Although you can get free wi-fi at many coffee, pastry, and deli shops, as well as other restaurants, don't plan on spending all day at one place to use the Internet.

* If you don't continue to purchase items at an establishment, some employees or the management may ask you to leave if you stay too long. This is most likely during peak times when seats may be at a premium.

* If you access the Internet at Panera Bread, be sure to read the welcome screen before connecting. They have started to limit wi-fi usage to thirty minutes between the hours of 11:30a - 1:30p in order to serve more customers during their busiest times. This is not a recommendation but a hard limit - you will be kicked offline if you go over this amount. Other restaurants may adopt the same policies.

* Starbucks Coffee provides free wi-fi as long as you use a Starbucks Card, but free usage is limited to two hours per day. Note that pay options are available if you wish to stay longer.

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Wireless Internet page.