How Google Maps Works for International Travelers in 2025

Last Updated: June 18, 2025

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Traveling to new countries is exciting, but finding your way can be challenging. Without a good map or reliable directions, it’s easy to get lost or waste time, which makes exploring stressful instead of fun. Think about finding your hotel after a long day or a restaurant in a busy city without knowing where to go, and you don’t know the local language and don’t have Internet access, too.

Many travelers struggle with navigation apps that either don’t work well in other countries or use a lot of data, making it hard to explore freely and confidently. But there’s a way to avoid such hassles with proper phone settings for international travel: knowing how to use Google Maps while traveling internationally. With proper knowledge, Google Maps can be your perfect travel guide and help you confidently travel anywhere.

Create Custom Maps Before Your International Travel

1. Open Google Maps: Sign into Google Maps on your computer. Your map will then be saved to your account and sync to your phone.
2. Select Map tab: Go to the Maps tab and click Create Map to add locations.
3. Add Markers: Place markers on places you want to visit, like your hotel, restaurants, and attractions. Additionally, you can also change marker's color and add notes to remember details.
4. Create Lines or Shapes: Draw lines or shapes to map routes or highlight specific areas. This helps you see your travel plans clearly and keeps everything organized.
5. Save and Access Your Map: Google Maps automatically saves your custom map. You can open it on your phone by going to Your Places in the Google Maps app.

Using Google Maps on iPhone and Android

1. Open Google Maps: Open the app on your device and enable location services for accurate directions.
2. Enter Your Destination: Type the address or place name in the search bar and select it from the suggestions.
3. Tap Directions: Tap Directions and choose your preferred travel mode (driving, walking, biking, or transit).
4. Start Navigation: Tap Start to begin real-time navigation.

Tips:
Google Maps updates directions in real-time to help you adjust to traffic. It shows traffic levels with colors so you can avoid busy areas. You can also find nearby restaurants, attractions, and other places with their reviews, ratings, and hours of operation.

How to Use Google Maps Offline on Android and iPhone

To use Google Maps offline on Androids and iPhones;

1. Open the map, search for a location, select Download, adjust the area, and save it.
2. Then, access saved maps under Your Places > Offline Maps for navigation without the internet.

Step	Description
1. Open Google Maps	Open the Google Maps on your Device (iPhone and Android).
2. Search for Location	In the search bar, type in the name of the city, region, or area you plan to download (e.g., “New York”).
3. Access Download Option	Once your location appears, tap on the name or address at the bottom to add additional options.
4. Download Offline Map	Select Download and select the area you want to save.
5. Save Map for Offline Use	Once you select the area, tap Download again. The map will be saved offline and allow access without an internet connection.
6. Accessing Offline Maps	Go to Your Places > Offline Maps to access downloaded maps whenever you’re offline.
7. Managing Offline Maps	Under Offline Maps, you can delete or update saved maps. To keep information accurate, offline maps expire every 30 days.

Using Google Maps on International Locations

Whether traveling to America, Asia, Europe, or any continent, Google Maps helps you easily navigate any place. It shows real-time bus and train schedules, which is helpful in cities with busy public transport. It also gives walking and cycling routes to guide you through neighborhoods and bike-friendly paths.

Additionally, using Google Maps in Europe has never been better, as changes under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) now allow you to control your data and privacy while using the app. Google states that Android lets users choose and set default apps like search engines.

To comply with EU rules, Google is updating the Choice Screen to include more search engine options, such as Bing, and is making it accessible for eligible providers to participate. These updates aim to give users more search engine choices while Google continues to improve its services.

How Google Maps can help in visiting international cities

Google Maps can be a good help for visiting international cities. In unfamiliar streets and confusing public transport, it can become your helpful virtual guide.

From real-time traffic updates and step-by-step directions to offline maps that save you from data roaming charges, Google Maps helps you move confidently, whether you're walking, driving, or catching a train.

Even without internet, your GPS works with downloaded maps, keeping you on track in subways or remote corners of the city.

The “Explore” tab helps you discover local cafes, attractions, markets, and essential services like ATMs or pharmacies, all with ratings, reviews, and up-to-date hours.

Features like Street View and Immersive View let you preview neighborhoods before stepping outside, while saved lists and multi-stop route planning help organize your itinerary in one place.

Does Google Maps work in Europe?

Yes, Google Maps works perfectly in Europe, in fact, it’s one of the most reliable tools for getting around, whether you’re exploring the historic lanes of Rome or finding your tram stop in Amsterdam.

Just like in your home country, Google Maps uses GPS to locate you and mobile data to update traffic info, public transport schedules, and nearby places. If you're traveling from outside the EU, just be mindful of roaming charges ,  or better yet, grab a local SIM or eSIM for affordable data access.

For travelers who want to stay budget-friendly or worry about connectivity, the offline maps feature is also available in Europe. From walking and cycling routes to alerts about low-emission zones and even immersive previews in cities like Paris or Venice, Google Maps continues to be a dependable, all-in-one navigation companion for anyone journeying through Europe.

Troubleshooting Google Maps Issues

1. Fixing GPS or Connectivity Problems: If GPS lags, try rebooting your device and toggling airplane mode.
2. Language Differences: Use Google Translate within the app for easy language understanding.
3. Finding Emergency Services: Use your custom map to access local emergency numbers or the nearest hospitals quickly.
4. Battery Optimization: Close other apps running in the background to extend battery life.

Conclusion

In our series of stories to help international travelers, we have provided you different helpful information. From tips on whatsapp for international travelto the helpful insights about using best esim for international travel, our stories have keep you updated for your trip preparations. With the same hope, we have prepared this piece of information about Google Maps.

With the proper knowledge, Google Maps makes your international travel easy and fun. When you know how to use Google Maps, you can save maps offline, create custom routes, and get real-time updates. It helps you find places like hotels and restaurants and keeps you on track in busy cities or new locations.

FAQs

Can I use Google Maps without data roaming?

Yes, you can use it without data roaming. Before your trip, download the maps for the area you want to visit. Once you get the offline maps, you can navigate without roaming charges.

Can I use GPS in another country?

Yes, you can use GPS in any country. GPS works with satellites, so it doesn’t need the internet. However, if you want directions or navigation, you’ll need offline maps.

Does it cost money to use Google Maps abroad?

Google Maps is free, but if you use it with mobile data while abroad, it may cost you roaming charges. To save money, download maps before your trip and use them offline to avoid paying extra.

Does Google Maps work in every country?

Google Maps works in most countries around the world. However, some places, like North Korea, restrict it. Before traveling, check if Google Maps works in that destination.

Can I use Google Maps internationally?

Yes, you can use Google Maps in other countries. It works the same way as it does in your home country.

How do I use Google Maps offline when traveling?

Open Google Maps and search for the city or area you’ll visit. Tap the "Download" button in the offline maps section and save the map. When you’re traveling, you can open the app and navigate the same.

Does using Google Maps incur roaming charges?

Using Google Maps with mobile data abroad may cause roaming charges. You can avoid this by downloading offline maps before your international travel. Offline maps let you use the app without any data and extra costs.