<i>The GPS signal is indeed not the same as what's needed for the phone to work as a phone, so no roaming costs.</i>

You might want to qualify that statement.

<b>IF</b> your GPS app uses maps that are locally stored and <b>IF</b> it does not need to get data over a network, then using your phone as a GPS device will not affect your data plan (roaming or otherwise).

However, <b>IF</b> maps or other data (POI, traffic, etc.) needs to be retrieved over a network, then data plan charges will apply as applicable.

When you download French maps, make sure you disable speed camera location facility. It's an offence, and you can be heavily fined or even get your car impounded.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice...in-france.html

The work around for that is to stop calling them "speed cameras" and call them something else such as "Danger Zones" like TomTom does.

http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/ans...rvice-legal%3F

<i>New update: TomTom Speed Camera service becomes Danger Zones in France
TomTom had a meeting with the Road Safety Ministry to clarify the situation regarding new and upcoming legislation. As a result, TomTom is introducing a 100% compliant Danger Zones service available in a free download for compatible products.</i>

So, if you use a TomTom, be sure to enable Danger Zones if you want to be notified when to exercise special caution. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*

Good hikers. It was the Garmin customer service rep that told me it could not be bought that way. I wish they knew what they were talking about!
Or maybe I just should have depended on my own research.

>>>
unfolded over your bedspread every evening in the hotel to make new plans, unlike a GPS device
<<<

But the flip side is it's very inconvenient to spread a Michelin map over your steering wheel while driving... ;^)

I now have 4 TomToms. One for each car and the oldest one retired to a desk drawer when a new one came along. By all means get a new TT but don't cheap out... get one with bluetooth so you can use the hands free phone feature.

I love paper maps but the old school feel and "fun" of map navigation takes a backseat to the domestic tranquility from using a GPS.

<i>However, IF maps or other data (POI, traffic, etc.) needs to be retrieved over a network, then data plan charges will apply as applicable.</i>

I'm waiting to hear from my sister but remember a sign that we did have data off .. if a place were already listed in the TomTom list of points of interest (POI), then it could be selected for navigation destination.

If we wanted a place not on a list, then there would be an "error." We did such searches in the evening, with hotel/B&B WiFi access.

The TomTom app is a big download, all of the map data surely. It had to be downloaded with the phone connected to WiFi.

I have a Garmin probably older then the one grandmere has. Last May I updated it once again, took it to Provence and had absolutely no problem.

However due to the age/size I cannot so an "all of Europe" update. I have to pick the country and just update that

As for customer support, the one time I used it they were incredibly helpful.

Ok I just looked. Mine is a Garmin 370, which I have carried all over. It is with me on a business trip right now.

If you decide to buy a new GPS, it is helpful to have it for a while before you go, so you are familiar with how it works.

Hey Surfmom, just an FYI... jailbreaking and unlocking an iPhone are not the same thing. You need to unlock the phone to use a different sim card. Jailbreaking refers to opening up some different software interfaces and letting you do some different things with the software. Its generally pretty easy to jailbreak a phone. Getting it unlocked is something only the provider (At&t, Verizon) can do. Or you can buy one unlocked.