Phone usage whilst traveling

[HATE!]

I'ma be in Europe next week and was considering taking my phone to use as GPS, I already called my provider but they just tried to sell me stuff.  What's the best thing I could do in order to use my phone ONLY as GPS.  I don't plan on using it for anything else.

[ThirtyYearsYoung]

If your phone's unlocked, you can just buy a local SIM card for data only. Probably available from about 5 euro(?). I think I heard that some phones can use GPS with no SIM card at all, and that technically every phone should be able to do this, but most carriers rig it so that you lose GPS without the SIM. Maybe try taking your SIM out while still at home and seeing GPS stays on.

When I travel I just call my US carrier (AT&T) and add a $20 global roaming thing. Easiest I think.

[finknoos]

Firstly see if your gps works without sim, if not...

If i was you id buy a cheap sim when you get here.

If you use your sim you will get charged a shitload due to using your phone for internet abroad, they sting you for that shit.
Then you should be able to use the GPS on a simple pay as you go type system which given the right euro sim shouldnt be expensive.

[HATE!]

If your phone's unlocked, you can just buy a local SIM card for data only. Probably available from about 5 euro(?). I think I heard that some phones can use GPS with no SIM card at all, and that technically every phone should be able to do this, but most carriers rig it so that you lose GPS without the SIM. Maybe try taking your SIM out while still at home and seeing GPS stays on.

When I travel I just call my US carrier (AT&T) and add a $20 global roaming thing. Easiest I think.

I think that's what I am going to do.  Does that just keep my data usage the same as if I were at home.  You can blame Venice for this.  I was fine just roughing it like I always do until I looked at a map of the city/islands and started to feel sick.

Is there any other rip off worries I should have with buying a local SIM?  Italy is known for being some corrupt thievin' ass mofos.

[ThirtyYearsYoung]

I've never bought one in Italy and don't know who the local carriers are there, but like you said they're all thieving bastards, so unless you speak Italian, have a friend who does, or want to spend an hour in the shop negotiating in a language you don't understand just to make sure you aren't getting hosed, I think it's all around less time and worry just to get the global add-on from your US carrier. They'll probably sell it to you in MB, e.g. 200MB of data usage abroad for $20 or something. If all you want is GPS, you should be good with the lowest tier they sell.

[Nosferatu]

You're not in a rush. Get lost and bring a map.

[Monty Burns]

You're not in a rush. Get lost and bring a map.

I agree with this . GPS and stuff kinda ruin the fun . I always just get a map so I have somewhat clue where I am or atleast mark where in the hoot I stay . And then just enjoy to get lost in the new city . pick a direction and get lost on the way . Best way to see stuff regular tourists or ppl dont see