Maps and Garmin sim card

Your GPS does not use a SIM card. Garmin offers two choices for updating your unit with maps of Italy: microSD/SD card or download from their website, both cost $69.99. If you wish to use your iPhone you will need either a plan from your US carrier or get an Italian SIM card - provided that your phone is unlocked. (Read the phone section under "Tips and Tricks" on this website if you're not familiar with using your phone in Europe. ) I've used paper maps, a Garmin GPS and both Apple and Google maps at various times. I have found that using the mapping apps was as good as using my Garmin and now I rely solely on the iPhone. A lot of posters on the forum highly recommend CityMaps2Go. I haven't tried it yet but after reading their comments, I will. If you do want a paper map, get the Michelin map that covers that part of Italy you will visit; no need for a country atlas.

Last fall, I visited Sardinia and Corsica and only used my iPhone. I had downloaded some Google off line maps and the phone switched seamlessly when no cell service was available. I never had a problem driving around the islands in cities or very rural areas. Practice with your phone at home and see if you'd be comfortable enough to leave the Garmin at home.

Can't tellyou about the Nuvi 42, however, the Garmin I bought from Costco a couple of years ago was pr-loaded with all the EU maps.

My iPhone is an option I will have on hand. Also iPad. But can I rely on it when traveling in rural areas and will it eat up a lot of data? Just ordered the Michelin Road Atlas - 2014 from Amazon. It will arrive in two days.

The Garmin is a borrowed one, the owner does not know if it has Italy loaded on it. How can I find out?

Can I Google that for you? The Nuvi 42 is sold with the lower-49 states. Did your friend insert a micro sd card alfeady?

Under Settings, find the MapData option to learn what maps are loaded. I do not recommend using any GPS for the first time in the parking lot of a foreign car rental agency.

It is rare that the Garmin was purchased with NA and European maps. When I purchased mine, I specifically purchased one with both preinstalled knowing I wanted to use it in Europe. If it's a few years old, most likely the maps are out of date as well. To determine if your friend's unit has European maps installed, have him attach it to his computer and he should be able to see what maps are installed or go to the Garmin website and he can find out using the unit's serial number.

When using an app on your phone, it doesn't use data, it uses the GPS ability of the phone. If you play around with Google maps, you'll see that you can download areas to your device so they can be used off line. I would suggest taking a cell phone car mount so you can see the screen and not have to hold the phone. The car I rented in Sardinia last fall had a USB port which allowed the directions to be played through the car radio and it also kept the phone charged.

Have decided to not use the Garmin. Simpler with iPhone, iPad, maps and the Michelin Road Atlas. Furthermore, many times when I get lost, I discover something interesting.

Thanks to all!