Internet access in the Algarve on a laptop?

ProudDUB

Going to Portugal for a wedding next week. I'll be there for 5 days in total. I just found out that the resort that I will be based at, has crappy wifi. This is a big problem for me, as I will need to have internet access on my laptop, for about 2-4 hrs every evening, to keep tabs on work stuff, I won't be doing anything major online, or down loading large files, so just basic web access is all I need. I do have a smart phone, but I can't really use that for work, as it is a piece of crap and very, very slow to get online.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there mobile phone operators out there, that could sell me something, that I could plug into my lap top that would get me a set amount of internet access over the 5 days, the way that O2/Vodafone/3 do here?

I'll be flying into Faro, so if there was something at the airport that I could purchase, that would be great. Due to the wedding being on, I won't really have much chance to get out and about and shop around for this kind of stuff. Ta.

Jocelynel

just wondering if you have organised your taxi transfers from faro....i use yellowfish and they rent out wifi....what about your resort, does the management hire out the vodafone pens / stick modems so you can use it like a pay as you go service.

sure have a look at yellowfishtransfers...might be worth your while using them for the transfers and book the wifi with them

extract from their website

WIFI INTERNET HOTSPOT
We can now offer holidaymakers and business visitors to the Algarve their own private mobile wifi hotspot with immediate internet access.

This hotspot has a battery life of approx 4 hours with a range of up to 10 meters or on mains mode a range of up to 60 meters.

Easy to use with just one on/off button gives instant access to up to 14mbps of internet speed with unlimited traffic (we operate a fair usage plan). You can connect up to 5 internet devices, ie. Laptop, ipads, and iphones at any one time. It is totally mobile with coverage up to 99% in Portugal.

Pricing

Minimum rental period 3 (three) days

Hotspot comes with instructions for use, battery, sim card, USB cable and electric plug for charging.

A deposit for loss or damage of 35 Euros to be paid on delivery. This will be refunded when returned free of damage etc.

Terms and Conditions

Prices include VAT

Rental days calculated for periods of 24 hours from the date the hotspot is collected to the day hotspot is returned. Late return will incur a penalty of 30 Euros plus the daily charge of 2 Euros for each day following the due return day.

Minimum rental period is 3 days with no refund for early return.

The hotspot is offered in perfect working order and includes, modem, battery, sim card, USB cable and electric plug to charge.

The hotspot is not to be used for any other purpose than for connection to internet.

Inform Yellowfish Transfers of any loss or theft immediately and obtain a Police Report.

Close this

coylemj

OP, can you not just go to the local town and find a coffee shop with Wi-Fi every evening? I was in several small towns in Greece off a cruise ship a few weeks ago and every restaurant and coffee shop had Wi-Fi, I can't believe that you won't find the same everywhere you go in Portugal.

If you're isolated in a resort that isn't near a town then you probably will need to buy some kind of data bundle.

killbillvol2

I got a TMN data sim the last time I was there (February) and tethered my phone when I needed to use the laptop. Speeds were pretty good, certainly adequate for work stuff. I can't remember for sure how much I paid but €14 is in my head for some reason. Vodafone had almost exactly the same deal at the time but the TMN shop was closer.

You'll need ID to get the sim so bring your passport.

ProudDUB

Thanks for all the info.

Yellowfish sounds like a good option. I was already planning on using them to get to the resort. I had no idea they sold internet packages too.

I need internet access in the hotel room for a couple of hours in the evenings. The hotel is supposed to have free wifi that is available to guests, but it is very patchy and slow, hence my wanting to organize something myself. Going to a cafe is not an option, as I'll be minding a baby for some of the time.

Killbill - is TMN a mobile phone operator out there?

killbillvol2

ProudDUB wrote: »

Thanks for all the info.

Yellowfish sounds like a good option. I was already planning on using them to get to the resort. I had no idea they sold internet packages too.

I need internet access in the hotel room for a couple of hours in the evenings. The hotel is supposed to have free wifi that is available to guests, but it is very patchy and slow, hence my wanting to organize something myself. Going to a cafe is not an option, as I'll be minding a baby for some of the time.

Killbill - is TMN a mobile phone operator out there?

It is.