The problem isn't really wi-fi per se, it's that some sites don't use encryption (HTTPS/SSL). If the traffic to a web site isn't over SSL, it could potentially be eavesdropped at any point in its trip through the internet. Obviously when you're on a small hub with 3 other people in a coffee shop, the amount of traffic is small and it wouldn't be too difficult for a hacker to sort it out; whereas someone trying to eavesdrop on the traffic on a fiber optic cable downtown has a much bigger challege. But if the data isn't encrypted the possibility for eavesdropping is there. Facebook is constantly being changed and extended and security isn't their top priority; I definitely wouldn't put my VISA number on a Facebook page

But a big-time banking site is probably safe to use from anywhere.