internet phone access options

Just FYI, others have said that you do not need data access for offline Google maps. I certainly did not need it for the map application I use, Ulmon's CityMaps2GoPro. I just preload the maps I need before I leave home or while I have access to Wi-Fi in Europe.

I'm not suggesting that you don't need a European SIM, just that there might be a way to keep the cost down by not using cellular data for navigation.

as from the middle of June you should be able to purchase a data package that will cover you in all EU countries and roaming charges away from home networks will now be included in any package deal made.
I usually buy a small data package when travelling from my provider but from the middle of June will no longer need to do so.

I have done the wifi hunt before on previous trips for communication, but choices about where my travel time is spent become compromised, so I am trying to avoid being dependent solely on that.
I have already downloaded Ulmons app yesterday. Thank you everyone.
I will also buy the euro package of data which is my perfect solution for the multi city longer trip

to give you an idea of price I have a Sim only contract 2GB data,1500 minutes of talk time and unlimited text for £9/month, for a one off Sim only deal for a few weeks you should get something for a bit more than that.
Most of my time I connect to free wiFi, many citiy centres in Europe have free wiFi now including my own city of Edinburgh and Prague in the Czech republic where I spend several weeks a year in.

Bear in mind you can use the Ullmon maps with turn-by-turn navigation, with cellular data turned off and using just your phone's GPS. Most smart phones include GPS. If you have an iPhone 3GS or newer it includes "real" GPS, not just assisted GPS.

That can save you some data.

I've found with both Google maps, and other navigation apps, you need data to search for an address, but can then navigate there with data turned off.

The biggest problem with a local SIM is that they're great in the country you purchased them but still roaming when you leave that country. Roaming charges aren't nearly what ours are but they won't be a few cents a minute either.

I've never used any of the multiple country SIMs/plans so can't say if they're a good deal or not.

I just tested this out. I downloaded a map of my local area on CityMaps2Go and also on Google Maps.

Turned off cellular data and wifi.

I was able to search for addresses and landmarks and then get turn by turn directions from my current location to the place I searched for.

I am using an iPhone 6. YMMV with other phones.

Again, thank you to everyone that has responded. I am going to give CityMaps2Go a test run in the next couple of weeks locally. If that works as respondents on the forum suggested, that will be fabulous.
By the way, thank you "UncleGus"! We are headed to Prague after our Rick Steve's Tour concludes. Your response helps me with my communications concern while there. I am hopeful that the multi-city Sim is in play in June as that would be perfect timing

bob

I've always been able to find addresses on CityMaps2GoPro without cellular or Wi-Fi access (once I've downloaded the map, I mean). The ability to find places (museum, hotels, etc.) by name can vary, depending on how much data has been included in each map. Museums I'd be confident about, except for the very newest. Small and recently-established restaurants, I wouldn't count on it unless I could do the look-up by address rather than name.

Bob,
I have no idea what most of the replies so far are talking about. To answer your question...T-Mobile. If you have an unlocked phone sign up for T-Mobile and keep it or cancel after your trip. Well worth it for full service while you travel. If you have ATT they have a new plan for $10 per day for any 24 hour period you use the phone. It could get expensive over a long trip.