Driving In Lanzarote - Hiring a car and offline Satnav app?
Discussion
I used this lot for car rental: https://www.cicar.com/EN/lanzarote-car-hire
Plenty of choice and others will be along soon with recommendations.
You really don't need a satnav IMO. I took my TomTom but TBH we could have managed very easily with a paper map.
Plenty of choice and others will be along soon with recommendations.
You really don't need a satnav IMO. I took my TomTom but TBH we could have managed very easily with a paper map.
Offline Google Maps are OK but you keep finding that the software needs to go back on-line to do lookups for POIs etc. IMO it's not a full offline solution. It was fine in the US when we had cellular data most of the time, but not so good in Gran Canaria a couple of weeks ago.
I use CoPilot which is a paid solution on my iDevices. That was OK - but led to the odd sat-nav-adventure. In the Canary Islands you can end up on tiny single track roads that turn into dirt a bit too easily. I did get some local mapping (I don't use paper) and that graded the roads more accurately so you could work out what you were getting into.
For that mapping I use ViewRanger - which is a comprehensive mapping solution, but does not do turn-by-turn directions. For that CoPilot or Google does the job.
I use CoPilot which is a paid solution on my iDevices. That was OK - but led to the odd sat-nav-adventure. In the Canary Islands you can end up on tiny single track roads that turn into dirt a bit too easily. I did get some local mapping (I don't use paper) and that graded the roads more accurately so you could work out what you were getting into.
For that mapping I use ViewRanger - which is a comprehensive mapping solution, but does not do turn-by-turn directions. For that CoPilot or Google does the job.
I've used Pluscar 3 times. The prices are reasonable, but the best bit is they don't add extras like collision damage waver, and have never done a handover check. All they ask is that you return it with roughly the same amount of fuel.
I pay cash when I collect the car, they photocopy my driving licence. No credit card, so no chance of getting billed for extras.
We have used google maps previously, which worked quite well. Last time we went I took my Garmin. The car also had satnav. We struggled with both of these, especially finding points of interest. What we were calling them would often not show up in a search. The names on the tourist maps didn't match the names in the satnav database.
We also got directed up a very rough unsurfaced track, which went on for a few miles. I guess it was a shorter distance than the proper road, but took a lot longer at 20mph.
We found ouselves reverting to google maps on occasion.
Quite a few speed cameras/traps over there now.
Watch out for the cyclists riding in groups.
Everyone seems to stick to the outside lane on roundabouts, even when turning left. Indicating seems to optional.
Check the cloud cover before venturing to high ground like Mirador del Rio. It can be a lovely sunny day at the resort, but impenetrable mist up there. Scary doing a U turn with close to zero visiblity
I pay cash when I collect the car, they photocopy my driving licence. No credit card, so no chance of getting billed for extras.
We have used google maps previously, which worked quite well. Last time we went I took my Garmin. The car also had satnav. We struggled with both of these, especially finding points of interest. What we were calling them would often not show up in a search. The names on the tourist maps didn't match the names in the satnav database.
We also got directed up a very rough unsurfaced track, which went on for a few miles. I guess it was a shorter distance than the proper road, but took a lot longer at 20mph.
We found ouselves reverting to google maps on occasion.
Quite a few speed cameras/traps over there now.
Watch out for the cyclists riding in groups.
Everyone seems to stick to the outside lane on roundabouts, even when turning left. Indicating seems to optional.
Check the cloud cover before venturing to high ground like Mirador del Rio. It can be a lovely sunny day at the resort, but impenetrable mist up there. Scary doing a U turn with close to zero visiblity
Try Cabrera Medina before Cicar direct - same company but tend to be cheaper.
Then try Payless.es
Then try Autoreisen.
In the past, I swore by Cicar but on the last 3 hires, I had to wait about 15-20m for a car (Fuerteventura) and they aklso tried to fob me off when I hired a Fiat 500 via a specific Fiat 500 offer (got an Adam in the end) so switched to Autoreisen and you get tidy cars, albeit basic Citroens usually.
Then try Payless.es
Then try Autoreisen.
In the past, I swore by Cicar but on the last 3 hires, I had to wait about 15-20m for a car (Fuerteventura) and they aklso tried to fob me off when I hired a Fiat 500 via a specific Fiat 500 offer (got an Adam in the end) so switched to Autoreisen and you get tidy cars, albeit basic Citroens usually.
lost in espace said:
edthedead said:
I started a thread recently on a simular topic.... booked with autorisen.
Old crap cars, but no worries about damage!I've used several of the companies out there and found Cabrera medina to be the best. Usually book online before I go and pick up at the airport. Usually head straight for the hire desk while everyone else waits for their bags first. None of them seem to check for any damage on return they just ask if you've had any problems similarly take it on trust how much fuel is left.
Agree with previous comments regarding sat nav we managed with a paper map for years and now use 'here' if necessary but we've been often enough to know where we're going, as long as you don't get embroiled in arrecife.
be warned they can be hot on speed traps particularly near the airport and on the major routes.
Enjoy
Oh and also be aware that they don't know how to use roundabouts tending to run the outside lane right round the periphery even if they're going nearly all the way round.
Agree with previous comments regarding sat nav we managed with a paper map for years and now use 'here' if necessary but we've been often enough to know where we're going, as long as you don't get embroiled in arrecife.
be warned they can be hot on speed traps particularly near the airport and on the major routes.
Enjoy
Oh and also be aware that they don't know how to use roundabouts tending to run the outside lane right round the periphery even if they're going nearly all the way round.
FurtiveFreddy said:
I used this lot for car rental: https://www.cicar.com/EN/lanzarote-car-hire
Plenty of choice and others will be along soon with recommendations.
You really don't need a satnav IMO. I took my TomTom but TBH we could have managed very easily with a paper map.
I used cicar too, booked online last year, there were 5 of us, so I needed something big, but didn’t fancy a people carrier, I paid €153 for 7 days.Plenty of choice and others will be along soon with recommendations.
You really don't need a satnav IMO. I took my TomTom but TBH we could have managed very easily with a paper map.
I stipulated a larger saloon, and got a Fiat Tipo, which was surprisingly, (to me), more than adequate for 5 adults, although I think that my sister-in-law had to have her small cabin case on her lap from and to the airport.
I was offered a sat-nav to rent, but I declined, I only had to get to our rented villa, after that it would be walking to bars, maybe a taxi back.
The Fiat was a good car, only downside was that it was a 6 speed manual, and I think a gear lever is the work of the devil, so I manoeuvred my wife into the driving seat if we did go anywhere.
Frank7 said:
I used cicar too, booked online last year, there were 5 of us, so I needed something big, but didn’t fancy a people carrier, I paid €153 for 7 days.
I stipulated a larger saloon, and got a Fiat Tipo, which was surprisingly, (to me), more than adequate for 5 adults, although I think that my sister-in-law had to have her small cabin case on her lap from and to the airport.
I was offered a sat-nav to rent, but I declined, I only had to get to our rented villa, after that it would be walking to bars, maybe a taxi back.
The Fiat was a good car, only downside was that it was a 6 speed manual, and I think a gear lever is the work of the devil, so I manoeuvred my wife into the driving seat if we did go anywhere.
Mods, this surely has to be a bannable offence, doesn't it??? I stipulated a larger saloon, and got a Fiat Tipo, which was surprisingly, (to me), more than adequate for 5 adults, although I think that my sister-in-law had to have her small cabin case on her lap from and to the airport.
I was offered a sat-nav to rent, but I declined, I only had to get to our rented villa, after that it would be walking to bars, maybe a taxi back.
The Fiat was a good car, only downside was that it was a 6 speed manual, and I think a gear lever is the work of the devil, so I manoeuvred my wife into the driving seat if we did go anywhere.
Another +1 for Cabrera Medina/Cicar, used them twice, book as early as possible for the best price, you don't need to leave a deposit or card details, one way/ hotel delivery/ extra drivers type extras are usually free.
Book a Alfa Giulietta first time, car was immaculate with only few thousand kms on it. Second time was a special offer Astra, it was probably 2-3 years old with a few battle scars, but drove ok.
Book a Alfa Giulietta first time, car was immaculate with only few thousand kms on it. Second time was a special offer Astra, it was probably 2-3 years old with a few battle scars, but drove ok.
Kermit power said:
Frank7 said:
I used cicar too, booked online last year, there were 5 of us, so I needed something big, but didn’t fancy a people carrier, I paid €153 for 7 days.
I stipulated a larger saloon, and got a Fiat Tipo, which was surprisingly, (to me), more than adequate for 5 adults, although I think that my sister-in-law had to have her small cabin case on her lap from and to the airport.
I was offered a sat-nav to rent, but I declined, I only had to get to our rented villa, after that it would be walking to bars, maybe a taxi back.
The Fiat was a good car, only downside was that it was a 6 speed manual, and I think a gear lever is the work of the devil, so I manoeuvred my wife into the driving seat if we did go anywhere.
Mods, this surely has to be a bannable offence, doesn't it??? I stipulated a larger saloon, and got a Fiat Tipo, which was surprisingly, (to me), more than adequate for 5 adults, although I think that my sister-in-law had to have her small cabin case on her lap from and to the airport.
I was offered a sat-nav to rent, but I declined, I only had to get to our rented villa, after that it would be walking to bars, maybe a taxi back.
The Fiat was a good car, only downside was that it was a 6 speed manual, and I think a gear lever is the work of the devil, so I manoeuvred my wife into the driving seat if we did go anywhere.
lost in espace said:
edthedead said:
I started a thread recently on a simular topic.... booked with autorisen.
Old crap cars, but no worries about damage!I have had far worse cars from CICAR in fairness (Corsas and a Seat Ibiza). The only downside to the Citroen was no USB slot for my music, just a single CD. However, there was no queue and no pressure to buy extra insurance, no deposit and no questions asked on return, just had to bring it back with the same fuel. I will certainly be using them again.
CICAR tend to give you a CD with a tourist guide of the island but you can get a free map of Lanzarote at the airport, it's not exactly crammed with roads.
Edited by LuS1fer on Saturday 10th March 17:10
I used Google Maps on my phone while there for 10 days before Christmas.
I have a 5Gb allowance on my phone and have never got anywhere near to the limit. Google Maps does not seem to draw a lot of data, but is very easy to use for the short journeys that you are likely to be doing.
I do have a clip from EBay to fix it to the screen of a hire car.
I have a 5Gb allowance on my phone and have never got anywhere near to the limit. Google Maps does not seem to draw a lot of data, but is very easy to use for the short journeys that you are likely to be doing.
I do have a clip from EBay to fix it to the screen of a hire car.
rdjohn said:
I used Google Maps on my phone while there for 10 days before Christmas.
I have a 5Gb allowance on my phone and have never got anywhere near to the limit. Google Maps does not seem to draw a lot of data, but is very easy to use for the short journeys that you are likely to be doing.
I do have a clip from EBay to fix it to the screen of a hire car.
I am with EE. I'm sure when I've been abroad I have been forced to buy packs. The UK plan has never worked in canaries. Unless this has changed? I have a 5Gb allowance on my phone and have never got anywhere near to the limit. Google Maps does not seem to draw a lot of data, but is very easy to use for the short journeys that you are likely to be doing.
I do have a clip from EBay to fix it to the screen of a hire car.
HannsG said:
I am with EE. I'm sure when I've been abroad I have been forced to buy packs. The UK plan has never worked in canaries. Unless this has changed?
I think it changed last summer, your normal plan should work in the EU. https://shop.ee.co.uk/international/travelling-abr...Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff