How to get internet in a campervan
In 2021, it’s not easy to find someone who doesn’t use the internet in a campervan. Whether you want to keep up to date with the latest news, share holiday photos or use useful apps during your campervan trip … In this article, we’ll look together at how you can connect to the internet in a campervan.
Internet in a campervan: Connection Sharing
If you want to have internet in a campervan to connect your tablet or computer, connection sharing is the easiest solution. You can use your mobile phone’s internet package to connect another phone, tablet or computer to the internet.
To do this, you only need to meet 3 criteria:
- Have a fairly new smartphone;
- Be in a place where your smartphone receives the 3G or 4G network (4G is more efficient);
- Have a mobile subscription that offers enough mobile data (e.g. 20 GB).
If these 3 criteria are met, all you have to do is activate connection sharing in your “Network and Internet” settings (also called “Access Point”). This creates a Wi-Fi network that can be recognised by your tablet and computer. You can only connect to it with the password specified on your mobile phone.
- Depending on which network your smartphone receives, you will benefit more or less from a good connection.
- N.B. Please note that, if you are abroad, you need to make sure that you can access the internet with your mobile subscription at no extra cost.
Internet via satellite everywhere in the campervan
It is the solution to have internet everywhere in campervans, in fact it is the only solution to access the internet in the most remote places.
We don’t all do it because it’s the most expensive solution. In fact, if you want to buy an internet antenna for campervans, you have to expect to pay at least €1,000 for an entry-level model. On top of that, you’ll have to add installation and also subscribe to the campervan satellite internet package, which starts at €20 a month. If you want to invest, go for a campervan internet antenna that is for both web and TV and preferably for fast and optimal positioning. The choice of brand is up to you, but Alden and Teleco are good suppliers in this area.
How to get free internet in your campervan: public Wi-Fi
Our third solution in order to have internet everywhere while travelling with your campervan is to connect to public wifi and shared wifi.
What is the difference between free wifi in the campervan and open wifi?
Free wifi: is a wifi network (like at home) that you share with other users. Often available in bars and restaurants, you just have to ask a staff member for the wifi code to connect to their internet box.
Open wifi: offered by campsites, cities, tourist offices, fast food and drink chains. Usually you don’t need a code to connect.
With this type of internet connection it is like a cake, there is only one cake for everyone and the more we eat the smaller our share becomes, so the connection can be more or less efficient depending on the number of people connected at the same time.
- When using these public networks, be careful not to browse websites where your bank details are more easily visible.
- Another bonus option: some ISPs offer their customers a free Wi-Fi connection that can be accessed with a username and password. If you are less than 50 m from this box and also with the same operator, you can connect to your free network (with your personal identifier).
The 4G dongle for internet in the campervan
Several operators offer so-called 4G dongles, you must have a specific subscription and SIM card; to have internet in your campervan. This key has the appearance of a classic USB stick that you simply plug into your computer. Once connected, the key will pick up the 3G or 4G network of the selected operator. In this key you have to insert a sim card that has the internet subscription. Practical due to its small size, the key can be taken anywhere, is inexpensive and allows access to the Internet anywhere in the campervan.
The pocket Wi-Fi or 4G modem to have wifi in the campervan.
It is possible that your operator offers modems and routers with similar functions in addition to 4G keys. The advantage is that you don’t have to plug it into a USB port on your computer, but can simply switch it on so that it receives the network and you can use the internet in the campervan. So you can always use it with your tablet or smartphone to have internet in your campervan. Just like the 4G key, you need to insert a sim card for an internet subscription. The modem works on battery power, so it needs to be charged from time to time.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to use the internet in a campervan. All you have to do is decide for yourself which option suits you best.