Portugal Internet portable Wi-Fi

When I visited Portugal in May 2016, I rented a portable Wi-Fi hotspot from Portugal Internet (www.portugalinternet.com). 

Small enough to carry in your pocket or purse, this device connects to the Internet over any available mobile phone service in Portugal and creates a Wi-Fi access point for your smartphone, tablet or computer. Multiple connections can be made at one time. 

With this unit, I was able to access the Internet wherever I went. It even enabled me to use my smartphone’s GPS while driving through the countryside or walking around the city. I could keep in touch with my family via Skype, email and iPhone MMS messages, and I could research restaurants and hotels without worrying about expensive international phone plans or roaming charges.

I set up the rental in advance through the website, paying €64 (near $71) for a 2-week rental. The device was waiting for me at the Lisbon airport when I arrived, and at the end of the trip I placed it in the provided return envelope and dropped it in a mailbox. It couldn’t have been simpler, and it was wonderful having full Internet access for the entire trip.

The unit is rechargeable. I carried a good-quality backup battery to recharge it on the go. 

I first learned about these devices when I traveled to Australia with my family in 2015 and rented a car. My nephew suggested that we rent a similar portable Wi-Fi hotspot unit through Avis in conjunction with the car rental. Avis supplied the device, which could be used in the car or carried around with us. The whole family was able to connect and use it as long as we were within 20 feet or so of the device and there was mobile phone service available. 

When planning my solo Portugal trip, I discovered that the same service was available through Portugal Internet. I highly recommend it and will definitely be looking for similar setups for future international travel.

ROBIN ILARDI

Morgantown, WV