Do you often get lost in a new city when you travel? We’ve got a handy trick for you this time that allows you to view your location on Google Maps without paying the expensive roaming charges.
You’ll need to be connected to the Internet initially to save the map. You’ll also need a Google account which is your average Gmail email.
Here’s what you do when you use an Android device:
- Make sure you’re connected to the Internet, then open the Google Maps app.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Search for a city, like “Dublin” Pinch and zoom to select the area that you want to save.
- To save the selected area of the map, touch the menu > Make available offline.
If you’re using an iPhone:
- Make sure you’re connected to the Internet, then open the Google Maps app.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
- Search for a city, like “Dublin” and select the area you want to save.
- Click on the menu (three stripes on the top left) and select “Your Places”
- Scroll to the bottom > Save an Offline Map & click Save
Now when you’re in the city you have saved the map for you can click on the location navigator (a circle with the dot on the bottom right of your screen) and you’ll find exactly where you are.
At the moment you can’t route to places like on the online version of the map, however, it will show you exactly where you are and where you’re going.
Extra tip: if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, mark the places you want to see on the maps as favorites. Just find a place, like “Dublin Castle”, tap and hold the red pin that appears and tap “Save”. This landmark will now appear as a star on the map and you’ll know how far you’re from it.
Unfortunately, not all of the cities in the world are supported. Most of them are though, but if the app does not allow you to save the map – it’s probably because it’s not supported.