mmyk72

On a business trip to Europe 3 yrs ago, I took the advice of co-workers to rent a GPS rather than bring my own (I'd need to buy a Europe map but already have a Garmin).

So I rented a unit from Hertz (about $15 per day if I remember right). It was OLD as in big and bulky. Nevertheless, it did it's job until it DIED after 2 days. I had trouble finding my way to and from work for a day and luckily my co-worker let me use a French version that she has (French is better than nothing and at least I know "left" from "right").

So I'd suggest don't risk it and just bring your own.

mmyk72

Forgot to say: it was not funny driving around and around on those 1-way streets in the little town, thinking it's so close but couldn't get there.

drobert360

Reasons to consider bringing your own GPS unit ...
1. Rental car companies run out of inventory (many units get damaged and break)
2. Maps are usually out of date as rental companies do not update their maps (you are paying for an out of date device)
3. Fees for GPS units are very high (often a 4 or 5 day rental will pay for a new unit).

Get the maximum value out of your GPS unit
a. Update your GPS maps before your trip ... it is worth it (you can save money by buying a lifetime upgrade map for a little more).
b. Bring a good map with you for your trip ... a paper map works hand-in-hand with a GPS unit (understand your route before departing).
c. Understand the features of your GPS before you leave home (practice) ... download a manual.
d. If your unit is not working proper ... contact factory support.
e. Upgrade you unit using the manufacturers services ... a cheapie low-cost auction map may be a bad investment if it is a fake or worse screws up the programing of your device.

Alan_CT

In May we'll take our Navigon 2100 to Europe for the third time. It's an older model that uses a card, which cost $40 on eBay. Never has steered us wrong.
I also like being able to plug in all the destinations in advance. Don't rally want to devote time to that once we're there. I plan routes on viamichelin and then select key stages so that we aren't stuck with the recommended routes.
To me, the convenience is even more important than the cost savings.

theotherside

Not sure who mentioned that GPS's were distracting, but I mentioned they can be distracting initially, if you have never used one before. Other than that, I don't find them to be a distraction.
With reference to using maps, they won't give you advanced lane guidance or distance information from up and coming intersections either.
A GPS is not necessary but they have alot of handy features.

Terry_Cox

i have a garmin nuvi 275T. it came with european and north american maps and was under $150 at amazon. it worked great in a rental car in spain, but the fiat we rented in milan had a different size cigarette lighter type connection and the charger didn't fit. it was too long. i've contacted budget rental and garmin and neither had any helpful information. garmin said if i had a car that it didn't fit i should charge it in a different car. i even tried to charge it through the USB port on my notebook and that didn't work either. i'm still trying to find out if there is one other common size so i could buy another charger to fit that one. not have a working gps added another level of stress to the trip and wasted time.

VolCrew

Too late to help the OP, but I have a Garmin 275T as well. I just used my lifetime updates again before my return to Germany last month. This unit has its idiosyncrasies, but is much better than many hire car units - if you can get them to work at all.

I have never had any issues with the plugs, but I have never used an Italian hire car.