WiFi or Internet access is available in most cases on the Camino de Santiago but may vary from one Albergue to another. In this article, I discuss what you can do to repair your internet connection when traveling.
WiFi in albergues
In the hostels or albergues where you stay while you walk the Camino de Santiago, most will have WiFi available, especially the private ones which cost a few euros more per night.
It’s usually not the best internet connection you’ve ever had, but it can provide a basic connection to download a few maps, songs, movies or TV shows whenever you feel the need to sneak into your bag early sleeping and turning off. for a bit. These WiFi connections usually require a password and can be obtained by asking staff, or there is a sign with a QR code or password.
WiFi in bars, restaurants and cafes
WiFi is also available in most restaurants, bars and cafes. Just look for a note inside or order something and ask. I didn’t use this method much, because I also wanted to get the miles in during the day, and working or spending a lot of time on the internet between all the hikes never suited me. You do it yourself of course.
Prepaid SIM cards or existing European SIM
If you need to work while traveling like I did on the Camino Frances, I would recommend either getting a prepaid SIM card with data. Or if you live in Europe, you can easily and worry-free use your existing mobile phone data. Check whether this is also the case with your mobile operator.
In my case, the Dutch Vodafone network I had allowed me to use up to 50 GB of data per month. Which was more than enough for me to do the job I needed to do. Which consisted of logging into Remote Desktop in Utrecht and working with text in the form of blog posts on my little laptop.
Pilgrims from outside the EU are best able to obtain a local prepaid SIM card from operators or in supermarkets, where you can go online for a flat fee for a month. Which should be enough for most Caminos. You can always buy another one if you can’t manage it in a month.
eSim cards
eSims are also available today on most phone models, allowing you to access the Internet without having to swap a SIM card or try to retrieve one locally. With Maya.net for example, you can connect in a few minutes and use it without any problem. This is an affiliate link, where you can support the site at no extra cost!
Even working on a laptop or tablet can be simple this way, just create a hotspot with your phone and thus connect to your own WiFi network. This can save your life when WiFi is non-existent or unusable.
Happy hiking and hiking with a purpose!
Good way