pdarwin

When I visit Europe, almost always UK or Germany, I rent a car for the duration. Instead of spending stupid $ to add a GPS to the cost, I thought of buying a GPS here in Canada and taking it with me. Also could use it here in Canada when I rent, but Europe is the priority.
Would it make sense to do this and any recommendations for GPS type and even model that is best for Europe?

Pulaski

Your phone with Google maps will likely give you everything you need, and with no investment in hardware, or add-on fees.

Cell tower density in the UK and Europe eliminates the need for a GPS.

pdarwin

But surely I would have to buy a phone data plan for Europe and my experience with a mobile phone on a data plan in the German countryside was hopeless. I'm not too concerned with navigating on the cheap. I need something that works well.

Juggernaut1064

I used Garmin but thats because big truck specific GPS wasnt common when i was still trucking.
Garmin do have some with pre installed European maps and mostly Garmin have free lifetime updates but check the small print for that ! Heres a link and i think theres one listed on this link for Nth America and Europe ?

https://www.amazon.ca/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_8pr2iqjubt_e

Pulaski

Yes, you'd need a data plan. I haven't had data problems in the UK, and would be entirely comfortable using phone-based maps in Europe, not because it is "on the cheap", but a GPS is IMO another unnecessary gadget to be carrying around.

pdarwin

Thanks. Some of the newer Garmin models look good. I also heard that Tom-Tom was better for Europe, but I don't remember the reasons why.

Juggernaut1064

I just did find a tomtom with European maps too but reviews panned it so i deleted the link from here.
Seems the memory want big enough to update both american and European maps. I suppose you get what you pay for ?
Might be better to just buy a cheaper european one when you get there ?

pdarwin

Last year in Germany we had two different cell phone systems with data plans and although they worked in the cities, they were worse than useless in the countryside, yet the GPS built in to the rental vehicle was a life saver as German country roads are not well lit at night and poorly signposted. This is mainly where I will be needing GPS.

Novocastrian

A road map?

Pulaski

I tried to buy one four years ago. The most recent I could find was printed in 2006. ..... And is exactly why I bought my first smart phone!

pdarwin

I'm normally pretty good reading a paper map, but imagine in the countryside at night, poor street lighting, narrow roads, many winding turns. A GPS with a voice is a saving grace.
Believe it or not, last year was the first time I'd ever used GPS in any vehicle, as I always relied on maps previously. But as it was not optional in the rental car I had, and I said I had no need for it, they let me use it for free. I was so impressed with the GPS that I cannot imagine my next trip without it, but if I have to pay for it then it costs as much as buying a new one each time.

Tinpusher63

This would depend on which kind of phone he has. Most if not all Android phones have a built in GPS antenna no data plan or internet connection required. Just download and app from the Google Play store. Two that can be tried are Here (Formerly Nokia maps) and Maps.me

Also if you have an iPhone with 3G or 4G it also has a GPS antenna built in so all you have to do is download a mapping app and it's good to go offline no data plan or internet required either, except of course to download the apps.

Pizzawheel

We had a Garmin GPS from France when we moved here, it was $100 to update with north american maps but the ex is still going strong with it 6 years later. I preferred Garmin to Tom-Tom at the time.

Oink

TomTom

Simon Legree

Garmin in my vehicles and aircraft. I've never had any other brand so I don't know about Tom Tom or Magellan.