vincenzo32951

Does it work in place of a typical navigation system for directions from Point A to Point B, particularly in Italy?
Are there data-roaming charges if you use it?
Any hidden problems?
Any info is appreciated.

griz_fan

You will need to account for data charges. Most map options on the iPhone require data, and if you're not paying at the local data rate, you could get hammered with a massive data charge. Where are you coming from (home country) and what model phone do you have?

Also, GPS use can drain a battery, so an external battery device that allows you to recharge your phone could prove very useful.

vincenzo32951

Coming from the USA. Have an iPhone 4.
I understand the data issue as you explained it. I guess I could call my provider about it, but is it possible to get a data plan that covers the charges? I'm pretty much clueless about this stuff.

vincenzo32951

Regarding the power drain: a car charger (into the lighter jack) should suffice, right?

HappyTrvlr

If the charger fits in the car lighter jack; we had one in Italy that didn't fit. Frustrating.

china_cat

You need an international data plan. Contact your provider or check their website for the cost. Alternatively, if you are able to get the phone unlocked you can buy a local SIM card with a "pay as you go" plan, and that will probably be cheaper. That's what I did for Switzerland, and I believe I saved around 60-70 dollars from what AT&T wanted for their int'l plan.

Kathie

We switched to T-Mobile as our provider before our trip to Paris. T-Mobile gives you free data for 120 countries. We used google maps to get around Paris, texted each other when we needed to and paid not so much as an extra cent on our cell phone bill.

reg2014ak

There's a map app called citymaps2go that does not use data. You can use it offline if you've downloaded the maps while online. It won't talk to you or plot routes but it will tell you where you are and it's very helpful for marking where you've parked, etc. I've found it VERY useful in France.

kawh

we use ours just as a plain map... we take a screenshot of the area at the hotel, where we have free wifi, and then just bring up the picture. it's amazing how you can keep zooming in and in on a screenshot picture and see every detail of the map.

no charges that way... but as above... you don't get verbal directions.

greg

Does it work in place of a typical navigation system for directions from Point A to Point B, particularly in Italy? <u>Yes</u>
Are there data-roaming charges if you use it? <u>Yes, a lot</u>
Any hidden problems? <u>No.</u> High charges are published on web sites. If the user does not know how much data is involved and does not know the per mb charges, the user may be uninformed, but it is not hidden.

Cluelessness costs. If you want to be an informed user, get a grasp of how much data is needed. Use your data usage meter using your iphone as a GPS. Drive a fixed amount of time, one hour, for example in one direction. How much data did it chew up? Look at the proposed rate charts and estimate how many hours you plan to use the GPS. Now decide what makes sense, do nothing, buy data pack from your current carrier, or bother with a local SIM.

Who is your current carrier anyway?

vincenzo32951

>>Who is your current carrier anyway?<<
AT&T. I checked the website. It offers up to 120MB for $30 or up to 300MB for $60. Some of my questions here (and your good answers) go to figuring out how much data, if any, I might need.

>>Cluelessness costs.<<
Thus, my questions.

>>If the charger fits in the car lighter jack; we had one in Italy that didn't fit. Frustrating.<<
I can imagine. Couldn't you purchase one there that fit?

>>no charges that way... but as above... you don't get verbal directions.<<
I'm going to have to think about whether that type of app will work for me. I'm going to be traveling to a few out-of-the-way places, and I think instructions would help a lot, as opposed to just a map.

I've driven in Europe a lot, and really have no qualms about getting around, reading a map or asking for directions. But I guess I, like a lot of others, have become dependent on GPS.

I'm figuring my actual driving time will be about 4 hours, though I don't think I'd need GPS for all of that, since some of it's on main highways, and I own a map. So I need to factor that into my thinking.

Trust me, I'm not the type to throw away money, but if I spent an extra $30 or so to ensure I have the flexibility I need, I'm OK with that, in the context of what the whole trip will cost. Another $300? That would get my attention.

Actually, I could avoid the whole problem by just getting GPS in the rental vehicle, but the rental agency won't guarantee a GPS unit, and I've run into situations before where the agency had run out of units.

kimharp

There is a good New York Times article you might want to read that explains things nicely:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/tr...-overseas.html

vincenzo32951

Good article (but nothing about GPS). I'm not the type to post photos to Facebook or email them while traveling, or any of that sort of stuff. It can wait till I get back.

So far, a moderately priced data plan with a GPS app is looking like the leading candidate.

ParisAmsterdam

GPS itself works without using data... the chip picks up a signal from multiple satellites on its own just like a dedicated GPS does.

Where data comes into play is the downloading of maps required as you either walk or drive beyond the coverage of the map on the screen.

To avoid needing a data connection go and download a free app such as Maps With Me. It has you download the required maps at home so they are ready to use once you're at your destination.

By all means call your carrier but they often give poor advice... they will give you an answer most revenue positive for the company I would think. Some just don't know what they're talking about and you will be the one on the hook if a huge data bill awaits when you get home.

Since you have an iPhone 4 which now an old model, ask your carrier to unlock it. AT&T does this I believe. Then pick up a SIM like Lebara once in Europe and use the MapsWithMe app. It needn't cost you a penny to AT&T while you're away.

Regarding charging... it's possible you might get a rental car with a lighter socket that's fried. A lot of new cars have an extra 12V socket though. You can also charge by USB connection to a laptop. Get a plug adapter and you can charge from a wall socket at your hotel too... the phone's charger will handle the voltage automatically. Charging will not be difficult.

griz_fan

An AT&T iPhone 4 *might* be able to work with an Italian SIM (I know the 4S should). You will need to get the phone unlocked in order to use an Italian SIM card. That would give you an Italian phone number and local data rates, which are far better than any rates AT&T will offer. I would pursue that approach first, because you can get a LOT of use from your phone for less than what AT&T will charge you for a little use.
to help with battery life, consider a portable battery charger like these: http://www.amazon.com/Anker which can be used any where.

vincenzo32951

Thanks for your time and advice. Will consider all options, to a certain extent (see below).

I have a wall charger that I've used often in Europe. No problem there. I was just worried about losing juice while in the vehicle.

When dealing with AT&T, I usually go to one of their walk-in places, rather than contacting them on the phone or online. I've found that the counter people are generally well informed and helpful. There's a store 5 minutes away, so it's convenient.

Referencing my earlier "$30 extra" comment: In the interest of full disclosure, I confess that I will readily pay an extra $30-$50 when I've reached my research limit. That is, there comes a point where I throw up my hands and decide that the time spent researching such things just isn't worth it anymore. I'm not quite there yet, but I can see it on the horizon.

kawh

if you want to get a gps, call kemwel... a couple of months ago, they were offering "free" gps... i think the deal was that they send you a gps here at your home for $40 and then you use it on your trip... and then return it in a mailer provided. we didn't use it, but a relative did and was happy with it.