Will My GPS Tracker Work in Europe?
Yes — a GPS tracker can work when you travel from the UK into Europe, provided the tracking service has suitable mobile-network coverage in the country you're visiting.
GPS itself isn't restricted to the UK. The tracker uses satellite positioning to determine where it is, then uses a mobile data connection to send that information to your tracking platform.
Global Trackers uses multi-network M2M connectivity with coverage across the UK and supported European networks, so you don't normally need to change the tracker or put a different SIM card in it simply because you're travelling into Europe.
If you're planning a particular trip, especially further afield, it's always worth checking your destination with us before you travel.
Does GPS work outside the UK?
Yes.
GPS and other satellite navigation systems aren't tied to the UK mobile-phone network.
A compatible GPS tracker can determine its position in other countries where it has suitable satellite reception.
But there's an important distinction:
Finding its position and sending that position to you are two different things.
For live remote tracking, the device also needs suitable connectivity to communicate with the tracking platform.
Why does mobile coverage matter if the tracker uses GPS?
GPS tells the tracker where it is.
The mobile connection allows the tracker to send that information to the tracking platform so that you can see it on your phone or computer.
That's why a tracker can potentially know its location but temporarily be unable to send live information if there is no suitable mobile connection.
We've explained the difference in more detail in Why Do GPS Trackers Need a SIM Card and Subscription?
Will my Global Trackers SIM work in Europe?
Global Trackers' current vehicle tracking service uses a multi-network M2M SIM with access to supported networks across the UK and Europe.
The SIM is supplied and managed as part of the tracking service.
That means you don't normally need to remove your tracking SIM, buy a local SIM or change the device simply because you're taking your vehicle from the UK into a supported European country.
If you have a particular destination in mind, contact us and we can check the current coverage available for your trip.
Do I need to turn roaming on?
You don't manage the tracker in the same way as your personal mobile phone.
The M2M SIM and connectivity form part of the Global Trackers tracking service, so customers don't normally need to change mobile roaming settings themselves when travelling within supported coverage.
The tracker handles its network connection as part of the service.
Will I get extra roaming charges in Europe?
For normal tracking within the supported coverage included in your Global Trackers service, you don't need to arrange and pay for a separate consumer mobile roaming package for the tracker's M2M SIM.
If you're planning to use a tracker outside its normal supported coverage area, check with us before travelling so we can confirm whether the destination is covered.
Can I see my vehicle from the UK if it's in Europe?
Yes, provided the tracker has suitable positioning and mobile connectivity.
You don't need to be in the same country as the vehicle.
For example, if your tracked vehicle is in Europe while you're at home in the UK, you can still access the tracking platform from your phone or computer and view the information being reported by the tracker.
Likewise, if you're travelling with the vehicle, you can access your tracking account from your phone while you're away.
For more on accessing tracking information remotely, see Can I Track My Car From My Phone?
Can I track my motorhome in Europe?
Yes, a suitable GPS vehicle tracker can be used to track a motorhome travelling in supported European coverage areas.
This can be particularly useful because motorhomes often travel long distances, spend time away from home and may be parked at campsites or other unfamiliar locations.
From your tracking platform, you can check location, review journeys and use the alerts available with your tracking setup.
The tracker itself needs to be suitable for the motorhome and installed appropriately.
What about caravans and trailers?
Caravans and trailers need slightly different consideration because power availability matters.
A tracker that relies on a permanent vehicle power supply may not be suitable for every caravan or trailer installation.
If the asset has a suitable power source, a compatible tracker may be an option. Where no permanent power is available, a battery-powered tracking solution may be required instead.
Tell us what you want to track and how it is powered before choosing a device, and we'll help you establish which type of tracker is appropriate.
What happens if I drive through an area with no mobile signal?
Mobile coverage varies everywhere — including within the UK.
If the tracker temporarily cannot connect to a supported mobile network, live tracking information may not reach the platform until connectivity becomes available again.
The exact way information is stored and transmitted following a loss of connectivity depends on the device and its configuration.
A temporary lack of mobile signal doesn't mean that GPS itself has stopped existing; positioning and data transmission are separate parts of the tracking process.
What if the vehicle goes underground?
Satellite signals can also be obstructed.
Locations such as underground car parks, tunnels and heavily enclosed structures can interfere with satellite reception.
So there are two different things that can affect live tracking:
Can the tracker establish its position?
and
Can the tracker communicate that position?
Both need to be considered when understanding what you're seeing on the tracking platform.
Does an international GPS tracker work worldwide?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction.
A tracker may technically be capable of satellite positioning in many parts of the world, but live tracking also depends on the connectivity service supplied with the device.
So terms such as “international tracker” or “worldwide GPS tracker” shouldn't automatically be taken to mean that the tracking service has mobile-data coverage in every country on Earth.
Global Trackers provides connectivity across the UK and supported European networks.
If you're travelling outside Europe, contact us with the country or countries you're visiting and we'll check the available options rather than assuming coverage.
Can I use my tracker on a European road trip?
If your route stays within supported coverage, a GPS tracker can continue reporting vehicle information as you travel between countries.
Before a longer trip, it's sensible to:
- Check that your destinations are covered
- Make sure your tracker is working normally before departure
- Make sure you can log into your tracking account
- Check that the alerts you want are configured
- Save Global Trackers' support details in case you need help while you're away
It's much easier to check everything before leaving than troubleshoot an account or installation from another country.
Does European tracking cost more?
Global Trackers' standard tracking subscription is currently £5.99 per tracker per month including VAT and includes the M2M SIM and tracking-platform access.
For more information about what the subscription pays for, see Why Do GPS Trackers Need a SIM Card and Subscription?
For device prices and overall tracking costs, see How Much Does a Car Tracker Cost in the UK?
So, will my GPS tracker work in Europe?
Yes, provided your tracking service supports the networks available where you're travelling.
GPS satellite positioning itself isn't confined to the UK. What matters for live remote tracking is whether the device also has suitable connectivity to send its information to the tracking platform.
Global Trackers provides multi-network M2M connectivity across the UK and supported European networks.
If you're travelling somewhere specific — particularly outside Europe — ask us before you go. Tell us which countries you're visiting and we'll check the coverage rather than leave you guessing.