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(@gutzy)
Posts: 40
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

Do GPS's work in St Thomas and is it worth brining it with?

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 8:48 pm
(@wenchtoo)
Posts: 12
Active Member
 

In one word YES!

They use them to set location of where boat moorings are.

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 6:38 am
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3316
Famed Member
 

There seem to be very differing opinions on various travel forums about their efficacy here. Some people say they've been of help and others have said they're not worth the bother. The problem here, it seems, is that just as many of our roads aren't well marked with the signs you take for granted "back home", the GPS coordinates also don't always match up. As you probably can tell from my response I'm technologically challenged where these systems are concerned but am just relaying what I've gathered from various sources! Hundreds of thousands of visitors have been getting around just fine without them for donkey's years so I wouldn't make a big thing about it - you'll manage just fine either way. Have a great time. 😀

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 6:52 am
(@bassman)
Posts: 290
Reputable Member
 

My youngest son has become addicted to GPS. Seems he can't go anywhere without it now. I tried it. Hated it. On the islands, just give me a hard copy map and a compass (optional).

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 9:31 am
(@juliekay)
Posts: 6
Active Member
 

I live on STX - GPS works great here for finding where I am on a map (on my phone), but for location-to-location directions it's a challenge. As others have mentioned, streets and numbers aren't standardized here, and most verbal directions tend to be the "drive to five corners and turn left at the gas station" variety. But if you need to find your way somewhere or are lost, GPS is great to pinpoint where you are. 🙂

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 9:35 am
(@johnnyslimane)
Posts: 12
Eminent Member
 

When I was in St. Croix last October, I used a Garmin Nuvi in lieu of printed maps and it worked great. I suggest that you make sure you update your GPS maps since places and go so often in the USVI. Also, street names vary between sources, so be prepared for that. Several times, I tried inputting addresses given in guide books and the street couldn't be found because the map in the Garmin had a different name for the roadway. Using Google maps (on my phone) was helpful in situations like these to find alternative street names or to find a nearby landmark I could enter into the GPS.

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 9:53 am
(@juliekay)
Posts: 6
Active Member
 

Hi Johnny, yes, that's what I mean - street names and numbers aren't standard. If you enter in "33 La Grande Princess" (to use a made-up example) - it won't be found in the GPS. Most property names go by Estate and number here. The actual map is great! Using landmarks is the way to go - that way if you need to ask someone they can tell you "it's across the street from the Boardwalk" or whatever.

There's been talk around standardizing addresses - just not yet. The islands aren't that big though so it's pretty hard to get turned around too badly - generally if you head the right direction you'll find what you're looking for - and maybe some fun surprises at the same time! 🙂

 
Posted : February 15, 2012 9:59 am

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