Can the WAZE app for smart phones function in Portugal and Spain?  TIA

brickrider2 wrote:Can the WAZE app for smart phones function in Portugal and Spain?  TIA

yes

I thought Waze required a data connection whilst navigating?

I expect the HERE navigation has free downloadable mapping for all of Europe and functions anywhere without data or phone connection.

Michael Sydney wrote:I thought Waze required a data connection whilst navigating?

I expect the HERE navigation has free downloadable mapping for all of Europe and functions anywhere without data or phone connection.

It does - not good if you are paying foreign roaming charges and/or have a small amount of data allowance. It is also quite power hungry, so the phone/tablet etc needs to be plugged in to power for any trip over 2-3 hours.

The benefit of Waze over a downloadable offline mapping solution is that it provides live traffic and re-routing data. It is a good app, but not necessarily the best solution for every journey due to the need for a data connection. Data coverage (e.g. 4G) is quickly improving though.

I appreciate that Waze monitors traffic conditions in real time but offline nav apps like Here can do so too if there is a data connection. However, it uses very little data.

I have used Here successfully in numerous countries in offline mode for riding, driving or walking. My favourite app for planning and navigating rides is Kurviger, not free but inexpensive.

I usually prefer to turn off the screen display when riding and rely on voice instructions via a Bluetooth helmet headset. No visual distraction and vastly increased battery life.

Waze works fine in Europe. Do not worry about data and roaming. By a cheap sim card with data at the Phone shop or supermarket. You can use it for the same data or minute tariff all over Europe.