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Pokefi MiFi Device

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Old Oct 15, 2019, 2:57 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: IBJoel
What is PokeFi?
Pokefi is a type of "MiFi" (or mobile WiFi network) device.

What is the cost of using PokeFi?
The price is of the device ranges from US$125-200, depending on where it is bought and then costs US$3/day or US$3/GB for data.

Where can I use PokeFi?
It is compatible in 60 countries

Expert Advice: Beware inconsistency of connection speeds and battery life

What are some alternative options?
Competitors include GlocalMe and Skyroam. Substituting SIM cards in a phone is another method.

Of note:
  1. It does get warm for long usuage. So try to give good air circulation from time to time while using it.
  2. It doesn't charge well when it is in use. Turn the connection off before charging. Otherwise it may take forever to charge.
  3. Try to turn it on and establish internet connection while you are stationary. I once drive from Ottawa to Toronto and my wife turned it on while the car was in motion. It never established a connection for the whole trip. But if the connection was negotiated before I drive, it was good for the whole trip.
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Old Jan 3, 2018, 9:17 pm
  #76  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 731
Originally Posted by Nana Chan
do u know the sound and vision website??
i tried to call them but none answer the phone
Try calling different stores. They were happy to help me check stock levels a few months back. They know how popular the device is.
Coolers is offline  
Old Jan 15, 2018, 1:56 am
  #77  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Vancouver
Programs: Amex Centurion
Posts: 150
GREAT device!

Used it in HK, Japan and Vancouver BC and it works really well for me.

Not sure why others were having issues with the device.

I was able to connect and use my phone to make and receive calls on VIber and Skype.

Highly recommend it.

Have not tried yet in the US but will the first chance I get.
FastSRT8 is offline  
Old Jan 16, 2018, 10:39 pm
  #78  
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 21
Originally Posted by cboy
My brother got back from Japan this weekend said it worked decently there... let us know what you think!
I was mainly in Tokyo for the past few months. It was solid there.

Now I am back in San Francisco area, it is still very unreliable.... I use Google Voice and I pretty much miss calls from Uber driver all the time.. I am seriously considering other options but GlocalMe is hell a lot more expensive.
steinsgate is offline  
Old Jan 27, 2018, 3:00 am
  #79  
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Hawaii
Programs: Delta Diamond
Posts: 192
Originally Posted by steinsgate
I was mainly in Tokyo for the past few months. It was solid there.

Now I am back in San Francisco area, it is still very unreliable.... I use Google Voice and I pretty much miss calls from Uber driver all the time.. I am seriously considering other options but GlocalMe is hell a lot more expensive.

I own both, GlocalMe is great even if its more expensive its still cheaper than other options like Skyroam or renting a puck paying per day.

The bonus of GlocalMe is you can add local sim(s) to it as well.

I like my pokefi for times I'm going to be laying over in a county for a day or so then I don't have to buy a package for GlocalMe
cboy is offline  
Old Feb 5, 2018, 12:31 am
  #80  
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
Has anyone tried pokefi in hawaii? Is itreliable there?
Jexsiy is offline  
Old Feb 6, 2018, 8:48 pm
  #81  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,688
Pokefi inventory S&V HKIA

Main terminal airside and 201-230 gates have stick, Store personnel at 201-230 mention stock levels has been good since Nov 2017.

During busy time there might not be enough staff, let alone answering phone.

Feb 7, 2018
tentseller is offline  
Old Feb 21, 2018, 10:55 pm
  #82  
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 969
Tried my new Pokefi forthe first time recently, which worked fine until it didn't. The Pokefi Team advised me that some of the devices don't charge and I might have one of those. I did have a 'non-charger', but I didn't have time to test it before travelling. Emailed the company, which did send me a replacement battery that I obviously only got on my return.

So if you buy one, check the battery charges properly before travelling.
DragonSoul is offline  
Old Feb 25, 2018, 5:06 pm
  #83  
formerly ltabi
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 202
Hi everyone,

Has anyone used this in China lately? My mom is heading back to China in October and I was thinking of getting this for her for her trip. She mainly uses wifi for WeChat and Chinese news sites.

Thanks!
Lisa
traveling_newbie is offline  
Old Feb 25, 2018, 6:02 pm
  #84  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,688
Originally Posted by traveling_newbie
Hi everyone,

Has anyone used this in China lately? My mom is heading back to China in October and I was thinking of getting this for her for her trip. She mainly uses wifi for WeChat and Chinese news sites.

Thanks!
Lisa
It worked well in SH GZ and SZ. But these are all tier 1 cities.
It also worked on the HSR from GZ to SH.
However, they are connected to a Chinese provider so the Great FireWall applies.
tentseller is offline  
Old Feb 25, 2018, 6:17 pm
  #85  
formerly ltabi
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 202
Thanks!

Originally Posted by tentseller
It worked well in SH GZ and SZ. But these are all tier 1 cities.
It also worked on the HSR from GZ to SH.
However, they are connected to a Chinese provider so the Great FireWall applies.
Thanks for replying! My mom will mostly be in Guangzhou area.
traveling_newbie is offline  
Old Feb 25, 2018, 7:59 pm
  #86  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,688
Originally Posted by traveling_newbie
Thanks for replying! My mom will mostly be in Guangzhou area.
No problem at all in GZ proper as well as Foshan.
tentseller is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2018, 9:33 pm
  #87  
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 58
Any more recommendations for pokefi

Being currently in HK with a CX flight ahead. Still indecisive whether to buy it or not.
Reviews are mixEd. If sbdy has new advice, please share. Thanks.
TrickMcDave is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2018, 11:15 pm
  #88  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,507
On that note, any thoughts on using this in Mexico? This seems like the least expensive per GB option compared to a SIM from any of the major carriers but the site currently says it's in "testing" there.
tmiw is offline  
Old Mar 25, 2018, 4:44 am
  #89  
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Hawaii
Programs: Delta Diamond
Posts: 192
Originally Posted by Jexsiy
Has anyone tried pokefi in hawaii? Is itreliable there?
its usless here in Hawaii. I use it when I travel Internationally but it’s so slow here at home tbat I can’t even top off the balance

*Edit as of 3/28 i retested and its snappy now. The previous test was about 6 months ago.

Last edited by cboy; Mar 28, 2018 at 1:37 pm
cboy is offline  
Old Mar 26, 2018, 7:32 am
  #90  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YVR
Posts: 625
Originally Posted by cboy


its usless here in Hawaii. I use it when I travel Internationally but it’s so slow here at home tbat I can’t even top off the balance
Just curious is this experience for one particular island, or all the islands?
prmetime is offline  


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