minimeike

Hi everyone!
I will be in Austria soon and I will be bringing an American laptop (bought in the US). Now I am wondering whether or not I will be able to use it in Austria to log on to the internet. Or what would I need to ensure internet access while there? Any ideas?
Thank you so much for your help!

StCirq

Your laptop will work anywhere in the world as long as you have a power source for it and can turn it on. You'll just need an adaptor to you can plug it in.

ParisAmsterdam

As far as internet access goes it is more or less standard around the world whether you connect with a network cable or wirelessly.

Almost all modern laptops will also handle the voltage in Europe as well. To be sure, look at your power brick and you should see something like 110-240 V, 50-60 hz. If so, you're fine and will only need an adapter for the plug. You can get one at a Target, Walmart or Radio Shack.

Rob

spaarne

And the best way for logging on to the internet in Europe these days is through wifi. Sometimes free in hotels or for a price at cafes. Otherwise use an internet shop which can usually be found near train stations.

simpsonc510

Your computer should work just fine. Finding "free" internet is quite another story. You most likely will have to pay for it. The good news is, you can usually log on and input credit card information to buy time, and not have to search for an electronics store to buy a scratch off card or something similar.

There are usually plenty of options for how much time you can buy. Some will offer you a block of time (say 1 hour) that starts when you log in and ends exactly one hour later. Others, that cost a bit more, allow for a total block of time, which accrues as you use it. For example, 3 hours of time, total usage: you might make it last for a couple of days because it doesn't end abruptly in so many minutes or hours from log in. There is usually a log to help you keep track of how much time you use and how much you have left. You'll see it on your computer screen when you log in/off each time.

I'm always traveling in and out of Switzerland. I carry a laptop with me. I usually opt for 7 days of time on Swisscom. It allows me to log on/off as much as I want, for 7 days, starting with the first log in. I hate having to worry about how many minutes I have left, if I've purchased, say, 3 hours of total usage time. When I'm on line chatting with home, I lose track of time.

I'd love to find hotels with free wi-fi in their rooms. I don't recall ever having that luxury, and I've been traveling to Europe twice a year for a long time. Yes, you can often find a free computer in the lobby or in a business center. But you don't want to spend too much time on it as others might be waiting their turn. Also, if it's in a public place, you might have other eyes looking on your screen.

Have a great trip. Take your laptop. You'll be fine!