I need a GPS device for travel in the U.S. Which models will also work in Europe?

Question

I'm buying a GPS (satnav) device next week. I'm hoping to get a model that comes set up for travel in the U.S.

Which ones can easily be converted to work in Europe (UK) after I return home without too much expense??

I understand that GPS devices work worldwide.

What I need to know is if I buy say a Garmin Streetpilot c320 which comes loaded with N.America maps will I be able to load street level maps for the UK and Europe when I get back home.

Or is the unit locked for only U.S. driving?

Answer 1

They will "work" anywhere, in that they will tell you what your coordinates are. If you want mapping features, something that will display a little map with your location marked on it, you'll probably want to buy one from a manufacturer that has available pre-loaded chips or CD/DVDs of maps for the areas of interest (USA, USA east coast/west coast, British Isles, western Europe, etc.).

If you buy one in USA, any power adapter will be for US system. Your choice of a pre-loaded map option, if any, may very well be limited to a USA/N. American area.

Warranties will also be an issue. If you buy it in USA, the warranty will only be good there.

That's about all I know, without getting into specific models and options, which can easily be found online. I like Garmin models.

Answer 2

Here is the perfect thing for you. I have one and have convinced atleast 20 other people to buy the same systems.. They are, price wise, the best bang for the Pound Sterling you will find. The software included has been rated the #1 navi software 4 years in a row. I use mine throughout Europe and the USA with no problems.

Check out https://www.navigon.com/site/uk/en/shop/consumer/bundlelist

This has 37 European countries loaded already. Then you register your system upon reciept and have to pay to unlock portions of the USA or the entire North America.. I did 2 portions then decided later to just get all the USA. Now I have all of N. America, Europe and Scandinavia on a 4GB SD memory card. Land in a country, jump in rental car, suctioncup my navi to the windscreen and off I go as if I have lived there forever!

There are units on the market that are a bit bett, there is no better software, and nothing that will compete with the price. If you don't like it, sell it to an American while there. Navigational systems there cost twice as much and more.

Happy Holidays

Answer 3

GPS as such will work anywhere since it returns latitude and longitude which you then transfer to your map. The consumer models also come with maps preinstalled to do the transfer for you. The international name brands, which will probably be the pricier ones, should also accept the map software for Europe. Go to a top end store that specializes in navigation electronics and ask them. If none are near you then check with Garmond and Magellan on their websites.

Answer 4

Any GPS device will work anywhere in the world, providing the manufacturer of the device adds a database to the particular region where you plan to use it.
They normally try to sell you the database for other regions other than the one you purchased it from.
Do your homework and find total prices including any added database for your region.

Answer 5

GThe GPS will work world wide. The only problem might be the power source. Make sure you have a charger and car plugin that are compatible with what you have at home.