Geocaching abroad

January 5, 2015

Hello, all!

The family and I will be going to Argentina for two weeks at the end of the month. Out of curiosity, I checked to see if there were any caches in the town and there are seven!!! I am the only geocacher in the family (everyone else is either not interested or actually thinks it's a waste of time... I know... they're crazy, ha ha!) and am really hoping to find the time to look for at least one or two while we're there (apparently, there's a nano on the flagpole at the airport!).

Here's the issue: I use the app on my smartphone to geocache and I am very nervous taking my phone over to Argentina from Canada due to possible hidden fees (my husband would lose his mind). I know he would not want me spending a lot of money on a handheld GPS. I think the most I *may* be able to convince him to let me spend is around $50-60. I looked on Kijiji and Craig's List and there is a Garmin eTrex Legend H for sale for around that price.

My question to you guys is would it be worth it to purchase this on the off-chance that we'd be near a cache at some point? Is the unit any good? Thank you for any input!

January 5, 2015

It's an okay unit.It's probably better than what I've got.A nuvi!

7.3k · January 5, 2015

Hello, all!

The family and I will be going to Argentina for two weeks at the end of the month. Out of curiosity, I checked to see if there were any caches in the town and there are seven!!! I am the only geocacher in the family (everyone else is either not interested or actually thinks it's a waste of time... I know... they're crazy, ha ha!) and am really hoping to find the time to look for at least one or two while we're there (apparently, there's a nano on the flagpole at the airport!).

Here's the issue: I use the app on my smartphone to geocache and I am very nervous taking my phone over to Argentina from Canada due to possible hidden fees (my husband would lose his mind). I know he would not want me spending a lot of money on a handheld GPS. I think the most I *may* be able to convince him to let me spend is around $50-60. I looked on Kijiji and Craig's List and there is a Garmin eTrex Legend H for sale for around that price.

My question to you guys is would it be worth it to purchase this on the off-chance that we'd be near a cache at some point? Is the unit any good? Thank you for any input!

It's perfectly fine. I don't think it does "paperless" caching, ie it doesn't show hints. But for that price, you can't go wrong.

Just a suggestion: if there's only 7 caches you're interested in, you could put the pertinent info in a Notepad file and print it out.

I do that with all the caches we hunt. I include the GC code, the cache name, the coordinates, the D/T rating, the size, any useful info in the description, and the decrypted hint.

I also include any useful info from previous logs, including suggested coordinates, or info stating that the cache was found xxx metres from the published coordinates.

We've had to use the coordinates I printed out when I forgot to load the cache into the gps. Inputting them manually was better than not having them at all.

Don't forget to take extra batteries for the gps.

B.

Edited January 5, 2015 by Pup Patrol

7.3k · January 5, 2015

Here's the owner's manual:

http://www.nynjtc.org/files/GPS_LegendH_FullInstructions.pdf

You might want to get to know the gps before you go to Argentina. Load a couple of caches in it, and give it a trial run at home.

Good luck. Have a great trip, hope you find a few caches.

B.

4.1k · January 5, 2015

Here's the issue: I use the app on my smartphone to geocache and I am very nervous taking my phone over to Argentina from Canada due to possible hidden fees (my husband would lose his mind). I know he would not want me spending a lot of money on a handheld GPS. I think the most I *may* be able to convince him to let me spend is around $50-60. I looked on Kijiji and Craig's List and there is a Garmin eTrex Legend H for sale for around that price.

My question to you guys is would it be worth it to purchase this on the off-chance that we'd be near a cache at some point? Is the unit any good? Thank you for any input!

I have cached with my phone (iPhone) abroad without using any data. Look at the caches you want to do before you leave, or use wifi abroad, to save them offline. Turn off cellular data. Find cache.

I generally have offline maps for navigation in any event.

January 6, 2015

Thank you guys so much! Do you think that if I set my phone to airplane mode (thereby turning off WiFi and data) but save some offline lists to the geocaching app, I might be able to cache safely without incurring crazy costs?

January 6, 2015

If you are going to be there for 2 weeks I would get a local SIM card for your phone if it is unlocked.

If you are a T-mobile customer Sign up for their global coverage plan.

2k · January 6, 2015

For just 7 caches, getting a local data plan is a bit steep maybe.

But yes, you can download caches, photos and maps to an offline list, and then switch your phone to plane mode and use it. You could try this at home to see if you like this. You can zoom in on an area around a cache in Argentinia, save it to the offline list this way including all additional info you might need. Or you can use a pocket query (or I think a bookmark list?)

January 6, 2015

For just 7 caches, getting a local data plan is a bit steep maybe.

Usually you can get 500megs of data for $20-$30 US

Also lets you play the M game that can not be named

And make local calls.

15.3k · January 6, 2015

Thank you guys so much! Do you think that if I set my phone to airplane mode (thereby turning off WiFi and data) but save some offline lists to the geocaching app, I might be able to cache safely without incurring crazy costs?

I don't know your phone or your geocaching app, but I've done that with multiple Android phones and with multiple Android geocaching apps.

5.7k · January 6, 2015

(apparently, there's a nano on the flagpole at the airport!).

You had me at airport. Where are you going? I'd like to add the nano to my list.

January 6, 2015

@niraD: Phone is Samsung Galaxy III and the app is just the official Geocaching App.

@hzoi: Ha ha! I checked again and it's a micro, not a nano (whoops!), but here you go: GC4AJEK

We're going to Mendoza.

9.2k · January 6, 2015

@niraD: Phone is Samsung Galaxy III and the app is just the official Geocaching App.

@hzoi: Ha ha! I checked again and it's a micro, not a nano (whoops!), but here you go: GC4AJEK

We're going to Mendoza.

Micro/nano. Same thing. Guidelines say for size: Micro "Film tub OR smaller"

(Although some COs will admit in the description that it IS a nano.)

5.7k · January 7, 2015

@hzoi: Ha ha! I checked again and it's a micro, not a nano (whoops!), but here you go: GC4AJEK

We're going to Mendoza.

Thanks, added it to the list.

10.2k · January 8, 2015

@niraD: Phone is Samsung Galaxy III and the app is just the official Geocaching App.

@hzoi: Ha ha! I checked again and it's a micro, not a nano (whoops!), but here you go: GC4AJEK

We're going to Mendoza.

Don't worry, 99% of phone cachers don't know they don't need a data connection to use their phone for caching, and 99% of ALL cachers don't know that a nano is a micro. :laughing:

I have never had the official app for Android. But using many apps on the 3 major platforms, official and unofficial, I am going to highly suggest familiarizing yourself and practicing with saving caches for offline use, and navigating to them. Heck, go outside in your front yard, find it in the offline list, and pretend to be navigating to the closest cache to your house, just so you get the hang of it.

2.6k · January 9, 2015

I cached in Europe with a family that wasn't interested but I was allowed to find a few. Print out everything on all 7 caches including map, hint, etc. ,then either use the GPS suggestion you have or use the above phone advice.....but bring your printouts.

4.1k · January 10, 2015

I cached in Europe with a family that wasn't interested but I was allowed to find a few. Print out everything on all 7 caches including map, hint, etc. ,then either use the GPS suggestion you have or use the above phone advice.....but bring your printouts.

I never have used printouts - I don't do well with carrying paper and the information on my phone is all that I need. If the cache is in a language I do not speak, I have used rough online translation services and then edited the cache description either in GSAK (to import into my phone)'or in the app I use so that I have a rough idea what I am seeking.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it may take awhile for the phone to lock on to satellites without data, so if you have some time when you arrive, let it settle in to your new location.

January 10, 2015

I've just been in the South Pacific caching and used an iOS app without live maps. As long as you can communicate with the satellites you will still be able to use the app, just old school without maps. I did churn through battery though when I was doing this so remember to switch back to airplane mode when you don't need it.

January 10, 2015

Thank you guys so much! Do you think that if I set my phone to airplane mode (thereby turning off WiFi and data) but save some offline lists to the geocaching app, I might be able to cache safely without incurring crazy costs?

We just spent Christmas in Hong Kong and found 40 caches using the iPhone app and downloading to the offline lists using hotel wifi. I made sure data was switched off, but having wifi on even when you are not connected helps with map navigation accuracy.

The offline saved caches work a treat - you get about 5 logs as well as the description and a couple of pictures.

For only 7 caches, you could also take screen shots with your phone of key pictures to help you find them (because I didn't always get all pictures from the offline list).

The advice to try out using the offline lists before you go is good - I also did this and it helped make sure I knew what I was doing.... this is good when the others in your group aren't interested in bearing with you while you work out how to use it!

Good luck and happy holidays!

1.2k · January 10, 2015

having wifi on even when you are not connected helps with map navigation accuracy

I don't think I've heard this before. Anybody?

9.2k · January 10, 2015

having wifi on even when you are not connected helps with map navigation accuracy

I don't think I've heard this before. Anybody?

Not sure about 'accuracy' but can help to speed up your rough position for the satellites to get a lock-on.

January 10, 2015

Wow! Thank you all for the great tips! I will definitely be putting my phone on airplane mode and hoping the offline lists I've saved will be enough to get me to the caches. I doubt I'll be able to do all seven (my family was all, YOU'RE CRAZY!!! YOU THINK WE'LL HAVE TIME TO STOP FOR YOU TO GO GEOCACHING?? They just don't understand me, sniff sniff...) but even one would make me so happy! We'll be gone for two weeks so there MUST be a chance to find something. I will provide an update when we get back. Leaving Friday the 16th. Please wish us luck (I have a crippling fear of flying and will be flying for the first time with my little ones so I have to fake excitement through my nausea)!

14k · January 11, 2015

Thank you guys so much! Do you think that if I set my phone to airplane mode (thereby turning off WiFi and data) but save some offline lists to the geocaching app, I might be able to cache safely without incurring crazy costs?

Yes. Are you using the official *paid* app on your phone? If so, and because you're a premium member, you can create a pocket query of the area and save it on your phone. The GPS will still work in airplane mode, and you can use the compass screen to navigate to the cache. You might also want to print out a map before you leave to help see where the cache locations are relative to the terrain. When you're just looking at direction and distance without a map screen the GPS won't know if there are buildings in between you and the cache.

The suggestion to practice using a handheld GPS also applies to using your GPS in airplane mode. You could try downloading a PQ of your local area and search for a few caches while in airplane mode to practice what you'll be doing in Argentina.

Personally, based on caching while abroad many times, I'd suggest getting the handheld unit. If you get a Garmin with mapping capabilities you can use garmin.openstreetmap.nl site to download maps of the area (the coverage is worldwide). When I go geocaching while traveling I don't try to find every cache. Getting a few while I'm visiting locations that I'd want to see even if there wasn't a cache there is enough for me.

January 12, 2015

having wifi on even when you are not connected helps with map navigation accuracy

I don't think I've heard this before. Anybody?

Not sure about 'accuracy' but can help to speed up your rough position for the satellites to get a lock-on.

My phone pops up with a message if I have wifi switched off and I select a mapping app (even when I'm at home and using 3G) telling me to switch wifi on to improve location accuracy. It also says it under the wifi on/off toggle button in my iPhone settings.

Maybe I should have said 'location accuracy' but if your location is more accurate, the navigation to the cache should also be more accurate? This is what I meant :unsure:

Geocaching abroad

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