I am a complete newbie to the world of GPS.

I bought a Garmin Nuvi 40 a couple of weeks ago. The map was in Thai and I really wanted on e in English or preferably both (though switching I know is not an option on this machine).

Today I actually got around to registering the device and checking everything and unless there's something I don't understand, the map came up as Thailand Street Maps Version 11. The box states it should be 12.1, which I believe is the current version and is dual language.

So, some questions.

Is my understanding correct? If so, what should I do?

Take it back to the shop and try to explain, though I am sure that the salesperson will have no idea whatI am talking about?

Contact Garmin with proof and ask for the correct map?

Just download the correct version from somewhere, if so where?

Please answer in laymans' terms!

Thanks

The current Garmin map for Thailand is 12.1.

I would first take it back to the shop from which you made the purchase.

If they are unable/unwilling to assist, google is you friend in terms of upgrading at a very reasonable price.

ThaiVisa rules do not allow links (or even mention) of appropriate download sites, although there is open slather on how to evade customs duty (ie smuggle).

If you don't have any luck with the original vendor, take your Nuvi 40 and sales receipts to Garmin Head Office on Chongnonsi.

They are in the building immediately on the eastern side of the Sky Train station, on the 22nd floor. Very helpful....

I am confident that if your assertions are correct, they will sort you out. They have many technical staff on hand.

Frm-Bkk

I just found these details:

ESRI (THAILAND) CO., LTD

100/38-39 SATHORN NAKORN BLDG 22ND FLOOR

NORTH SATHORN RD

BANKOK 10500

Phone: 2 6368421

Fax: 2 266 9944

I always advise people to buy from a GPS shop such as Eagle GPS.

www.eaglegps.co.th

Problems like you have are always taken care of quickly and efficiently.

I always advise people to buy from a GPS shop such as Eagle GPS.

www.eaglegps.co.th

Problems like you have are always taken care of quickly and efficiently.

I'm sure the folks at Eaglegps are great but their prices really kill my desire to buy there. As an example, the Garman Oregon 550 they sell lists on their website for 27,900 baht which, at today's exchange rate of 31.848 baht/$ US is about $876.00. The retail price in the US listed on Garmin's website is $399.99. (The price on the ESRI website in Thailand is 27,900). Even with shipping and import duties, it will be way less than $876.00. You can add the TSM 12.1 for only 2,000 baht. And if you don't need a camera in your GPS, the Oregon 450 (which is the 550 without the camera) will save you an extra $70.00 or so. Eaglegps doesn't seem to carry the 450 though.

While I really prefer to shop locally, the bigger the price difference, the less likely I am to do so.

David

If you don't have any luck with the original vendor, take your Nuvi 40 and sales receipts to Garmin Head Office on Chongnonsi.

They are in the building immediately on the eastern side of the Sky Train station, on the 22nd floor. Very helpful....

I am confident that if your assertions are correct, they will sort you out. They have many technical staff on hand.

Frm-Bkk

I just found these details:

ESRI (THAILAND) CO., LTD

100/38-39 SATHORN NAKORN BLDG 22ND FLOOR

NORTH SATHORN RD

BANKOK 10500

Phone: 2 6368421

Fax: 2 266 9944

As I'll be in Bangkok in a couple of weeks, this is what I will do. I can use the Thai version 11 until then as I'll be travelling with the Thai GF.

I registered with GPS Society to (legally) download the 12.1 map free of charge but as it's locked I can't load it onto the Nuvi 40. I thought I had it sorted when I found this.

Thanks for the responses

I always advise people to buy from a GPS shop such as Eagle GPS.

www.eaglegps.co.th

Problems like you have are always taken care of quickly and efficiently.

I'm sure the folks at Eaglegps are great but their prices really kill my desire to buy there. As an example, the Garman Oregon 550 they sell lists on their website for 27,900 baht which, at today's exchange rate of 31.848 baht/$ US is about $876.00. The retail price in the US listed on Garmin's website is $399.99. (The price on the ESRI website in Thailand is 27,900). Even with shipping and import duties, it will be way less than $876.00. You can add the TSM 12.1 for only 2,000 baht. And if you don't need a camera in your GPS, the Oregon 450 (which is the 550 without the camera) will save you an extra $70.00 or so. Eaglegps doesn't seem to carry the 450 though.

While I really prefer to shop locally, the bigger the price difference, the less likely I am to do so.

David

We're talking apples and oranges. The Nuvi 40 sells for 3,990 baht, I doubt you can buy it cheaper anywhere else. The ridiculousness priced Garmins are likely not available at those stores,

Just an update.

I didn't have the wrong map after all; it's just that my computer displayed it incorrectly. I had not realised you can get all the info on map info on the device itself. I did say I was a newbie.

My trip to Garmin's office in Bangkok was not in vain though as they converted me to the English version free of charge.