"Do You Have WiFi?" Getting Online Without the Awkward Pause

You just want to text home, check a map, or send one photo. All you need is four words and a bit of confidence.

The Script

You: Hi, do you have WiFi?

Staff: Yes, of course.

You: Great, what's the password?

Staff: It's on the receipt all lowercase, no spaces.

You: Perfect, thank you!

That's it. Cafés, hotels, airports this exact exchange works almost everywhere.

Words Worth Knowing

• "Do you have WiFi?"  the main question you need
• "What's the password?"  the natural follow-up
• "Is it free?" worth asking, especially at hotels where it sometimes isn't
• "I can't seem to connect"  useful if the WiFi isn't working

One Tip From Polly

If the WiFi isn't working, don't just say "it's not working" try "I can't seem to connect, could you help me?" It sounds like a request for help instead of a complaint, and staff respond to it much faster.

Your Turn

Next time you sit down somewhere new, try asking before you even open your laptop. It's one of the easiest phrases on this whole blog. 🦜