Apologies if this has been covered before - the search engine seems to be down.
On a recent trip to Vancouver, BC, we were unable to use either Apple or Google Maps to return to the border. It had worked fine when we put in our destination before crossing from WA into BC, but refused to plot the destination when we attempted it after lunch in Vancouver.
Resorting to old school sign-reading strained our brains (ha.) We have Verizon, and understood that our coverage was good for both the US and Canada. Not so much!
Any ideas on how to resolve this next time? Our bill was paid and I was using roaming.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10698 posts
I think this may be something specific to your plan. I haven't had any issues using them in BC.
Posted by
Oregon
428 posts
Yes, without more details it sounds like a plan/service issue
Posted by
Vancouver, Canada
158 posts
Hi, KC.
- What time period were you in southern British Columbia and the metro Vancouver area?
- Do you have international roaming that includes Canada in your cellular/mobile plan, and if so, was international roaming activated before crossing the border?
Posted by
near San Francisco (currently in Budapest)
6622 posts
I wonder if you had used your phone from Canada during your stay? Was it working fine for other things? Or was Google/Apple Maps your first use in Canada?
When I had Verizon, I regularly needed to restart my phone to force it to reconnect to the local, international network the first time. I've had to do that with Google Fi and TMobile, as well.
Posted by
Victoria, Australia
110 posts
Next time, instead of relying on data roaming for Google/Apple maps when away from home, download the maps that you need for offline use while connected to WiFi. Either at home or while away and you know where you need to go.
The maps will work for you without a data connection. The only drawback is the lack of live traffic.
Posted by
Chicago
4638 posts
Hi, you’re probably already called Verizon and are now aware that not all of their plans include coverage in Canada.
Posted by
OP
the great P-NW, USA
682 posts
Thanks, everyone, for the input. A few more details:
- when we crossed into Canada I received a welcome text from Verizon on my phone, stating the cost for calls, texts, and data
- we were in Canada during the day for about six hours
- we didn't use our phones for anything else during that time
CWSocial - I agree, rebooting could well have fixed it. Why didn't I think of that?
Yarramar - we definitely will be downloading directions for offline use next time. Thanks for the reminder
I have been putting off calling Verizon because we have consistently found their customer service to be lacking. But we've used Travel Pass for European travel numerous times with no issues, so I guess it's time to find out why Canada use isn't working.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6846 posts
I had no trouble with Google Maps last May in Vancouver, but my T-Mobile plan covers data almost worldwide. Downloading a map before leaving home avoids connection issues and any roaming charges, and seems to work fine for routing as long as you don't need real-time traffic info.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32773 posts
As others have suggested, it sounds like a quirk with your cellular plan. For some reason, your phone was having difficulty connecting to a network. Perhaps someone at Verizon can shed some light on it?
I regularly use both Google and Apple maps on a regular basis with no problems (but of course my plan is based here). I've never had a problem using either mapping app in either the U.S. or various parts of Europe.