Google maps will now work without WiFi

Losing your way in a new city often means having to find your way to the nearest WiFi to check out an online map – or face massive data roaming charges.

Travellers will now be able to use Google Maps even when there is no internet connection. Image by Lonely Planet

But now, directionally-challenged travellers will not have to worrying about finding a connection to check out Google Maps.

Google announced that maps are now accessible offline. Customers can download maps of different areas of the world directly to their phone and use them when there is no internet connection, according to Google’s blog.

The feature will also provide turn-by-turn driving directions, can be searched and can find out that oh-so-useful information like hours of operation, phone number or ratings.

As users download an offline map, Google Maps will switch automatically to the offline mode when you don’t have connection, and will switch back when you’ve got a connection.

Unfortunately for iPhone users, the feature is first being released on Android, but will soon come to iOS, according to Google.