How to Get Free WiFi When You’re Traveling

Whenever we leave the house, we still want to stay connected on the internet during our commute or drive to the office or mall. Although we can get internet from our mobile data, we may all agree that we’d like to spend less on our data and connect on free or public WiFi. But what happens when we’re not in our home country and traveling? Can we still get free WiFi? Here’s how to get free WiFi. Plus, know how to browse safely while connected to public WiFi.

How to Get Free WiFi?

If you want to connect to free WiFi outside the country, it takes more than turning on your WiFi settings to do the trick. Obviously, you have to connect to a network that can give you free WiFi or a password-less connection.

But you have to remember that connecting on the free WiFi doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. It’s easier for you to browse on your phone without having to use data. Otherwise, you’re better off using data through roaming when you’re traveling or purchasing or renting a travel pocket WiFi.

And if you want to access free WiFi, here are two apps to get you started: Instabridge and WiFi map.

Instabridge

Once you download and open Instabridge, you’ll get a list of all the WiFi spots to connect to. It does the work for you by connecting you to the best WiFi connection you’re nearest to, and you don’t have to input a password either!

WiFi Map

Like Instabridge, Wifi Map also locates the WiFi connections nearest to you. It has a leg up over Instabridge by allowing you to connect VPN servers nearby.

Browsing Safely on The Free WiFi

Sure, you might save a few dollars when you’re connected to the free WiFi when you’re not at home or out of the country. However, you can’t guarantee safety and privacy while on the free WiFi. And you need to remember a couple of pointers to make sure that you are browsing safely while using the public WiFi.

• Make sure to check the network – When you connect to a WiFi in public, sometimes you might see different WiFi connections. It’s best practice to check the WiFi network you’re connecting to. You don’t want to connect to a public network and have all your data compromised.
• Install an antivirus – Before you leave your house or travel abroad, make sure to have an antivirus installed. An antivirus can alert you when certain files or apps may be a threat to your smartphone. Although it may not directly protect you from hacking, it can protect your device from viruses. Some antivirus applications do offer anti-hacking and anti-malware features.
• Download a VPN – A VPN can help you browse on a different server despite connecting to public WiFi. It won’t prevent hacking, but it will hide your current IP.
• Avoid logging in to anything – Public WiFi connections may get your data. And logging in to any app or website could compromise your data. It’s best to use public WiFi if you need directions somewhere or browse when you need to. Otherwise, log in to any apps or websites at home.
• Verify if there’s an HTTPS padlock – Whenever you open a website, make sure that it uses an HTTPS padlock. It means your browsing is secure on their site.