I'm heading to Key West soon, for my first time and have some questions:

1) Should I be worried about crime (leaving stuff in room, pickpockets, etc.)?

2) Will my Verizon Wireless cell phone work down there?

3) Is there anyplace to access the internet to check my e-mail?

Thanks!!

-Ed

1) Crime should not be a problem, assuming you have a modicum of common sense.

2) Verizon should be able to give you that information. When I was down recently, with a Tracfone, it didn't work. And was spozed to.... Fortunately, I don't care too much whether or not I'm in touch.

3) The internet connections at the Key West Library are only available to Monroe County library card holders. However, they do have a little list, which they'll give you, of the half-dozen or so cafes/whatever where you can go and rent time to do the web thing. I decided that, too, could wait. I decided if I really wanted to stay in touch, I could've stayed home.

I have a verizon phone and had trouble using it in Key Largo. I had to call the company to find out how to use it there. I had to change the signal type, but my phone is old so if yours is newer you probably won't have the problem I did. I also had trouble getting a signal in my motel room, I had to go out to the dock to make a call. Good Luck!

There's a nice little Internet cafe off Duval Street in front of the Hog's Breath Saloon. You buy a group of minutes and they'll update your card each time you visit. Couldn't be easier.

ED

The only crime is people who are over served and get a little rowdie.

I have Verizon and it worked well.

There is an internet Cafe near the Hyatt Hotel near Mallory Square. No problems getting in.

Have fun and enjoy.

You should have no problem finding places that offer internet access. As far as crime goes, I felt completely safe. In regards to safety, however, you want to be careful of moped drivers. Many tourists rent out mopeds and end up in accidents. My last trip there, a guy (too much drink) plowed his rented moped onto a sidewalk and landed at someone's dinner table at an outdoor cafe. Beware of mopeds! Lots of Key West horror stories related to tourists and mopeds. Bars stay open till 4 a.m., but it's perfectly safe walking back to your hotel. Don't mind the pan handlers and street people. Mostly harmless. Your biggest threat in Key West are the chickens. They are everywhere! Don't mind eating at restaurant with chickens or having a rooster poke up to you at the bar.

Was just in the Keys and have Cingular on my phone. Noticed that it switched itself to Verizon when there. I found some dead spots just like anywhere but overall seemed to have good coverage.

Crime question has already ben addressed - beyond the common sense that should be deployed in any vacation destination, it's a non-issue.

I was there in december and my Verizon Nokia phone worked just fine. It is a three-mode phone although i don't think that's necessary as I believe that is an official verizon coverag. Coverage was a bit spotty out at the airport but was fine in Old Town. The Internet cafe already mentioned (near Hog's Breath)is a good choice but here's a tip for the budget minded: book any activity through them and you'll get free 'net access to check your mail. On any morning when I was going to reserve an activity, I did that and paid nothing to check my email.