In today’s modern world it’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t constantly connected to the internet and didn’t always have the world at our fingertips. For work and for pleasure, we rely on having an internet connection anywhere and everywhere. For those moments when you’re out of megas for the month on your phone plan or when your home connection crashes there are different options to keep you connected. Barcelona has many ways for its residents and travelers to stay connected on-the-go.
Barcelona Wifi
At different points throughout the city you will come across hotspots where you can connect to the Barcelona Wifi network. This is a free network which allows you to connect to the internet when you are at these access points, marked with a blue sign with a white W. To access the network all you need to do is agree to the terms and connect using the service password “Barcelona Wifi.” With 702 access points in public places like Metro stations, libraries, parks, and even the beach, it’s easy to stay connected no matter where you are. The Barcelona Wifi network is the largest free network in Spain and one of the biggest in Europe. The speed is a bit slow at some access points but it’s sufficient if you want to connect to helpful apps like Whatsapp or Maps. This service is especially useful in the public libraries if you’re looking for a quiet place to work or study.
Wifivox
This service is perfect for travelers or tourists in Barcelona who need to stay connected to the internet. It’s free but it can offer you a portable, high-speed connection that you can carry with you. Wifivox is an internet service that is perfect for travelers that would like to be able to use their mobile phone while in Barcelona, as well as other electronic devices requiring an internet connection. It’s a small battery-powered device that’s small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to deliver internet service to up to ten devices at a time. For about seven euros a day you can have unlimited wifi through Wifivox, which also offers to deliver the portable device to your hotel if you’re traveling.
Mifi
The idea of this service is similar to Wifivox but with some small differences. Mifi, meaning “my wifi,” is another rental service that allows you to connect your devices (up to five at a time) to the Spanish 3G network. Mifi’s rental plan requires you to reserve your portable router about two weeks in advance, and like Wifivox they offer the option to have it delivered to your hotel or for pickup at various points throughout the city. This plan offers you 1 GB of internet during your trip to Barcelona, plenty for the average traveler. If you’re looking for more there are different coupons and promotions that can be found on Mifi’s website that will allow you an extra 1 GB for free.
Just ask!
Many cafes and restaurants in Barcelona have free wifi and all you need to do is just ask for the password. Provided that you are a paying customer most staff have no problem with you connecting your mobile phone to their network. Hotels and hostels almost always have free wifi for their guests as well. Another cheap option is to stop at a locutorio, or internet cafe, where you can connect your phone to wifi or use a PC to surf the internet or print. They are usually very cheap and can be found everywhere in the city. With so many mobile internet options, it’s easy to always be connected in Barcelona.