Buzz
Wi-Fi usage fees can sometimes be quite expensive, but luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to minimize these costs. For example, you can try connecting to a neighbor's Wi-Fi or use the internet at a café, library, and so on. However, remember that some of these methods may come with risks, such as the possibility of having your personal information stolen or facing legal penalties.
Steps
Near Your Home
- Use a hotspot database. Wi-Fi has an extensive list of over 100 million hotspots worldwide, including in rural areas you might not expect. They also offer apps for both iPhone and Android, so you can easily search for a connection with the search tool in your hand.
- If your device can't find any hotspots, download one of the following free software options to enhance your device's network search capabilities. Even hidden networks will appear. For Windows: NetStumbler, InSSIDer, or Ekahau Heat Mapper are good choices. For Macs: iStumbler or KisMac; for Linux: Kismet or SWScanner.
- Be sure not to make any transactions or payments on this connection, as it is unencrypted. Note that this could be illegal in some regions.
Connect through your phone. This may not be the best option (your data will be used, your battery will drain quickly, and the connection speed won't be great), but it will get the job done. And that's the main thing!
- If you're using an iPhone, you can activate the Personal Hotspot feature in the Settings menu.
- For Android: Go to Settings - Wireless & Networks - Portable Wi-Fi hotspot; make sure the feature is turned on.
Set up a connection through your telecom company. Here's a big surprise: If you're connected to the internet through a telecom provider, you may gain access to tens of thousands of hotspots you didn't even know about. Check the provider's website for a map of nearby hotspots or download their mobile app (if available) and search that way.
Share your Wi-Fi password or internet connection with neighbors, friends, or family. In exchange for this service, suggest that you can help out with tasks like gardening, repairs, or taking out the trash. Alternatively, you could offer to trade for other services.
- If they don't agree, try using an ISP (Internet Service Provider) that offers free access. In Vietnam, the S-wifi project provides free Wi-Fi coverage in hundreds of public areas to serve the internet needs of locals and visitors.
Nearby Areas
Find your favorite hangout spots. Many places need to maintain their competitiveness and are willing to offer free Wi-Fi. Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald's aren't the only options; there are many other places you might not expect that provide password-free Wi-Fi for those who need it.
- It’s obvious that hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi in their lobbies, but what about banks, 24-hour supermarkets, laundromats, or your yoga studio? Don’t assume that just because these places don’t seem to need internet access, they haven’t installed Wi-Fi. That’s a mistake!
Search even in less obvious areas. If the usual spots you’ve checked aren’t promising, broaden your search. Major cities are currently working hard to increase the number of free access points in public areas according to specific standards.
- Try checking at local government offices, libraries, or museums. Another place not to miss is parks. Parks are also starting to install free Wi-Fi, such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City.
- If you're driving, get out of your car. Approach other luxury cars, buses, or modern intercity passenger transport like Mai Linh, Hanh Cafe, Thinh Phat, and so on.
- Car maintenance and repair centers. Whether for cars or motorcycles, service stations like YAMAHA, HONDA, FORD, and more often offer free Wi-Fi for customers to pass the time.
Become a potential customer. Walk into a hotel lobby and present your VIP card (loyalty card), and you’ll gain access to their Wi-Fi password without even needing to book a room. The more loyalty programs you sign up for across different services, the more opportunities you’ll have for free internet access.
- The Foody app provides a range of deals, location information for dining, entertainment, and even the Wi-Fi passwords for those places. Additionally, there are apps that share free Wi-Fi passwords available on Google Play or the App Store.
Advice
- Use computers at your university/college or the campus library.
Warning
- Sharing, accessing, or disrupting someone else's internet connection can lead to serious legal issues, especially if you haven’t obtained permission from the owner. Always think twice before doing anything.
- Even if the internet security barrier to prevent unauthorized use is simple, there’s still a possibility that the owner has software capable of identifying the intruder on their network. The methods outlined in this article come with certain risks, and you will be held responsible for any consequences.
