I'm new to using a phone to navigate, so apologies if it may be an obvious question to some. When navigating abroad with Google maps, does it use data constantly, thereby incurring huge costs?
Google maps data usage abroad?
- Thread starter jp842
- Start date
From previous experience it uses data but not much.
You can download map/route data from wi-fi before going which should help use less/none?
It will use some data even with offline maps but not a lot. Even with offline maps it will download the latest maps if it has a data service.
If you want to minimise data usage then I’d do the following:
1) Download offline maps for all the areas you are going to / passing through
2) save key mapping points as favourites so the work offline
3) turn off data roaming so you don’t use any data whilst abroad
4) each morning use hotel / cafe wifi to load your route with traffic and alerts or to search for somewhere not saved as a favourite
5) enjoy
Or:
Get a cheap sim with European roaming included: GiffGaff have a £10 option with 15Gb data that should be more than enough
If you want to minimise data usage then I’d do the following:
1) Download offline maps for all the areas you are going to / passing through
2) save key mapping points as favourites so the work offline
3) turn off data roaming so you don’t use any data whilst abroad
4) each morning use hotel / cafe wifi to load your route with traffic and alerts or to search for somewhere not saved as a favourite
5) enjoy
Or:
Get a cheap sim with European roaming included: GiffGaff have a £10 option with 15Gb data that should be more than enough
I had never used a phone for navigation until recently. If you are anything like me, you’d have no idea what ‘Download maps to your phone’ actually means.
Here’s how:
iPhone / iPad
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS
Android
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=1
PS I had never held a non-Apple phone before a few months ago. It was even an eye-opener that they are called ‘Android’.
I am still not convinced by the whole ‘Use your phone as a GPS device, instead of using a Garmin or TomTom’ thing. But that’s just me.
Here’s how:
iPhone / iPad
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS
Android
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=1
PS I had never held a non-Apple phone before a few months ago. It was even an eye-opener that they are called ‘Android’.
I am still not convinced by the whole ‘Use your phone as a GPS device, instead of using a Garmin or TomTom’ thing. But that’s just me.
Helpful research as always Wapping.
Important quote:
“Use offline maps
After you've downloaded an area, use the Google Maps app just as you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.
Get directions and show routes
Use navigation
Search for locations
Tip: Public transport, cycling or walking directions are unavailable offline. In your offline driving directions, you can’t get traffic info, alternative routes or lane guidance.”
Hence my comment about turning off roaming or getting another SIM. If you have a data connection Google Maps will download Clive maps even if you have offline ones saved.
Thank you.
I had never given much thought to data usage. It seems to be incredibly small.
Some phone operators still treat some overseas counties, as if they are the UK. Depending on his destination, it might be worthwhile the OP checking to see. Or simply doing the sums, to see if his likely usage is going to be eye wateringly expensive or not.
I had never given much thought to data usage. It seems to be incredibly small.
Some phone operators still treat some overseas counties, as if they are the UK. Depending on his destination, it might be worthwhile the OP checking to see. Or simply doing the sums, to see if his likely usage is going to be eye wateringly expensive or not.
Off piste a bit.. try a Popit SIM, after 2 weeks UK use you can use all the data allowance abroad with no ceiling, unlike most others who limit foreign usage.
I’m using one in an old phone for a trip now, works a treat
It’s well recommend by folks on Motorhome forums.
£18 for 30gb monthly or £25 for 100gb.
Stop payments anytime you like or
You can pause your payments but keep the SIM alive to restart any time for just £1 nominal payment per month.
BTW their app isn’t the most hi tech but they proabably have to make savings somewhere.
I’m using one in an old phone for a trip now, works a treat
It’s well recommend by folks on Motorhome forums.
£18 for 30gb monthly or £25 for 100gb.
Stop payments anytime you like or
You can pause your payments but keep the SIM alive to restart any time for just £1 nominal payment per month.
BTW their app isn’t the most hi tech but they proabably have to make savings somewhere.
Yea, i think most operators cover Europe within your normal tariff, i know O2 do as i've used them many times abroad in recent years.
ring your provider and ask the question, you may find you have nothing to worry about.
To be honest, besides the navigation its nice to be able to use your phone to search for other thing too, so i would definitely look into it.
ring your provider and ask the question, you may find you have nothing to worry about.
To be honest, besides the navigation its nice to be able to use your phone to search for other thing too, so i would definitely look into it.
That's for all the suggestions guys. I had no idea that Google maps can be used offline!
The other thing you can do is download offline maps for your local area (you can get Wales in a single download so areas are a reasonable size). Then turn on airplane mode and test it out on a familiar route but using Google Maps to navigate.
That way if it does anything you wouldn’t expect you’ll know the route so spot the abnormality.
That way if it does anything you wouldn’t expect you’ll know the route so spot the abnormality.
That’s very good suggestion in post #10. I am a firm believer in trying things out at home, as it’s so much easier than learning on the hoof when away.
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