Maya Chen
Iceland is a beautiful country that is best explored by renting a car and going on a self-drive road trip. However, this raises the question of whether one should rent a GPS along with the car or not. Many car rental companies in Iceland will try to upsell you a GPS device for your trip, but this is not necessary if you have international cell service or a local SIM card. You can also use offline maps and navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps, Maps.me, or Gaia GPS Hiking App. Some people prefer using paper maps or a combination of online and offline maps for backup. While GPS can be helpful, especially when travelling solo, it is not a necessity, and with a little planning, you can easily navigate Iceland without it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessity of GPS | GPS is not necessary, but it helps if you are new to the area. |
| Cost of GPS | The cost of renting a GPS device can be high, with some companies charging $150 for 12 days. |
| Alternatives to GPS | Offline maps, paper maps, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Maps.me, and Gaia GPS Hiking App are all possible alternatives to GPS. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi can be rented from car rental companies and can be used for maps and other data needs. |
| Signal | In some remote areas, there may be no Wi-Fi or phone signal, so a paper map or pre-downloaded map is recommended. |
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GPS rental cost
The cost of renting a GPS device in Iceland varies depending on the rental company and the type of GPS device. Some companies charge a daily rate, while others charge a flat fee for the entire rental period.
For example, iceland-camping-equipment.com offers a Car GPS Garmin - Iceland Edition for €4 per day or a Hiking GPS Garmin + Iceland Map from €6 per day. They claim that these prices are cheaper than those offered by car rental companies.
On the other hand, Blue Car Rental offers a WiFi unit with unlimited data for an additional fee, which can be used for navigation. The exact price of this add-on is not specified.
Other companies may charge significantly more for GPS rentals, with some users reporting an additional fee of 150€ for their entire trip.
It is worth noting that renting a GPS device is not necessary, as there are alternative ways to navigate in Iceland. Many travellers rely on their smartphones and offline maps, such as Google Maps or Maps.me, which can be downloaded in advance. Additionally, some rental cars in Iceland come with a GPS included at no extra cost, so it is worth checking with your rental company before incurring additional charges.
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Using a phone as GPS
If you're renting a car in Iceland, you may be wondering if you need to rent a GPS device to go with it. The answer is no—you can use your phone as GPS. Here's how:
Use Google Maps
Google Maps is a reliable navigation tool in Iceland, with its maps covering even the most secluded villages and towns. The app also indicates toll routes, provides accurate arrival times and efficient routes, and offers road safety tips. You can also use Google Maps to navigate popular tourist routes like the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
To use Google Maps in Iceland, you can download maps for offline use before your trip. This will ensure that you can access directions and maps without an internet connection.
Use a SIM Card or eSIM
If you want to stay connected during your trip, consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM. This will give you access to high-speed data at a lower cost than most international plans. For example, you can buy a Vodafone SIM card at the airport duty-free shop and use it with Google Maps or Waze without any issues.
Rent a Mobile Hotspot
If you don't want to rely on offline maps, you can rent a mobile hotspot, such as a Trawire device, which will provide you with an internet connection on the go. This can be especially useful if you're travelling with multiple people, as everyone can connect to the same hotspot.
Use a Paper Map
While not as high-tech as a phone, a paper map can be a useful backup to have in case your phone runs out of battery or you're unable to connect to the internet.
By following these tips, you can navigate Iceland easily without the need to rent a GPS device.
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Offline maps
If you're travelling to Iceland and are concerned about getting lost, you might be considering renting a GPS. However, this can be an unnecessary expense, especially when there are offline maps available for free.
There are several options for offline maps of Iceland. One popular choice is the "Map of Iceland Offline" app available on Google Play. This app offers highly detailed maps that work offline and are adapted for mobile devices. It also includes features such as location sharing and offline search.
Another option is to use Google Maps offline. You can download specific areas of the map, such as the Ring Road, before your trip and access them without an internet connection. This can be done through the app's offline maps feature.
Additionally, there are other offline map apps available for Iceland, such as Maps.me, which offers offline maps of the whole world, including Iceland.
Having a paper map as a backup is also recommended by some travellers, in case your phone or device runs out of battery.
With these offline map options, you can navigate Iceland without the need to rent a GPS, saving you money and hassle during your trip.
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Paper maps
There are several paper maps of Iceland available for purchase online. These include maps that are printed on ultra-thick and resistant paper, designed to withstand difficult terrain and all weather conditions. Some maps are tailored to photographers, indicating the best spots for photos, while others provide clear and precise road information, travel times, and details on must-see attractions.
One such map is the Iceland Photographer's Map, which has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide since 2012. This map is printed on durable paper and comes with a free leaflet that allows you to plan and draw your route. It measures 100 x 70 cm, providing a large format for easy reference.
Another option is the Iceland road map, which offers clear and precise road information, travel times for various modes of transport, and comprehensive territory visualization. This map is also printed on waterproof and tear-proof paper, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
You can also find printable and downloadable maps of Iceland online, which can be useful if you want to have a backup or prefer to refer to a digital version on your devices. These maps can be easily accessed and printed from websites, providing flexibility and convenience.
Whether you choose a physical or digital paper map, or a combination of both, having a reliable source of navigation can enhance your Icelandic adventure and ensure you don't miss any of the country's highlights.
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Wi-Fi rental
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, you may be wondering about your options for staying connected. While some travellers opt for renting a GPS, others prefer to rely on their phones and WiFi for navigation and staying connected. Here are some insights and recommendations for WiFi rental options in Iceland:
When travelling to Iceland, renting a portable WiFi hotspot can be a convenient and cost-effective solution to stay connected. It offers several advantages:
- Uninterrupted Internet Access: With a WiFi rental, you can ensure uninterrupted internet access throughout your trip. This is especially useful when exploring remote areas or locations with limited cellular coverage.
- Multiple Device Connections: A single WiFi hotspot can connect multiple devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This allows everyone in your travel group to stay connected simultaneously.
- Navigation and Information: Reliable internet access means you can easily use online navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze, as well as access local information, translate menus, and find nearby attractions and services.
- Stay Connected with Home: A stable WiFi connection allows you to stay in touch with family and friends back home, share your travel experiences in real-time, and access your favourite online services and social media platforms.
WiFi Rental Options in Iceland:
Several companies offer WiFi rental services in Iceland, providing portable hotspots that you can use during your stay:
- Trawire: Trawire offers unlimited 4G/5G WiFi hotspot rental for as little as €7 per day. Their device can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and can be picked up at the airport or delivered to your address in Iceland.
- Hippocketwifi: Hippocketwifi provides pocket WiFi rental with unlimited data starting at €3.95 per day. Their device supports up to 20 devices on 5G and 10 devices on 4G. They offer flexible delivery options, including delivery to your home before departure or to your location in Iceland.
- Blue Car Rental: Blue Car Rental offers WiFi devices with their rental cars, providing unlimited data and efficient service. Their WiFi units have been praised by travellers for their reliability and convenience.
- Lotus Car Rental: Lotus Car Rental provides a premium insurance package that includes a free unlimited 4G hotspot with their rental cars. This WiFi device can be used both inside and outside the car, ensuring connectivity throughout your trip.
Tips for Using WiFi and Navigation in Iceland:
To make the most of your WiFi rental and ensure a smooth navigation experience in Iceland, consider the following tips:
- Download Offline Maps: Even with a WiFi connection, it's a good idea to download offline maps, such as Google Maps in offline mode, as a backup. This ensures that you can access maps and navigation even in areas with limited or no internet coverage.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Consider purchasing a local SIM card, such as Vodafone or another provider, at the airport or before your trip. This can provide you with a local phone number and data plan for reliable connectivity during your stay.
- Use a Combination of Tools: Combine your WiFi connection with navigation apps, paper maps, and road signs for a seamless travel experience. Having multiple options ensures that you always have a backup plan if one method fails.
By renting a WiFi hotspot and following these tips, you can stay connected, navigate with ease, and fully enjoy your travels in Iceland.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to rent a GPS device for your trip to Iceland. You can use offline maps and your phone as GPS, or buy a local SIM card at the airport or in Reykjavik. However, some people prefer the convenience of a rental GPS, especially when travelling solo.
A rental GPS can be programmed with your desired destinations, including your hotel and the car rental return location. This can be helpful as road signs are in Icelandic. It also means you don't have to worry about checking or memorising routes on a paper map while driving.
Renting a GPS can be expensive, with some companies charging around $10 or €10 per day. In addition, GPS devices can be cumbersome to input destinations into and may suffer from technical issues or loss of signal.
Alternatives to renting a GPS include using offline maps on your phone, buying a local SIM card, using a paper map, or renting a WiFi device or mobile hotspot.
