Seriously, that airport kiosk right after baggage claim is a lifesaver. Last trip, I grabbed one before even getting a taxi, and had maps working by the time I reached the hotel. Some places even sell them at little corner stores, just need your passport. Why wait around searching for sketchy wifi?
Getting a local SIM right after landing is a smart move (you know, like avoiding those login pages that never work). Like @richarddixon said, it gets you online fast, which is great for maps or telling people you're safe. Those corner store deals can be cheap too, often way less than your home phone plan for abroad. Having a local number right away also means you can call a taxi or book a table without trouble. It just makes the start of your trip much easier.