steve99-ga:
JiWire.com provides an online directory Wi-Fi hotspots around the
world. The directory is by no means exhaustive, since hotspots can be
set up by anybody (ie. not just be a business or company).
Their listing for Buenos Aires shows the following hotspots:
http://www.jiwire.com/search-wifi-hotspots.htm?pay_free=both&city=buenos+aires&country_id=13&radius=100.0
There are a total of only 9 unique hotspots, five of which are located
in the Cafe Martinez chain. This is an extremely low number for a city
the size of Buenos Aires; however, it may simply be due to lack of
publicity.
An additional seven can be found on this Argentinian web listing:
http://www.listapalm.com.ar/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=430
The hotspots range from apparently free (the Cafe Martinez ones, for
their customers) to one at the Museo Renault that, as part of the
Boingo Wireless network, will cost you ARS7.95 per day (or
ARS21.95/mo.). Wi-Fi services in hotels will tend to be more
expensive.
Finally, for your question about using laptops in public in Buenos
Aires, it will really depend on where you are using yours. The US
State Department advises visitors to Buenos Aires to be wary of
pickpockets and thieves working in groups:
--------------------
http://travel.state.gov/argentina.html
"CRIME: Street crime in the larger cities, especially greater Buenos
Aires, is a serious problem for residents and visitors alike. Visitors
to Buenos Aires and popular tourist destinations should be alert to
muggers, pickpockets, and purse-snatchers on the street and at bus and
train stations. Criminals usually work in groups, are usually armed,
and employ a variety of ruses to victimize the unsuspecting visitor.
Children are often confronted by other children, with adults in the
background for backup. A common scam is to spray mustard or a similar
substance on the tourist from a distance. A pickpocket will then
approach the tourist offering to help clean the stain, and while doing
so, rob the victim. While few people are injured, a large percentage
of victims are threatened with weapons. Criminals do not hesitate to
use force when they encounter resistance. Bank robberies, which often
involve gunfire, and armed invasions of restaurants, shops, and
residences, are common. Visitors are advised to immediately hand over
all cash and valuables if confronted.
There is anecdotal evidence that "express kidnapping" incidents have
declined somewhat with a return to conventional mugging, but they are
still a problem. Victims are grabbed off the street based on their
appearance and vulnerability, the family or co-workers are then
contacted and told to deliver the cash that they have on hand or can
gather in a couple of hours. Once the ransom is paid, the victim is
usually quickly released unharmed. There have been some foreign
victims and visitors are particularly advised not to let children and
adolescents travel alone.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in
addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can,
for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact
family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.
Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
if needed."
--------------------
Ultimately, you may wish to sign up on the Wi-Fi Meetup site, and ask
the Buenos Aires-based 'Wi-Fi Geeks' directly about your question, as
there may be some underground information available only to someone
who is part of the Wi-Fi scene there. This website is:
http://wifi.meetup.com/members/897
Good luck!
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher |
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