What are my Internet options

[Trvlr 50]

I am trying to find out if there are any new Internet options in Pattaya, in addition to using an Internet cafe.

If I bring my notebook computer, but do not have a landline in the apartment, can I get into the Internet some other way?

Can I, for instance, take my notebook to a cafe and will they allow me to hook into their network?

Is access through cell phones becoming popular in Thailand at reasonable cost?

Can I get wireless access some other way?

 

To explain: I am usually not a fan of taking my notebook with me on vacation. I can check my email easily enough from cafes. However, next time I may be there for a fairly long (for me) and may need to do financial transactions. I am afraid to log into my bank account, for instance, from a public computer, because of the prevalence of keystroke logging software and other nasties that have become common in the world of Internet. And I will be staying in an apartment with only a cell phone - no landline. Hence my question, to try to find out if I can bring my notebook and get access some way. Or whether I have to find some other way of getting into the Internet - I dont know what that may be.

[upena 2]

Wireless readily available at hotels and bars

 

[Braveheart 0]

There are some bars in town that have wireless available. I thought someone said you could even get at Starbucks or somewhere near there not long ago, but I could be wrong about that.

[Trvlr 50]

Thanks folks.

Now, hotels probably have secure access, right? You need a log in and password to get into the network? And that they will only give to their guests.

Bars and cafes may be less likely to have secure networks (they are also open to snooping, but I guess I will have to take my chances).

A few names will really help, so that I dont have to ask again. Especially places where you know people have been able to log on without any hassles.

Starbucks in the US have a variety of wireless access. I have used T-mobile's, but you have to have service with T-mobile to use their network, it is not free or open access.

[upena 2]

secure access

 

You have to be kidding

 

[dotcom_OD 0]

Wifi connections in any place you go to will not have a secure connection that you can trust for like internet banking. At the very least use a wired connection.

[Braveheart 0]

Metro Apartments, LK Metropole, Residence Garden all have in room wireless. Metro Apartments and Residence Garden both require codes, not sure about their cards but I believe that is the case at RG. You'll have to get more info about LK Metropole from another BM. Plenty have used it.

[MM 6,562]

FLB, Misty's, Heaven Above Agogo, Lennie's, Secrets, Jameson's, and soon Bob's Burgers all have Wifi available for free to their customers. Most have encrypted connections.

[elef 0]

Shenanigans also has free wifi and opens 9 am.

[Bob4you 0]

Tropical Bert's Soi 6/1 open for breakfast 8am close 1am. Free wireless internet access. From anywhere if you have 1-2 call phone you can hook it to your computer and buy 25 hours of internet access for B107. 115kbs, not bad speed but much slower four surfing internet than Tropical Berts.

[Trvlr 50]

Thanks again everyone. Sounds like it may be useful having a notebook, using it for banking access, and the cafes for other times.

Bob, the 1-2 cell phone connection is very interesting. I use my cell phone at home too, though I typically get speeds of 300-400. Fast enough that I canceled my DSL service. Now, do I have to have a long term plan with 1-2 to use their Internet access, or will a prepaid plan do? And if you have used it, how hard is it to get it working? I know that here in the US it usually takes several calls to customer (dis)service to get it up and running. By the time I have it up in Pattaya it may be time for me to return!

[rotherman 0]

I have my laptop out here in pattaya, and a british mobile(sagem) with a 1 2 call simcard - how do i connect them up, and where can i buy the 25 hours internet credit (i am guessing the same place i got the sim card)