Khaled rambles

Garmin nüvi devices from Darmoja

Published on October 6, 2008 by Khaled A. in General

If you are interested in buying a Garmin nüvi GPS device then I recommend that you don’t buy it from the Garmin dealer in Saudi Arabia, Darmoja (دار موجة). Their prices are outrageous!

I will give a few examples, Garmin nüvi 5000 cost over 3200SR ($854) from Darmoja. It cost only $485 (1819SR)! Almost all other Garmin nüvi devices sold here cost almost double their prices on Amazon!

I bought a Garmin nüvi 760 for 1425SR ($380) and it cost over 2500SR if I bought it here. They do come with Arabic language support and I would not worry about the Saudi Arabia Garmin maps, their 2008 Middle East map is the same as the older ones, but that’s a topic for another day.

You should do the same, buy it from Amazon and use myus or Aramex to ship it to Saudi Arabia. Do not support those outrageous prices!

Tags: Darmoja, garmin, gps

« Google hiring in the Middle East

Mobily trouble in the Eastern ... »

61 Comments

http://None Ronnie Forrester

I very desperately need GARMIN maps for Saudi Arabia. I have a Garmin NUVI 310 and I have my South African maps still, which I would like to continue to use when I go back there, for whatever trips may happen. I MUST have maps to use it here in Jeddah especially, and also in Riyadh, less critically. I really would appreciate any direction you could advise me with, in procuring the copy of the Saudi Arabia Garmin maps for NUVI310, with individual streets because I cannot find my way around this place, and the way that they drive, you should not be sitting looking at a map while driving in Saudi Arabia.

Please contact me soonest if you can advise me on a reliable way to get the maps I need.

From Ronnie
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Mashhudm Reply:
January 29th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Dear I have Garmin Nuvi 205 device .. please tell me how can I download the map of saudi arabia in it? and also please share the link from where i can download saudi arabia map.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Jaco

Ronnie Ek het toevallig gisteraand by jarrir book store n map gekoop vir sr699 vir die hele midde ooste, ek wil weer weet of sal hulle vir my hier n map bestel vir RSA want dit is goedkoper hier as by die huis

Lekker dag Jaco
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Pierre

Hi Jaco, ek is in Khobar. Ek het ‘n Nuvi 200w met die RSA maps. Miskien kan ons ‘n ruil maak. Ek soek weer Saudi maps

Groete

Pierre
Like or Dislike: 0 1
[Reply]
nood

English Please!
Like or Dislike: 0 1
[Reply]
Abbas

Ronnie

Thare is Garmin shope in Dammam

Regard

Abbas
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Samiulla Bandarkar

Does anyone have suggestions as to how to buy and upload GCC maps to a Garmin 760 purchased from USA?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
http://www.khaled.us Khaled A.

Samiulla Bandarkar: you need to go to Garmin’s site and enter your map serial number and your device ID to generate a serial number that you use with the Garmin application on your computer. An annoying process.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Samiulla Bandarkar

Thanks, the prices for Garmin in KSA are incredibly inflated. The City NavigatorÂ® Middle East NT is priced at 199 USD. The Nuvi 760 with mount is being sold at Amazon for 200 USD. Still 60% cheaper than what Electro is charging.

I am tempted to try out the annoying process.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
http://www.khaled.us Khaled A.

Samiulla, To be honest I used “other methods” to acquire the Saudi Arabia maps for 2 reasons: 1) exaggerated prices on maps and devices. 2) outdated maps, a 2008 Saudi map is missing major roads that were done in 2005. It even include businesses that no longer exist here for a few years “Wendy’s” for example

I bought my device from Amazon at almost half price and that’s enough. I am not supporting darmoja if they keep their current practices.

By the way, Garmin uses navteq maps, the other company is called TeleAtlas, their maps are up to date but I cannot find any of their devices in Saudi Arabia. You can mainly get them in Windows Mobile
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Samiulla Bandarkar

Khaled,

I couldn’t agree with you more. Last week I was driving KWI-RUH via Salmi-Hafra Al Baaten-Majmaa route. I had borrowed a NUVI 710 from a friend.

The GPS missed the left turn after Hafra Al Baaten to join 50. There is a bridge turn down to join 65, the GPS kept prompting, turn left (i.e. jump off the bridge on to 65). As per the (updated) map there was no bridge, there was a left detour from the road to join 65.

I dont mind paying a premium for quality service but not this.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
http://www.khaled.us Khaled A.

Samiulla Yes, that’s a big problem. Look at Google maps, it will take them forever to update their data and actually use the point by point instructions on the iPhone 3G, which was released today
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Samiulla Bandarkar

Thanks for wonderful blog Khaled.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Samiulla Bandarkar

Thanks for a wonderful blog Khaled.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rasputin

Khaled,

I’m planning to get a garmin receiver from the US. Can you let me know how i could get a map of the middle-east without having to go to darmoja for this and paying a premium.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I would share such information on my site, however you could check this forum http://www.ce4arab.com/vb7/
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rasputin

Thanks, but the site apparently seems blocked, any other alternatives?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
March 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
No, sorry, just look around the internet
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Ibrahim

My question is does all GPS support Arabic navigation. Like instead of english is it possible to set it up to Arabic. Khaled it is nice forum. thanks
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
April 30th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Ibrahim, as long as there is arabic language data in the map then it is possible …
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Ibrahim

Thank you for your reply.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Tee

Hello…

Can someone tell me where is the Garmin store in Khobar/Dammam? or any other shop that sells north america maps for garmin in khobar?

Thanks
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
Tee, this is the dealer locator page http://www.garmin.com.sa/darmoja/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=34 it’s a bit useless though, sorry I couldn’t be any more help …
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Marhabah

All: please let me know if you want to have garmin routable maps for the middle east. the latest is 2010. I can help. marhabahahmad@gmail.com
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
thanks, I am aware of how to get them. And yes 2010 maps are 2005 data, stupid garmin
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Sherif

Hi Any help please. I need the garmin maps for the middle east. Thanks,
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Wadih

Hello Khaled, I want to buy a Gramin 770, I asked for it here in Riyadh and it costs about 1800 SR. do you know a place where can I get it less ? if I will order it by aramex, wouldn’t cost the same ??

Thanks
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 10th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
The 770 on Amazon is sold for $629 for some reason. But the 780 is sold for less than 800SR: http://bit.ly/cJFJG
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Fabulous

I have a very special offer on gamin devices Nuvi 5000 (Europe + GCC map) the price is only 2250 riyals, if someone is interested please contact me at fabulousfraun@yahoo.com
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

I have a question, I am using Garmin Nuvi 205 with 2010 map update in Madina. The route that it is showing me is always somewhere above the roads. It is somehow showing a displacement between the two points. The pink line that it shows as a route is not stuck to any of the existing road on the map. I tested the device in Mekkah and then in Jeddah and I got same results. Am I making some mistake. Why is the shown route other than the existing roads. Or is it like this. By the way, Khaled, this is the only website that I found with some information relating Garmin in Saudi Arabia. Nice work.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 25th, 2009 at 1:23 am
the GPS device could be out of calibration… or the maps are somehow messed up, did you get the chance to have full signal? avoid standing near buildings and see if it will fix it.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Fabulous Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Go to tools then click on settings then navigation and change the navigation from off road to faster time or shorter distance . and you will be able to use the devise in distance inspite of displacement.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

Dear Khalid, I tried to check it around at various locations. Actually, my car is always shown properly on the road. But the route that the GPS plans for me is no over the road. Its like suspended in the air, is not stick to any existing roads. The route is passing through building, and is normally a straight line between the start and final point. All the roads that I see are in the MAP, and as I said, my car is also on the road, but the planned route is hanging in the air.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 25th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
sounds to me that you are driving in offroad mode. Most devices allow you to set the navigation options, try that.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

Thnaks for the quick comment. No its now in offroad mode. I had not put any avoidances turned on. Can you please tell me about your own experience either in Mecca or Madina or may be in Jeddah.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 25th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
never tried a GPS there but Garmin maps for Saudi Arabia are crappy and out of date!

you need to disable offroad, what are the other options?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

not much, I have been using Garmin in UK, I know the interface pretty much, but its only here that whenever I ask for route, its give the route floating over some imiginary plane. Once on drive from Mecca to Jeddah, it took me on the old highway, which was under construction and I had to suffer alot. Then in Jeddah, it was behaving nicely, but I can say, its showing me which direction to go, rather than which road to follow. Any how, thanks for the help. Will see what I can do with that. Any idea about the Nokia Maps on E71. Are they any good.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 25th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
You have to pay for the Nokia navigation functions, but the maps are free. The maps are navteq, same as Garmin. so don’t expect accurate saudi maps. Try something based on teleatlas, only device with teleatlas in Saudi is the “Mio”
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

Also if you can tell me is there any Saudi Navigation software for Iphone.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Fabulous

Dear all, I have Garmin navigation devices with very agressive prices with preloaded GCC + Europe map. If someone is intersted feel free to contact me at 0562362667. The modelsare Nuvi 310, Nuvi 610, Nuvi 660, Nuvi 5000, Colarado 300. The products could be delivered in Riyadh without delivery charges. The offer is valid for a limited period. (With two years Darmoja Warranty, One year international warranty)
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
August 27th, 2009 at 2:43 am
Hmm, should I turn the site into ebay?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Rizwan

Dear Khaled, I managed to get my Garmin device working. And I would like to share the details so that it can help others.

Problem: The planned route was always away from Roads and was somewhere in between the Highways

Solution: Actually I selected the wrong MAP in the MENU >> Setup >> MAP >> MAP Info I selected the map suitable for the Desert, while the right map to select was the third option, Maps for the Cities. And I was suppose to select one map at a time, while somehow, all my maps were checked. So unchecking the top 2 solved the problem. I would like to thankyou Khaled for providing me with your valuable comments.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Sami
Hey Khaled, thanks for the info on Garmin.

I do have a few questions however.
1. Can you recommend a suitable GPS for me ( i looked at few in Amazon: 255W, 260, 265W, 780) I want one preferably under $200 with bluetooth support.
2. How much did it cost you to ship it from Amazon using Aramex?
3. Can you download free maps into the GPS…and do they work properly?
Any other pertinent info will help..thanks
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 11:41 am
look at the 700 or 800 series models. a garmin device is 1-2 pounds so expect $25 shipping. as for maps, you can find them on forums and there you will find how to activate. Saudi Arabia 2010 maps still have 2004 data so I don’t recommend giving your money to Garmin until they fix their maps
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Sami
Talk about a prompt reply..thanks! I had some other questions as well.

1.On Amazon, it says some GPS’s have ‘multi routing’…does that mean only these devices have the feature of finding the fastest route,etc.
1. I am thinking for going for the 780, it seems to have a good overall rating. Any thoughts?
2. When i check out through Amazon, it says it cannot deliver to Saudi. SO do i have to ship it to some local address in the US and then ask someone to send it to Aramex or do i have to ship it to Aramex?
3. Where can i find the number of the Garmin shop in Dammam (on Airport road)? I want to compare the price difference.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
1. i think it means the ability to save routes, not really sure.
2. seems like a good unit, amazon reviews are good right?
3. from the site their branch is in Khobar 038678054
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Sami
Khaled,

I have decided to go for the Garmin Nuvi 265w ($195).
1. When you bought your 760 how long did Aramex take to ship it?
2. How did you load the saudi maps onto it? (i tired looking for some forums but the search was futile.)
3. How did you like the 760 (how was the quality of the speaker?, recalculation speed, and any revooting problems?) The 780 which is the 760 with MSN is roughly the same price at the 265W.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
October 31st, 2009 at 5:27 pm
1. I use myus http://www.sauditechview.com/en/buy-online-ship-saudi-arabia-myus.html
2. check a site like ce4arab
3. MSN is useless, I suggest getting an 800, they felt faster
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Sami

I figured that i can ship it to my friends address in the US and he can ship it to me. So i can avoid the registration charge and just pay for the shipping.

Also ce4arab is blocked in english…any other tips?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
bert

khaled just want to ask some questions.if ever i will buy Garmin nuvi 780 from amazon, and i will shipped it to my friend in Georgia (because he will go vacation this december and he’s working here ng Saudi Arabia), how can i store or install the saudi map if ever i can recieve the unit? and where can i bought the map? im living in al khobar…thanks…
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
December 5th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
try a site such as ce4arab I can’t really tell you the steps since they are not really … legal …
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
bert

what do you mean not legal?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
http://aldhaencraft.com AbdullaAli, Bahrain

We are here to help you out for anything that you need from Garmin.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
January 31st, 2010 at 11:35 am
thank you for seeking customers and helping them!
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
bert

hello Mr. Ali..just want to ask if you have new maps for GCC for garmin nuvi 205w…thanks
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
waseem

hi KHALED A.

please suggest me i planning to go qater by car from jeddah i planning to buy any navigation which can help me on road to show me way and where can i buy show me the shop in jeddah
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Khaled A. Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Jeddah number هاتف:6636596 2 966+ according to the site http://www.garmin.com.sa/ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=32 its on khaled bin waleed street near birgiston
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
JERRY

I want to buy a Garmin loaded with GCC maps when I am on vacation in Toledo, Ohio. Do any of the Garmin dealers sell the Garmin’s loaded with the UAE etc. maps?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Fabulous

Please do not fool the people by Amazon as the Amazon are selling refurbished items whereas Darmoja is selling the new models with after sale services. From Amazon you can not get the support after sale but Darmoja can serve you any time you want. There employees are very professional and can serve you through it without charges.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
James05

I want to update GCC map on my NUVI 1490, I am living in jubail. Any dealer of GARMIN is there in KHOBAR ? What is the cost of update the map for 1 year?
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]
Dervi Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
A: Al Khalij Street, Near STC Al Shati Dist Al Dammam

Cell Phone :00966 549103758,00966530103065

Email: dammam1@darmoja.com

Cor: N: 26 27 377 E: 050 07 662

P : +966 038678054 || F: + 966 038678054 || M: +966 503159853

A: King Fahad Road Al khobar || P.O.BOX 32708, Riyadh 11438, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: khobar@darmoja.com ||
Like or Dislike: 0 0
[Reply]

Garmin nüvi devices from Darmoja

Categories

Archives

Arabic Blogroll

Blogroll

Meta