Internet Access Away From Home
Without Your Own Computer -- In Peru, by far the easiest way to check your e-mail and surf the Web is to drop in at the Internet cabinas (booths) that can be found in virtually every city and even small town. Connections are usually fast, and the service is as little as 20¢ per hour. Many Internet cabinas are starting to feature software programs such as Net2Phone, which allows you to call abroad through the Internet for ridiculously low prices. (Connections, however, aren't always perfect.) Although there's no definitive directory for cybercafes, two places to start looking are www.cybercaptive.com and www.cybercafe.com.
Aside from formal cybercafes, most youth hostels nowadays have at least one computer with Internet access. In Peru, many nightclubs and bars offer Web hookups. Avoid hotel business centers, unless you're willing to pay exorbitant rates.
Most major airports now have Internet kiosks scattered throughout their gates. These kiosks, which you'll also see in shopping malls, hotel lobbies, and tourist information offices around the world, give you basic Web access for a per-minute fee that's usually higher than cybercafe prices. The kiosks' clunkiness and high price means they should be avoided whenever possible.
With Your Own Computer -- For dial-up access, most business-class hotels throughout Peru offer dataports for laptop modems. You can bring your own cables and adapters, but most hotels rent them for around $10. Call your hotel in advance to see what your options are.
In addition, major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have local access numbers around the world, allowing you to go online by placing a local call. Check your ISP's website or call its toll-free number and ask how you can use your current account away from home, and how much it will cost.
The iPass network also has dial-up numbers around the world. You'll have to sign up with an iPass provider, who will then tell you how to set up your computer for your destination(s). For a list of iPass providers, go to www.ipass.com and click on "Individuals Buy Now." One solid provider is i2roam (www.i2roam.com; tel. 866/811-6209 or 920/235-0475).
