chance of having your personal information stolen, avoid accessing websites where you are entering passwords and other personal information such as banking or credit card websites.  If you must access these types of sites, it's better to disconnect from the WiFi network and use your mobile network provider.

Only connect to WiFi networks you are sure of.  Confirm the network name with the establishment prior to making a connection.  Remember, just because it's the correct network for the establishment does not make is secure.

Protect your device

Be sure to protect the device you will be using to access WiFi networks against cyber attacks by installing an anti-malware security solution similar as what you may have installed on your home computer to protect against hackers and viruses.