Technology
The CouchSurfing Wiki, an informal workspace which anyone can edit.
- What should we get if you want your cell phone to be fully functional
while in Europe?
- What other technology should we be aware of in your country.
- Don't forget the self-evident: adapters and voltage converters
- In developing countries: how to protect your gear from power spikes
- What 'missing' technology do you have that we might need to cope with.
- Add your opinion or suggestions of cell phones, sim cards and whatever else (internet access too?)
Contents |
SIM cards
- Most service providers that sell phones program the phones to only function with SIM cards from that provider. This means you will either have to stay with the provider (not always possible when traveling), have your phone unlocked, or buy another phone. Trycktill.com may help you unlock your phone for free.
- I've written about sim cards in India, intending to say a few words about Internet access as well (although you have to have some base address / more permanent status to obtain even a mobile connection through CDMA phone). Very curious of how things are set up in other countries on my path. Anu 01:33, 27 November 2006 (EST)
- First-hand info: Using Finnish (unlocked) GSM phone was no problem in Iceland, USA, Canada, Russia (airport) or India (successful sms-ing)
- Finland is easy for travellers: pre-paid GSM SIM cards available at any R-Kioski obtainable by anyone, and can be recharged. (or if they refuse, a CS host should have no problems buying one of these for you)
- Upcoming: info about companies and fees
Internet access
- Check out if your host has an internet connection and if you are allowed to used it
- Internet cafes: all over the place nowadays
- Free WiFi hotspots for those with laptops
- Links to wifi locator sites:
- ...
- Links to wifi locator sites:
Laptops
- Why?
- Because I just need to update my Couchsurfing / MySpace / ... profile and keep up with my emails and favourite sites - there are plenty of internet cafes
- Because I want to update my blog: a bit less convenient, but still possible at an internet cafe / your host's place
- Because I want to see movies / update songs on my MP3 player: why did you leave in the first place, just to sit in front of a screen night after night?
- Because I need it to store my digital photos: consider internet cafes
- Because I'm a writer / web-designer / programmer etc. and want need to work while travelling: reason enough to take one
- Why not?
- Bulky
- Need to be especially careful with your luggage (getting it bumped into anything, watching it at all times)
- Extra insurance coverage is absolutely necessary, you don't want to find out your brand new ultra-light Sony VAIO was only covered up to $300.
Digital cameras
Problem with carrying digital cameras is how you save your pictures without easy access to a computer.
- Internet cafes are all over the place and in many places offer to burn a CD out of your photos. Be careful when launching the CD though, catching a virus is not unheard of
- External hard drives and MP3 players come in handy as back-up devices as well, but most probably you'll need some special cables for that
- Further resources: Lonely planet Thorntree "gadget forum", Laptop Hobo etc..
