Use of GPS..

Don't know if you have a tablet or smart phone ....I downloaded a GPS app onto my iPad and it worked like a charm while driving in Europe in July. However, you'll need to get an international SIM card to avoid high roaming fees. Roam Simple, among others offer SIM's: http://www.roamsimple.com/. Alternatively you can purchase a micro SIM card in the country you're visiting at a phone store. However, you'll need a new SIM in each country as you'll run into higher fees once you cross a border. Hope this helps...

Well, there are just two main aspects to consider: (1) GPS satellites are global and navigation units will get signal in the open anywhere except near the poles :) (2) your navigation unit must be fit with a map to be useful (map of Europe in this case)

How much does Garmin charge for the maps? You can get a new GPS, with Euro and USA maps, for probably under $150 on Amazon. I've used both TomTom and Garmin in Europe, they're the two brands most recommended. I like TomTom better. Both brands sometimes need some coaxing to navigate where you want One caveat. If the GPS doesn't work right away - send it back for a refund and buy another one. Even the good companies seem to produce lemons that aren't worth messing with. I was pretty upset with TomTom over sending a device back twice and being sent a device with less features both times (once no European maps and the second no traffic) - I should have just taken a refund and bought something else (or even another of the same model) rather than spend hours with tech support and paying to ship twice.

Last year we were going to add Europe maps to our old Garmin (probably 3-4 years old) for $99.00. But then found a Nuvi 275T with Europe maps included for $140.00. The new one also came with Traffic alerts, so you can see where delays are ahead and look for alternate routes. Well worth the extra $40.

We're just concluding a 3 week trip thru Austria, Bavaria, and The Czech Republic. We had the use of a European GPS...Becker. It worked wonderfully, except in road construction areas. I especially liked the GPS coordinates feature which saved our marriage in Prague! I won't drive in Europe without one.

If you have an older Garmin, it probably came w/o a microchip in the side slot. Those are now necessary, as I learned after several failed attempts, for updating current U.S. and and Europe maps. No problem. The chips are available at Walmart and other big-box stores for around $10.

I've used something like 5 generations of Garmins over the years and still use, very happily, a Nuvi all over western and central Europe as well as in England. They are absolutely great. Now I've had a new revelation. I recently got an Iphone and got the free NavFree app. It is absolutely wonderful and has great mapping, great voice directions, chooses exactly the same routes as my Garmin, doesn't use the battery too fast, very quick to respond and recalculate, very accurate, and - best of all - is offline so uses no or minimal data. In fact I think the only time it uses any data is when using online search for POIs. It has quite a lot of installed POIs but can go online for more, and can do Google searches. I like it very much indeed.

Thanks to all for your Great suggestions.... Feel better about purchasing a new unit...

I bought my Garmin last year at DARTY - a French electrical chain store. It covers the whole of Europe and can be used in English. It was 75 euros. Their web site is currently advertising the same model for 86 euros. They also have a Takara (same make as my car radio) at 50 euros. I think you'll find that a new one is the simplest answer - you could probably sell the old one on EBAY! Roger

For driving anywhere there is nothing better than a stand alone dedicated GPS and I am a fan of Garmin. For walking in cities with tall buildings a compass and good map work best. Using a smartphone for driving is problematic without a data plan or advanced loading of maps. Taking a GPS with you so you are familiar with it is better than trying to learn while you are on your trip.

Thanks ALL for the great info..... We got our new Nuvi.... think its gonna work great. Leave in 5 days! Can't wait for the exploration to start.