These days we just can’t stay away from our emails and social media channels for too long. But with data roaming at a premium, travellers and tourists going between various destinations are always looking for opportunities to log on to free Wi-Fi, whether it’s to keep in contact with friends and family, figure out upcoming travel plans or keep up-to-date with the latest news.
With flight delays leaving travellers with extra time on their hands, Wi-Fi is always appreciated. And, after a long flight spent out of touch with the world, there is nothing more precious than a strong Wi-Fi signal. To help you stay connected while travelling, we’ve put together a Wi-Fi guide for Southeast Asia’s key airports.
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At Changi Airport in Singapore it’s never been easier to stay connected thanks to the more than 550 Internet stations across its terminals. For details on their locations, visit the airport map.
There’s also free Wi-Fi in the airport’s transit areas – simply launch your internet browser, start searching and a login page will pop up. Alternatively connect to #WiFi@Changi. There’s a one-time registration and you’ll need to obtain a password. Local mobile phone users can simply enter their number to receive a one-time password via SMS.
For those without a Singapore mobile phone or SIM card – and that’s probably most travelers – there are other ways to connect. Either scan your passport at one of the Wi-Fi password kiosks located throughout the terminals to obtain a password or visit one of the airport’s Information Counters – locations are listed here – present your passport and you will be given a password to enter into your Wi-Fi-enabled device whether mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
Manila, Philippines
The Philippines‘ major telecommunications services provider Globe Telecom is behind the free Wi-Fi access available to passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and at the Domestic Airport. Connect to GlobeFreeWiFi@NAIA, accept the terms and conditions and hit the web. It’s as easy as that.
Hong Kong
It’s easy to stay connected at Hong Kong International Airport with free Wi-Fi available throughout the arrivals and departures areas. Simply connect to #HKAirport Free WiFi on your Wi-Fi enabled device. No registration is required – just click to accept the terms and conditions in the pop-up window and you’re good to go. But with unlimited free access to the World Wide Web you may soon be in need of a battery charge. Don’t fret as passengers will find more than 1,300 charging points to keep those laptops, tablets and mobiles topped up, so you can really make the most of the free Wi-Fi.
Don’t have a laptop or Wi-Fi enabled device with you? There are 94 desktop computers in 36 locations airside at Terminal 1 offering free Internet access. For more details, see the airport map.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wherever you find yourself in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you’ll probably be able to get online, thanks to the free Wi-Fi available throughout the passenger terminals. No pre-registration is required for internet access – just select FREE_WIFI@KLIA, launch your browser and select the “Click to surf” button. Hopefully you won’t encounter any flight delays, as there’s a limit to your free Wi-Fi use of just three hours at a time.
For those without Wi-Fi enabled devices, Multimedia Phone Kiosks can be found throughout the Main Terminal Building and Satellite Building, but charges may apply for some of their services.
Taipei, Taiwan
Free airport Wi-Fi is available at Taoyuan Airport – simply connect to the free network. Don’t have a Wi-Fi enabled device on hand? There are internet terminals for free use on a first-come-first served basis – check the map for details on their locations.
Bangkok, Thailand
Free Wi-Fi is enabled throughout Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International airports. All visitors have to do is choose the @ AirportTrueFreeWiFi network, sign up with a username and password and connect. Wi-Fi surf time is limited to two hours per day, but if you’re at Suvarnabhumi and find you have run out of time, there are also internet access stations located throughout. A total of 126 kiosks service passengers and are available free of charge for 15 minutes at a time. It may seem short – and after that time the system automatically logs out – but it’s easy to log in again and continue use.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City does not offer free Wi-Fi services itself, but you can gain access to the Internet through your Wi-Fi enabled devices at some of the airport’s food and beverage establishments, including Illy Café. Alternatively, you can pay to either the Apricot or Bamboo Lounge, both of which offer internet access and Wi-Fi.
Feature image: istockphoto.com/theeradaj
Slider image: Binder.donedat, Singapore Changi Airport Budget Terminal – FREE internet!, via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
