[stan]

We're scheduled to pick up our XC40 in October and plan on spending two weeks driving through Germany, France and possibly into Spain, Italy, or Hungary. I've already got travel maps of Europe but it would be helpful if we had GPS. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get the GPS program for Europe loaded, or is that even an option? We can use our cell phones, but those are only good when you have cell phone reception and I'm not sure how well covered some of the areas we'll be traveling through are covered. If we can't get a program to cover Europe in our XC40 I can always download a map of Europe into my Garmin and take that with us, but I hate to do that if it isn't necessary.

Any info from those who've gone through this program would be appreciated.

Stan

 

[stan]

Just to update those who might be interested in driving around in Europe, I ordered a map of all of Europe from Garmin for my Nuvi. It was less than $30. I've tried exploring a few different driving maps for the places that I want to visit and it's working perfectly. This is going to make finding the best routes very easy.

 

[Jezza]

I just use Google Maps or Waze on my cellphone while in Europe. I have T-Mobile so data there is without any extra charge. But with most carriers you can buy a 30 day data pass. I've never had a issue with coverage. I used to take a Garmin with me and bought the Europe map. Uploading it to the GPS was simple. But I find the cell phone is easier today.

 

[stan]

Jezza, my wife and I will both have the 30 day pass for our cell phones, but since we have AT&T I'm not sure what the coverage will be. And since I already have the European Map loaded into my Garmin it will be a good back up. But thanks for your suggestion.

 

[RBEmerson]

Coverage, in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria is generally excellent, even where you might not expect it. Expect to see the name of your carrier change. Don't worry, they all know where to send the bill. BTW, when in doubt, use WiFi (AKA WLAN) and a VPN tunnel for cheap service and security respectively.

 

[CVOLVO.COM]

I use a GPS APP that stores country and regional maps locally on your smartphone. It's called SYGIC available from your APP store for Android as well as Apple. They have many neat add-ons but you must purchase the maps separately. I am a beta tester for their Android Auto extension but like all AA products, it only uses the bottom frame of the car's display. I used a smartphone version 2 years ago while in France and it's essential for their roundabouts.

 

[RBEmerson]

Buy maps? For an app, when Google Maps does it for free? Really?

 

[CVOLVO.COM]

Buy maps? For an app, when Google Maps does it for free? Really?

IMHO the benefit is you do not require an Internet connection especially when there is no signal or the bandwidth costs are costly. This does not likely relate to the USA, but in some countries, like Canada we are not so blessed. The map license is for lifetime and covers as many devices you own or plan to buy forever, with 3 free updates per year. Sygic has many functions not available in Google Maps. Personally, with high Internet charges, I've saved in the long term..

 

[RBEmerson]

I don't know about Canada, but most of Europe has public WiFi (WLAN) hotspots in lots of places.

Sorry, but IMHO this is an answer looking for a question.

If Maps doesn't make your day (at least for me, it's often frustratingly slow), there are excellent crowd-sourced map apps. Consider this list's contents. Kurviger isn't listed but suggested for those looking for the twisty way from A to B. It's primarily a motorcycle app, it won't complain if you're on four wheels instead of two (or three) wheels. Download the maps before you leave home. Easy-peasy. (Note: I was an early beta tester, but have no further connection with the developers).