Can I use the maps function on my iPhone 6 in international countries?

Question

Can I use the maps function on my iPhone 6 in international countries?

What steps do I have to take to use the maps function as a GPS on my iPhone 6 when traveling in international countries?

iPhone 6, iOS 8.4.1

Posted on Aug 28, 2015 12:13 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Corvette2

Level 1

25 points

Aug 28, 2015 3:12 PM in response to jeffryfrombuck hill falls

You must have a roaming/international data subscription with your phone provider, or use a WiFi connection to plan your route. The maps application will keep the route in memory when done via wifi, including turn indications unless you need to reroute (i.e. take a wrong turn). You need a data connection for the maps application to work autonomously.

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Answer 2

Aug 29, 2015 6:28 AM in response to Corvette2

Thanks for your quick response. That makes sense. However, I expect most of my need will be ad hoc, where WIFI won't be available. I was advised by a couple of people that the least expensive approach was to get a SIM chip installed with perhaps 3 or 4 gigabytes of data, once in the country. My phone provider (Verizon) doesn't seem to offer that much data capacity. I was wondering if I was on the right track with that approach.

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Answer 3

Aug 29, 2015 6:49 AM in response to jeffryfrombuck hill falls

Yes sounds like an idea. It depends where you are going, in Europe it is not easy to get a temporary pay as you go data card, as most are subscription based. Across Europe you could try visiting the Orange internet site to get an idea. Orange is mainly present in all European countries. (I am in Switzerland).

You could also look into an off line map, such as TomTom etc. The GPS normally should be able to triangulate over 3G/4G without a data connection.

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Answer 4

Aug 29, 2015 6:57 AM in response to Corvette2

Thanks again for your help. It sounds like the solution may be more complicated than I was led to believe. We will mostly have the need in Italy, and I was under the impression that I would be able to get a SIM card installed in my iPhone at the airport in Rome. Perhaps it's not so simple as that?

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Answer 5

Aug 29, 2015 6:59 AM in response to jeffryfrombuck hill falls

Italy should be OK. I did that a couple of Summers ago for a mobile Wifi box. Worked great.

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Answer 6

Aug 29, 2015 7:03 AM in response to Corvette2

Oh good. So that sounds like the way to go. Again, many thanks for your help.

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