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Q: Best map app?
Google Maps is blocked. I can't be bothered getting a vpn for my phone. Baidu maps is awful and not in English. What map apps do people recommend for Android?
Does Nokia Here maps have an android app? I've heard good reports of the from ScotsAlan.
I can't advise much more as I use an iPhone. The Apple maps on it work quite well in China as the source map data is from a Chinese company (AutoNavi). I use the (free!) AutoNavi GPS navigation app for driving. There is also an Android version. Not sure if a navigation app would suit your needs though it does have lots of POI's on it and is okay for searching for places.
ScotsAlan:
Yes. Here map (Nokia) works well here. You can download the whole of China and work offline (about 3GB).
I have a cheap little Nokia 720 I use just for the maps.
Here maps are available on Android too, but you need a VPN on your phone to get the play store. When I downloaded the Android .apk file it would not work, said not allowed in China.
So, if you can find a Chinese market Windows phone, here maps works well. Other platforms are difficult.
I will try again with the apk file. See what happens, as it seems Here maps are now in China:
http://heremaps.cn/
ScotsAlan:
Yup. Just checked. Can't get Here maps on Android without a VPN. And of course, the .apk download sites are blocked too.
I do actually use Baidu maps....
Maybe it's location specific.. being in Hangzhou might give me much better maps than 什么市
I've used maps.me (I'm pretty sure it's available on Android and iOS). It's extremely detailed, has ATMs, local bus stops, subway and trains stations. It also has a destination navigation function as easy as anything else you've used.
All you need is to download the app, then the map for any countries you'll be visiting. Once downloaded all maps will work offline (you don't need data coverage or wifi). It uses the GPS in your phone. I've used it in many countries and swear by it.
