GPS solutions for Europe?

[Dougmeister]

We have an old TomTom XXL w/ USA maps. It looks like there are at least 5 different map packages for Europe that cost at least $60-$75 each.

We *could* just use our smart phones and Google maps, etc., but we're not sure how much it will cost to buy SIM cards over there or how difficult it would be to get our carrier (Ting) to make the phones work over there (Galaxy S5, iPhone 5s).

What is the most efficient use of money?

1) Buy maps for the TomTom XXL? (I doubt it since it's older and I don't think all maps will fit in there at the same time)

2) Get smart phones configured for use in Europe? or

3) Buy a new GPS w/ Europe maps pre-loaded?

 

[BW86]

You can make google maps download an area (or areas) to your device and use that. No need to have cell service to use gps.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd use osmand with downloaded maps. No need for cell service. That's what I use with my normal phone.

 

[Dougmeister]

You can make google maps download an area (or areas) to your device and use that. No need to have cell service to use gps.

How do you "force" Google maps to download to the device? It did it for the area in which I live, but it did it all by itself, and I don't know when it did it...

 

[lopri]

Yah, Google maps is a pain if you want to download specific maps ahead. I use Here and Google maps side by side.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps

It lets you download as many maps for offline use as your sd card allows. It's free.

 

[MrSquished]

You can make google maps download an area (or areas) to your device and use that. No need to have cell service to use gps.

From what I understood 4 years ago when I came to the island country of Cyprus, Google Maps does require data to use GPS navigation even if you have already downloaded the maps offline. You can save data by downloading the maps offline but still need some data to navigate.

As far as picking up a new sim to use in a phone, in the little island country of Cyprus where I am visiting again now, you can not only buy top up cards at any bodega, but an actual prepaid SIM as well. I can't imagine it being any more difficult in any modern European country but a quick Google wouldn't hurt for each country. You can even do research on which carrier is best for certain areas you will be visiting ahead of time.

Downloading an offline map for Google Maps on a phone is super easy. Just google the city and country you want, size the square up properly and start downloading.