Availability of GPS in Rental Cars

Most large car rental companies provide GPS devices as optional add-ons to your rental agreement. Rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Budget usually offer GPS units for an extra daily fee, which can run from $5 to $15 depending on the company and location. This means navigating the driver's area of a car, like a portable GPS device that can be attached to a windshield or dashboard and provide satellite-style directions, live traffic, and points of interest (POI) information.

But not all rental cars have GPS systems built-in. Although cutting edge or luxury type vehicles sometimes include integrated navigation systems as regular equipment, economy and mid-size vehicles typically don't. You need to ask the rental company in advance to confirm that the car you're renting comes with GPS or that it can be added on as an extra.

Use Smartphone Navigation Apps

Using the navigation apps on your smartphone is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives. Other apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps provide solid, real-time navigation and are likely updated more frequently than a standalone GPS device. Most smartphones also let you download maps for offline access, which is especially useful in areas that lack cellphone service. If you want a dedicated navigation device and own a portable GPS unit, feel free to bring it. These devices tend to be less expensive than hiring one from the rental company and can be used in multiple vehicles. Rental car's infotainment system (some modern rental cars may offer infotainment systems supporting smartphone integration) is designed for you to mirror your smartphone navigation app onto the car display, allowing a familiar navigation experience. What’s more, using paper maps may sound ancient, but just working with paper maps can be a solid backup, particularly in remote locations where technology can let you down.

Things to Know When Selecting Routing

1. Cost: Renting a GPS device from your car rental company can get pricey, too, particularly for long rental periods. Use this information to compare the rate to pay on a smartphone app or for your own GPS device.

2. Familiarity: If you're used to using a particular navigation app or device, you may find it easier to use than a rental GPS device.

3. Coverage: Make sure your preferred navigation method covers all of the locations you will be going to, particularly if you are visiting parts of the world that are more remote or rural.

Top Navigation Guidance

1. Check If GPS Is Available: Just before you book, ensure that a GPS option is available either as part of the rental or as an extra fee. If that is something important to you, you might want to pay for an upgrade to a car that has a built in system.

2. Bring Your Own Device: Do you have a portable GPS device or prefer using the one on your smartphone? Make sure it's fully charged and ready for travel. Be sure to have a car charger or mount for your device.

3. Download Offline Maps: If you're using a smartphone app, download offline maps for your destination in case you lose cellular service.

4. Test It Before You Hit the Road: Make sure you understand how your preferred method of navigation works before you get out on the road and rely on it, to avoid any last-minute annoyances.

In conclusion, tough not every rental car has GPS, many rental agencies offer it as an option. But the days of never having a clue as to where you are, are long gone, thanks to the availability of not only smartphone navigation apps but also portable GPS devices (just to name a few) that can easily get you from point A to point B.