INTERNET

Up until 2000, the only place that provided reliable internet access was not very welcoming to flip-flop wearing holiday makers, as it was more of a business center, for business people.

Now you have the choice of hundreds of places, ranging from flash internet studios, to launderettes, bars, cafes, a shoe shop and most hotel receptions. In short, from close to bugger-all a few years ago, Ibiza is currently awash with Internet cafes and the like...

Most now offer fast internet access. Find one you like - for whatever reason - and stick with it. There really are that many, you can not fail to find a working terminal.

The latest bread of stand alone surfing kiosks, generally found in hotel receptions, actually work, (on Euro coins)

Alas no one is offering Macs, most uses bog standard 'as cheap as chips' PCs, and most have Spanish systems, but as long as you have used a PC before, it is not a problem.

Watch out for the letters in different places, the '@' key can be a bastard to find - as the system may be spanish, but the keyboards can be from anywhere. Just occasionally you may find an English system, with an American keyboard and a Spanish keyoard driver. Just ask if you have problems.

If you have a floppy adaptor for your camera flash card, you can free up memory, and e-mail the pics home. Flash cards are available from the big photography shop on Vara de Rey at reasonable prices, but Sony® "Memory Sticks" are harder to find, and over-priced when you do.

Prices for internet access are reasonable, ranging from free (if you buy a coffee), to a few euros an hour.

The nearer the Harbour you get, the more expensive access becomes (and the better the air con). The dedicated internet shops are changing name, venue and services offered so quickly that I am currently not going to try and list all of them.

The two service providers included here are the ones I use, and they have proven to be as reliable as expected. (This is the internet.)

If you have any recommendations, please contact us .