navigation in eastern European countries, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania

My bias is toward the paper map, the way I've been doing it for 20 years. So far, I have not carried a smartphone and so only was able to use Google Maps for preview purposes, in the hotel when I had Wi-Fi. I used online maps more for zooming in to see parking lots, hotel locations, car rental drops, or other, smaller details, rather than the main roads. I have not driven in your three countries, but most recently in Slovenia, Greece, and Italy, where I found road signs very good to point you toward the next town (but not typically navigating by road number or north or south). If Romanian-language road signs take a little longer to read, I'll assume that you can also count on fewer BMWs tailgating as you try to choose your exit. See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/navigate-european-roads.

I was not using a gps when I traveled Romania about 7 years ago, so I just had a paper map... which actually took me some time to find. I did not travel there with one assuming I would just buy it at a gas station. It took many stops to finally find one... I even think it was our second day. We did have some little thing from the car rental company, but not very good. I remember signage as being relatively good. I don't recall being lost there:)

I get paper maps (sometimes laminated) before traveling and also upon arrival. Often the local maps show changes Google maps knows nothing about. You can order free maps in advance from the country's tourism board online. We haven't been in Romania for several years but have been in Slovakia and Hungary quite recently.

Thanks so much Terry Lynn, Terry K and Laura for your input. I'm feeling reassured about our travel in those countries now.