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SIM card / GPS / Wi-Fi - car rentals

Posted by (WA, USA) on

I’m leaving for Greece in 2 weeks and don’t know quite what I need. I don’t want to double up on data services.

If I get SIMs in Greece for my 2 phones, that should enable me to use my phone for GPS and internet when driving, correct? Meaning I don’t need to purchase the GPS/Wi-Fi hotspot through my car rental (20 euros, 80 euros thru ACR)

I’ve never driven in a foreign country, mother/daughter (12 yo) trip, and want to make sure I am well prepared.

Many thanks to all on this forum who share their information and insights to help fellow travelers 🙂

Posted by
2267 posts

Correct- SIMs will let you use your phones like you do at home, including navigation. (At prices way cheaper than your US plan’s roaming charges.)

Posted by
5687 posts

You don't even need SIM cards to use the phones as GPS's. GPS works without internet or mobile data. But...it will work BETTER with SIM cards - e.g. you'l get real-time traffic info if you have mobile data. But if you download "offline map data" in your mapping app e.g. Google Maps ahead of time, you can use your phone as a GPS without any SIM card or data plan. Try it a home!

Not saying you shouldn't buy Greek SIM cards - still handy to have as you are out and about - just saying you don't really need them for GPS.

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