How accessible is the internet in Argentina, Boliva, Peru, Ecuador, etc? Is it expensive?
Hey All,
I\'m traveling to (tentatively) Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and maybe Ecuador from March-June. Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on internet access in these countries? How often do you find internet cafes? Are they expensive?
Also, is it worth getting an international phone plan? Any ideas on how to communicate cheap and effectively?
I hiked the John Muir Trail a few years ago and my mom called in an (ATL: attempt to locate) with the Park Service when she hadn\'t heard from me after about 10 days. haha. Just trying to avoid a mini-crisis!
Muchas Gracias!
Reply to this Hey!
I can't speak for the other countries but there are internet cafes all over Peru and Ecuador. Especially in the regional capitals you should have no problem at all finding access. On average, the cafes in Peru cost around $1/hour or less. If you have your own computer, most major hostels and hotels in Peru and Ecuador have wifi so you can log on for free. In Lima, Guayaquil, and Loja, I've found plenty of restaurants with wifi too.
Some friends here in Peru have "unlocked" their US cell phones (I think they had Verizon and AT&T) so that they can be used internationally. I have a Peruvian cell phone (costs around $30 plus the cost of phone cards) and I can receive Skype calls from the States for free and send text messages to the States cheaply.
Another way to communicate cheaply is through international phone cards (around 30 cents a minute to call the States) or through locutorios (pay by the minute phone cabinas).
Good luck!
Tania
Reply to this There is Internet everywhere (obviously not in the middle of the jungle though!). Most hostels provide it free and wi-fi is nearly everywhere too. There are Internet cafes everywhere and they are cheap. $1 p/hr
Skype is best for calling home
Reply to this Yep, we never had a problem with finding internet cafes and many hostels do have computers (most of them in Colombia seemed to charge, though!).
Our big regret was not taking a Netbook with us as we ended up wasting a lot of time queueing up to use computers, getting hacked off spending hours in slow internet cafes surrounded by kids, and also forking out for crap connections. We were very jeaous of people that were updating their blogs and sorting out their photos on their laptops in the hostel bar or sofas etc
Reply to this There is an internet cafe on every corner and most hotels/hostels have wi-fi.In past years I travelled with Laptop but this year I left it behind and didn't miss it at all.In fact it was a relief not to have to worry about it.
Reply to this hello,
In Buenos Aires there are "locutorios" where you can make cheap calls and use the internet EVERYWHERE! but once you get into the provinces its a bit less common, its not that you wont find it the issue will be the speed...
message me if you need any more help!
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