Originally Posted by
alect
So some of the advertised GPS navigators/handhelds say they come pre-loaded with US maps. What happens when you want to use it in nother country? Does the GPS automatically download the right maps when you switch it on and it realizes you're in Italy (for eg)? Or do you need to download the maps yourself? Is there an additional cost for the extra maps? is there a monthly/annual service plan you need to sign up for over and above the purchase of the unit?
You'd need to buy any additional maps and either download them from a DVD to the internal memory in the GPS, or some manufacturers offer some of their maps on external storage cards you can simply plug in to the GPS. For example, the list price for Garmin's Europe maps ranges from $174.98 to $299.99, depending on the version.
Garmin (and I'm sure Magellan and others as well) offers periodic updates of its maps, I've updated my Garmin twice in the last 18 months. First update is usually free, then $75.