Does anyone have a suggestion about whether I should rent a GPS when I rent a car in the UK. Apparently they charge quite a lot and I was wondering if I should just buy one instead. Perhaps my GPS that I use here will work? Any suggestions will be helpful. Thank you
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Gayle, The GPS that you have at home won't work in Europe unless it has Europe maps installed. Which model GPS are you using? Check with the manufacturer of your GPS to find out what options you have with the model you're using. I've been travelling with a Garmin Nüvi for many years, and have found it quite useful for both driving and walking in Europe. However, they're not infallible so I'd suggest packing along a good map as well. Be sure to take your car charger! Happy travels!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
As long as you can download or get European maps, you will be fine. We buy our maps on Ebay and then resell after we return. Nearly free this way.
Posted by
Virginia
635 posts
If you cannot download the UK maps, see if it is cheaper to rent or buy one that includes Europe maps. If you buy one ahead of the trip you can program all your destinations and features ahead of time and once the trip is over you get to take it home.
Posted by
Billings, Mt
29 posts
Walmart often has refurbished garmin units for sale online. I bought a replacement for an old Magellan unit last year. These are refurbished by garmin, not some aftermarket outfit and most come with the ability to download the latest maps. Mine was under $100 and included North America and Europe. I did have to buy an additional memory card to accommodate the increased amount of data that came with d maps (about$10). If you go this route and add a memory card that clicks into a slot on the edge of the unit, I would suggest putting a piece of tape or similar to ensure that the card does not get clicked inadvertently and fall out. That happened to me in Berlin leaving the GPS all but worthless. Fortunately, we found it reinstalled and secured it with the adhesive section of a bandaid.