Email and Internet Access

Email is, of course, the easiest way to keep in touch with your nearest and dearest back home, or the office if you have to. There are few hotels remaining that don't offer Wi-Fi, although speeds and coverage can be an issue, and several hotels continue to overcharge for a service that really should be free.

In apartments, Internet access is very much dependent on exact address, as much but not all of the city is provided with excellent broadband access. Most landlords are willing to offer this service for free for short-term rentals, while if you're staying in the city for longer you may have to organize it for yourself. If the building you're staying in is not equipped with a fiber-optic link-up, ADSL is usually available through the rickety phone lines.

Mobile Internet access is increasingly high-quality and can be very cheap if you choose the right plan (see the mobile phones section below). If you don't have either option, then you may want to use one of the many internet cafes in the city center.