I use my iPhone 5 as a GPS in the US, but I will be taking it on tour in Italy in June. Does anyone know, if you have an international plan, will you be able to access maps of Italy and use it as a GPS there as well? Thanks

Are you using some specialized mapping app that only does the US? If you're using something like RideWithGPS or even Google Maps, just trying mapping some obvious route in Italy, like (Lake Como) Bellagio to Madonna del Ghisallo—you'll see that both are quite capable (even while you're still in the US).

Oh, duh, good idea. Thanks for that, seriously!

the real question is... will your service provider have service where you plan to ride... and will it cost you an arm and a leg...

international roaming tends to be pretty pricey... usually cheaper to get a local sim (prepaid) for that sort of thing... or if you can save maps to the phone and disable data/calling if possible.

There are quite a few apps that let you download maps to the phone. You don't need the cell network/roaming at all.

Since the phone uses WiFi, it still could be useful without roaming.

Many of the apps let you load gpx tracks. They might not provide turn-by-turn, but they'd keep you from getting lost.

If you are going to be out for a long while, you might consider carrying a battery-based charger.

I have the Navigon Europe mapping App for iPhone. I can navigate anywhere without any cell phone connection, it uses GPS satellites. It works great. Here's a link for more info: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navi...320279293?mt=8