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Using a Garmin Forerunner overseas

99clmsntgr
99clmsntgr Posts: 777 Member
in Social Groups
I head out on Saturday for a couple weeks in Seoul. I've read elsewhere that I need to download international software before I'll be able to use it, but I was curious if anyone else has any experience using a Garmin that was bought in the States for running abroad?

Replies

  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    Your GPS should work fine. I have a Polar V800 and I do not have to download anything for taking it anywhere in the world. I very much assume it is the same for your Forerunner. For Garmin GPS devices, such as the ones you buy for hiking with pre-loaded maps, it is different as they only come with certain maps. Same for GPS car devices. I am sure somebody with a Forerunner watch will come back to you. Have fun on your trip!
    Stef.
  • alikonda
    alikonda Posts: 2,358 Member
    We took our Forerunner 920XTs to Africa and used them there recently without issue. I agree, I think it's only map software that requires international updates, rather than GPS tracking (mapping software provides data about road names/speed limits/points of interest/etc)
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    99clmsntgr wrote: »
    I head out on Saturday for a couple weeks in Seoul. I've read elsewhere that I need to download international software before I'll be able to use it, but I was curious if anyone else has any experience using a Garmin that was bought in the States for running abroad?

    GPS is GPS, there's a clue in the name.

    That said, depending on the model you might need to get local mapping software if mapping is important to you.

    What you will need is to get up to date ephemeris data after you arrive, to aid finding the spacecraft when you switch on. Just plug in your laptop and hen synch the device.
  • loratliff
    loratliff Posts: 283 Member
    What model is your Forerunner?

    I've run in Brazil and Europe with my FR220, didn't do anything special. Turned it on, it found satellites, and voila! Mapping data and everything was fine.
  • taeliesyn
    taeliesyn Posts: 1,116 Member
    I've run in Australia, Madrid and Geneva with my Fenix 2 without any issues. First satellite acquisition took a little longer than usual, but I didn't sync with the laptop before trying. Just triggered an activity and waited, so that my watch would eventually find the satellites and update the timezone etc.
  • snowflakesav
    snowflakesav Posts: 649 Member
    Should work fine.
  • 99clmsntgr
    99clmsntgr Posts: 777 Member
    Thanks to those who answered above. You were all correct. My Forerunner 210, aside from its general "I'm getting old" wonkiness, worked without additional flaws.
  • Marcelynh
    Marcelynh Posts: 974 Member
    I've only learned to make sure I turn off my Garmin and restart it when I go more than 50 miles or so from my last location. It boots up and finds the satellite much faster if you do, otherwise it is looking where it last found the satellite. Hopefully you did that and didn't sit and wait for it to hook up. :)

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