Mobile navigation devices, which are secured with a suction pad to the windscreen, can be found nowadays in every third household. The best known and most popular brands are Tom Tom, Garmin, Becker, Falk, Medion, and Navigon, beyond the online solutions Google maps, Waze or other apps are offering. In order to keep the navigation system up to date, it is vital to update it regularly, a business which can nevertheless turn out to be expensive. Depending on each brand, to update the maps can cost around 300 Dirham per single update. Thus, buying a device which comes with free-of-charge updates during the device‘s own life, turns out to be worth it already over a short period of time, although the initial financial investment is significantly costlier. Manufacturers recommend installing a new update every three months.
Many modern vehicles feature fully integrated navigation devices already installed as standard practice. Sometimes, manufacturers offer built-in devices that are specific to each car and which come complete with a range of multimedia functions. People, who do not have any existing integrated navigation systems in their cars, may also have customised devices installed. In many instances, the latter may cost less than half the price of their built-in counterparts. Some multimedia models feature a steering wheel remote control option and an on-board computer display. Should you wish to have one of these devices installed in your car, you should be prepared to pay approximately 5,000 Dirham, plus fitting costs. Becker, for instance, offers an integrated auto-navigation device, which you can fit in yourself.
One third of the car drivers are already using their Smartphones as navigation tools. This occurs in spite of the fact that navigation apps, with prices of up to 400 Dirhams, are some of the most expensive applications available for Android. Google puts its free-of-charge navigation Google Maps at the disposal of those who own Android smartphones. Apple, too, offers customers the possibility of on-line navigation together with its maps. Many free apps rely on the map data of the open-street-map. In this case, the street coverage provided can definitely hold its own when compared with commercial maps, although very often it is not that precise. The disadvantage of Smartphone Apps lies as much in the increased use of the battery, as in the requirement and availability of a constant Internet connection. Precisely abroad there can be very high roaming charges.