We are traveling for three weeks in Ireland and England and have a car rented for those days. We currently have an iPhone 8+ that we were planning on using them for our GPS. We are concerned that the daily Verizon rate will not be sufficient to run GPS for the day while we are driving. They only allow half a gig per day. Should we just buy a cheap cell phone in Ireland to use for GPS and internet in both countries? If so, any idea of cost?
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
I haven't been to Ireland. However, I have used my phone for GPS. I use the app, maps.me OFFLINE, so it doesn't use data. I download my maps from home or when I have wifi. I've used it in France, Spain and all over the U.S. In Europe, and most of the time in the U.S., I like it better than my Garmin GPS. I like it better when I'm driving than for use when walking, but I think it just takes more getting used to. It doesn't have public transportation, so just know that. Before my first trip using maps.me., I used it at home to get used to it.
In regards to data with Verizon, it depends on how much you will use it, but I added a $10/day feature to my plan. If I choose to use data at some point, I would have it for the following 24 hours for $10. I ended up never using it because I make use of my hotel and occasionally public wifi. It is nice to know that I have it for a fairly economical rate if I want/need it.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4842 posts
Our phone is Android, but we used it similarly to Jules, but used Google maps offline. We just downloaded the necessary map using WiFi (often a day or so ahead of time). No data required.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
565 posts
Agree with cjean. We used google maps offline on an iPhone SE, no data required, and drove all over Ireland for a month. It worked perfectly and navigated us to some really off the grid places.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6525 posts
As stated, use google maps downloaded for offline use. No data required. Just download maps for all the areas you’ll be visiting. Maybe you will get lucky and your rental car will come with a built in one, as happened with us in Wales. No extra charge.
Posted by
akron, ohio
503 posts
Why not ask for a GPS device for your rented care? I've done that in many different countries and has always worked out well. Check with the company from which you rented your car..
Posted by
51 posts
Google maps offline is all you will need. Just remember to download the maps you need BEFORE you travel. And turn off cellular data.
Posted by
Georgetown,KY
107 posts
Keep in mind, however, that downloaded maps do not show real time conditions- like accidents or other slow downs. Even in the US, I still get online periodically when traveling to make sure nothing bad has happened since the last time I checked.