11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

8. Set up navigation and stay connected affordably

Good navigation makes a big difference. Use a smartphone with offline map downloads so you won’t be stranded without directions if roaming is expensive or the signal drops. Many apps let you download entire country maps for voice-guided navigation and lane instructions. Decide whether a local SIM or an eSIM suits your trip — eSIMs can be set up before departure and are convenient for short stays, while local SIMs often offer cheaper per-gig data for longer trips. Enable voice navigation and lane guidance before you drive through complex junctions, and set up toll warnings if your app supports them. Avoid relying on hotel Wi‑Fi for map downloads, and test navigation in a small ride around your first stop to confirm audio and directions work. Pair your phone to the car’s Bluetooth for safe voice commands. Being connected in a low-cost way keeps your route smooth and your panic level low when a roundabout or ferry crossing appears on the map.