GPS trackers with no fees associated with them keep costs low if you are only planning to use your GPS tracking infrequently and don't need sophisticated real time service. No fees GPS trackers generally require you to insert a SIM card, like you have in your cell phone. SIM cards for GPS trackers must be GSM compatible, a "voice only" SIM won't support the text based communication you need.

With a proper SIM card installed you are then able to communicate with the GPS t racking device using GSM text messages. For example: if you want to know the location of the device at any given time send a text with a predetermined code and the unit will report back with the coordinates of the unit. You might also want to set up a geo-fence to receive alerts once the unit leaves a certain area.

You can then feed the coordinates supplied into any mapping program like Google Maps and see the location anywhere in the world. To make like easier you may want to get one of the many apps out there that allow you to set up instant mapping. Some of these apps are free, but none of them are very expensive and are definitely less expensive than a monthly service.