My family and I gor to Europe every summer and rent a car for travel outside of the big towns of Europe. We usually just rent a GPS system from the rental car company. This year we are going to Spain on a home exchange and will be using their car but they do not have a GPS to use. We were thinking of purchasing a GPS unit that may work both in the US and Europe. Any recommendations? Thanks
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Mark, any major GPS navigation device brand (TomTom, Garmin, Navigo etc.) might work in Europe. They only need to be properly fit with European maps. You can download them from the manufacturer site (paid!) and install them in your unit. Maps of Western Europe cost on the range of $ 40-50, usually with 2-5 years of free updates. The best navigation unit is the one you already use and is familiar with.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have a Garmin nuvi and loaded the maps and it worked great. I have used it in many countries in Europe and it was a big help. Just be sure you still have a map in case it loses satellite connection or just to double check that she (mine is a girl) is routing you the best way. It makes travel easier. I have done this for years without it and followed maps and roadsigns, but this makes it less stressful.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
I have a TOM TOM that I have used in Germany, Italy, Sardinia, France, Portugal, Spain, and for a cross country US trip. I would not trade it for any other brand. But I always carry a small Michelin fold out map of the country where I will be traveling. Any Garmin or TOM TOM, that has US and EU maps, will be a good choice.
Mine came pre-loaded with all of the maps.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12314 posts
I've now driven with both TomTom and Garmin. IMO the TomTom navigates much better than the Garmin. Both have shortcomings and it pays to know the device well before you use it on the road. It also pays to have a map for backup, there's a good chance you will need it at some point. I bought my Garmin because I was mad at TomTom. I bought a new device last fall and it was completely dead on arrival. Tech support asked me to ship it to Texas for a replacement. TomTom then sent me the wrong device (a used device that didn't include Europe or traffic) so I shipped it back again and they sent me the wrong device again (another used unit with Europe but no traffic). If you buy a TomTom and it doesn't work when you receive it, get a refund and start over - don't ship it to Texas under any circumstances.
Posted by
Auburn, Alabama
1064 posts
This question came up earlier this month and received a lot of recommendations, the latest as recent as Monday. You can see them on this site:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/85032/best-gps-system-or-europe.htm