Author Topic: Internet connection in a new country  (Read 2658 times)

Offline eric j

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Internet connection in a new country
« on: December 05, 2006, 05:42:04 PM »
Hi,

Next week I expect to complete the purchase of an apartment in Argos, Greece. I will need, of course, an internet connection.

Suddenly I realise that I am way behind the times in my knowledge of connecting to the internet away from my home base.

Many of my erstwhile business colleagues have used their laptops in hotel rooms around the world but I never found the need.

Of course, I have a provider in my home town, Basel, Switzerland. When I arrange an internet connection in my Greek apartment, can I simply log on to my home provider? Or must I arrange for a local provider in Argos?

I am rather ashamed to find that after all these years of personal computing, I am so ignorant of one of the basics.

Can somebody please point me in the right direction?

eric j

Offline kelly

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« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2006, 08:09:23 PM »
Hi Eric. smile.gif

From a home or such you'll need a local Internet Provider.

Your old home connection does you no good there.

You can go to an Internet Cafe or such for once in a while connection.

I have no idea if or what they cost. smile.gif
« Last Edit: December 05, 2006, 08:10:00 PM by kelly »
kelly
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Offline Paddy

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Internet connection in a new country
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2006, 11:12:43 PM »
Actually, Kelly - it depends! Eric, is the apartment in Greece a second home or are you actually moving?

What ISP do you use in Basel? Do you have broadband, DSL or dial-up? I don't know anything about the European ISPs, and therefore don't know if there are providers that operate in more than one country. With dial-up, here in North America, there are some ISPs that have local access numbers all over the US and Canada. My in-laws, for instance, have hotdial.net, which has over 10,000 local access numbers. (AOL is another service with widespread local access numbers) They can use their iBook at home and when travelling. I've also used their account when travelling, with their knowledge, of course, because my ISP is broadband only. Some broadband services apparently also have dial-up numbers that customers can use when travelling.

So, if this IS a second home, you need to find out what your current ISP offers. If they have no options like remote dial-up, then you will need to get separate internet service in Argos. If you're moving, then as Kelly noted, you'll definitely need a new ISP in Argos.

Generally, your friends who are travelling are using the hotel's internet service to log into their own ISP's web mail or their own company's email etc. You can do that too from Argos, but you do need an actual internet connection. If there is nothing like a local dial-up number for your current ISP, then you'll have to decide how much you want to spend and what sort of service you want at the new apartment.
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Offline Gregg

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Internet connection in a new country
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2006, 07:42:22 AM »
My son's experience with internet cafes in Germany was a mixed bag also. He first happened upon one that charged and set a time limit. Later, he found one that was free - not sure if it had a time limit.
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline Xairbusdriver

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Internet connection in a new country
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2006, 09:47:45 AM »
I'd suggest starting with your current ISP. Ask them if they provide service in your future area ( in Greece ). If they do, get the instructions for making any changes in your software ( dial-up numbers, DNS server names, etc. ). If they don't, ask who they'd recommend. Do they offer any discounts/agreements with any other company? Does Greece have a government operated system? Does the apartment offer any internet services ( wired or wireless )? How about the telephone provider there, you may want a landline, anyway.

Hopefully, you can get this info before making your move and then use the Network preferences panel/pane to create a new "Location" with the correct info/settings, named "Argos" ( or some other equally ingenious name! ). Then, when you arrive in the apartment, just select the new location and hit the 'net running!

Good luck and enjoy your stay in sunny Greece! smile.gif They must have built a lot of improvements around there since they started in the early Bronze age! Thinking.gif
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Offline eric j

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« Reply #5 on: December 08, 2006, 04:52:07 AM »
Hi Everybody,

Thanks for all those helpful replies. Among them I am sure to find a way.

Kelly - I have missed your name on the board recently. I was even thinking of asking what had happened to you. Hope you are OK.

Best wishes

eric j

Offline sandbox

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« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2006, 06:28:21 AM »
Greek search engine>Computers & Internet
http://www.phantis.com/index.html

internet access in Argos <their only listings>
http://www.tourtripgreece.gr

http://www.hotel-morfeas.gr/

Maybe you can get satellite/web

Use a cell phone?

Offline Gregg

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« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2006, 07:43:19 AM »
QUOTE(eric j @ Dec 8 2006, 04:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Kelly - I have missed your name on the board recently. I was even thinking of asking what had happened to you. Hope you are OK.


Indeed. This place wouldn't be the same.... thumbup.gif
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline eric j

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« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2006, 05:35:11 PM »
Thanks again, everybody

Sandbox,

What a coincidence! I have reserved a room in Hotel Morpheus for the first few days until we get some furniture. Stayed there in October. Modest price but clean and comfortable.

'Bye for now. It's already past the time I should be in bed for an early start tomorrow.

Hope to be in touch from Argos. If not, I return home 27 December - but late.

Auf Wiedersehen,

eric j

Offline sandbox

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« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2006, 06:01:27 PM »
Have a good time Auf.
As one of the oldest cities on the continent it appears fascinating to me.  coolio.gif