Will my GPS work for EUROPE?

I'm sure the rental company would happily provide one for a small extra fee. But yours might work considering it is a GLOBAL positioning system but its a toss up.

 

GPS works everywhere, however, you'll need the proper software. Make sure that you contact the manufacturer, and get the proper software, so that you have Italy, et al in your memory.

Art

 

It'll receive a signal but it won't do you any good since your GPS most likely does not have Europe maps on it already.

If you're inclined to spend a little time investigating go to http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/default.asp?group=2 and search there.

 

Specifics would help. Brand? Model?

 

GPS in Maranello is somewhat worthless. The 'new' highway that leads into town (if you're coming from Milan) isn't really on the maps. Once you get close, it's easy enough to just follow the signs into Maranello proper. Once there, it's hard to miss Ferrari or the main hotels.

Where the GPS is very worthwhile is navigating outbound from Linate/Milan.

 

I understand the Garmin NUVI ststems are easily downloadable for Europe.
It is one of their sales points.

 

The Tom Tom 920 comes preloaded with maps of North America and Europe already installed. I use mine in Europe frequently and it is especially useful in old cities like Florence where the city is a maze.
It found the Ferrari Factory last year very easily traveling from Bologna

 

+1
The TomTom is great, and comes with Europe preloaded. We've used ours over there as well, I highly recommend it.

Otherwise you'll have to download and install the European maps from your manufacturer.

 

I bought the Garmin Nuvi 370 which comes pre-loaded with maps of North America and Europe. Only about $300-$350 on amazon.

 

My friend took his Garmin (don't know the model#) to Europe and it worked flawlessly. He picked up his new BMW in Germany and then proceeded to drive all over Europe. Never had a problem with the Garmin.

 

If you're buying a new one, buy a Tom Tom......they are the best for road and route maps in Europe. Don't know about the US.

 

The WSJ tech person tested some gps systems. The TomTom 920T came out on top followed by a Garmin. I don't know if the 920T has maps of europe? I went to Best Buy and played with all the gps systems. The TomTom had more features. I ended up buying a Garmin 680 from Costco. It was on sale for $399 down from $850.

 

I did the same thing with similar results. Just beware that not all Garmins have Europe preloaded.
There's a lot of info on this in the BMW chat boards under European delivery.

 

I have used my Garmin Nuvi 660 all over Europe and it worked flawlessly. You will need to get the Memory Card with the country or countries that you will be visiting to have the correct and up to date maps. You can buy all of Europe, secitons [north south, etc.] or individual countries. I just used it in Geneva and Florence and it had all the one way and dead end streets very accurate.

I woudl try TigerGPS.com for both the Nuvi and the maps, they have great prices, geat selection and fast shipping.

 

This is probably cheaper than renting one from the car hire people

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FERRARI-NAVIGATOR-GPS-SAT-NAV-UK-EURO-MAPS-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ280222669424QQihZ018QQcategoryZ156954QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Genuine licensed !

 

Rented a TomTom from EuropCar on my most recent trip to Italy to visit relatives and tour the factory. Worked great most of the time. Problem was too many new road construction projects. That plus I'm guessing a database that was 2-3 years old. If you do rent try to determine the date the data base was loded

 

Garmin at least has data base updates available on the web.