Two questions: 1) Do Italian rent-a-cars have the same 12V cigarette lighter outlets that we plug into in the States for charging your phone or using your GPS? 2) Has anyone used the GPS on the iPhone in Tuscany? Does it work ok or should we bring our Garmin Nuvi? Thanks.
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
Remember the international data charges for the iPhone can be steep, you may want to do some tests on how much data transfers for what you want to do and get an international plan based on that. Since the iPhone uses google maps, if you can find it with that you should be ok.
Posted by
Ohio Valley, USA
123 posts
We are renting a Global Phone from Verizon and they told us the US GPS systems on the phones will not work in Europe. We were hoping they did so we could get easy walking directions :(
Posted by
Bellingham, Washington, USA
21 posts
Would you guys recommend getting a GPS if we are going for our first time. We will be in london,paris, venice, florence, and rome. My husband and I have been going back and forth on whether or not it would be worth it to buy a gps. Let us know what you think!!!
Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
Scott,
Yes, Italian/European vehicles use the same type of 12-volt outlets as here.
I'd suggest checking with AT&T regarding use of your I-Phone in Europe. If the I-Phone GPS function uses the data portion of the phone, it could be VERY expensive!
In your situation, I'd take the Garmin Nuvi and disable the data function of the I-Phone when in Europe. However, one very important note - is your Garmin Nuvi equipped with European Maps? Normally only the x70 models have the Euro Maps, and it's quite expensive to add these to other units.
I've been using a Nuvi 370 on recent trips, and have found this very useful not only for driving but also when walking around cities.
Good luck!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
Nikki,
First of all, you didn't indicate whether you would be driving in any of the locations you listed?
If you are going to be using rental cars, then I would definetly recommend taking a GPS unit with you along with some good Maps (Michelin). Many rental firms these days are offering optional GPS units (eg: Hertz Never Lost), however they may be configured with the local language or be a high cost addition to the rental contract).
It should be possible to get some good deals on GPS units, especially with Christmas sales on now. However, be sure to buy a unit that is equipped with European maps (as I mentioned in the previous post, the Garmin Nuvi x70 models have Euro maps). Be sure to take a Plug Adapter for the AC Charger. You'll have to decide whether one of the smaller units (Nuvi 370) or a larger "wide screen" model (Nuvi 670) will work best for you.
Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Nelson
2 posts
Thank you.