GPS upgrade

[av8er]

I recently returned from a road trip to Malaysia and Singapore. And Malaysia again. The factory fitted GPS in my Nissan Navara worked a charm in Thailand, right up to, and including, the booths at the passport control/immigration. The very second my wheels hit Malaysia, the damn thing stopped, and didn't start again until I returned to the LOS. So, here's my question: how/where do I get an upgrade to include all, or at least most of S.E.Asia? I tried asking Nissan, they said they'd get back to me. The only problem is, my doctor's only given me 30 years to live and I don't fancy my chances of getting an answer before then. Any ideas?

[VincentD]

You will need to purchase country-specific maps. The one way around that is to use the navigation on your phone like I do and I purchased the SE Asia package.
Out of curiosity, what are the requirements for such an extended road trip, insurance, licences, driving a Thai-registered vehicle in Singapore?

[Dieter78]

What about using google maps on your smart phone? Using a prepaid sim and data package.

[av8er]

You'll need to own the vehicle outright-no finance. Go to the office(Dept of Transport or whatever the hell they're called), in Pranburi, at the 2nd set of lights on the right if you're heading South, opposite the Huge Tesco Lotus sign. Tell them you want an International Transport Permit, and show them the Blue car book that shows that you own the vehicle. If that doesn't work, ask for "car passport" (Same thing-except the Thais will actually understand!) 200b and about 20 minutes, done. At Hat Yai, you'll see all kinds of motoring shops; tyres, brakes exhausts etc. Keep your eyes peeled, and you'll see signs saying "stickers". 180b and about 20 mins later you'll have Malaysian compliant "plates" along with you Thai ones. At neither the Malaysian nor Singaporean border did anyone ask for a licence. My own personal case is that I have a British licence against which I also have an International licence (IDP). I also have a Thai licence, so the plan was:Thai for Thailand, British +IDP for everywhere else, but as I said, no-one asked, so I told no-one. As for insurance go with "plausible deniability." Good luck!

[VincentD]

Interesting info. Plausible denialability sounds a bit dodgy, though. Have driven sister's car in Singapore and regulations are pretty strict (this includes that electronic tag that automatically deducts toll for the numerous gantry points around the island - how do you get around that?) Too far to drive though, and plane is cheaper and faster. Would be tempted to do a railway trip,though.

[Nereus]

Nothing to do with GPS: taking a car to Malaysia and other places was discussed here:

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=31739

Where it was also posted that a "car passport" is only recognized and required by Laos.