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Garmin Nuvi or Android Phone App

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Imodica
  7/25/2016 12:09 EST

I was wondering if we needed to pack our Garmin for this 90-day trip or can our cell phone (will be getting an Italy carrier when we get there) pick up Google maps or something to help us navigate?

I've never used my cell phone before for navigation but people seem to in the US.

Sergios
  7/25/2016 12:23 EST

I once took a trip to italy using a TomTom that I did not have time to update before leaving. I accrued $1200 worth of tickets because the gps was not up to date and many of the roads, signs, traffic pattens had changed. I strongly suggest using online navigation instead of garmin or other purpose made device. I use three. They all have their strong and weak points. Google Maps is the least useful because sometimes it has problems finding places and the B!tch won't shut-up. Apple maps is acceptible except when it utterly fails, which does not happen that often. Waze is the most useful primarily because it gives you better traffic information, speed traps and cameras, and road hazards. Waze has a problem in that it likes small roads, sometimes very small roads. It will calculate the distance between points and pick the shortest even though its not always the best. But at least you get to see things you would otherwise not see. Have all three on your phone, get a cheap data plan for the phone and enjoy. Don't forget to load lots of music on the phone too. I am on a 5 month journey from italy through france, belgium, holland back to france and to italy. So I have experience in these matters.

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rsetzer99
  7/25/2016 12:39 EST

Google Maps will do the trick quite well. Just returned from a ten day trip. Traveled all around Abruzzo and Google Maps did the turn by turn without any hickups. Waze was acquired by Google a couple years ago.

Umbertomar
  8/6/2016 08:55 EST

I tried to use my Garmin Nuvi and had loaded all the updated maps for Italy. It was truly a disaster.. The Nuvi may get you in the general direction but that is about it. Find another solution.

oscarwildedog
  8/6/2016 12:12 EST

Here's the best deal I can tell you: I've tried all the GPS/mapping thingies out there and the cheapest, if not the best thing to use, is Google Maps. And, if you don't have it, get the Sprint "International" package.

I've tried AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, et al, but Sprint has a special package that not only is inexpensive (less than $30), it allows you a lot of international texting time, as well. An added bonus is that it provides you a special contact number, email contact AND web page just for your international travels.

The reason it is so inexpensive is you can get it by country. Since I travel to (and within) Italy all the time, I have the Italian one.

I see Americans switching their phones off and on when they're checking Google Maps so they don't use up valuable cell time. With Sprint International, you don't have to worry.

rsetzer99
  8/6/2016 18:31 EST

Most of the Italian providers sell a tourist sim. If you have an unlocked phone, just buy one at the airport. Off the top of my head I know Wind sells one for 20eu. It includes 2GB of data and 100 international minutes for a 30 day period. You can restart for 10eu.

2GB will cover you for at least a couple weeks of maps, web surf and email. I have a train italy app on my phone I use alot when I'm there. Typically I am about 500-600MB a week.

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