Google Maps App questions

You can't reliably force it to cache- sounds like you need to download a sat nav type app such as Tom Tom - although there a much cheaper versions in the app store.

Nope. If you want an app with local maps then use one with local maps as suggested above.

Is there a way to read the information about shops/hotels/restaurants that appear in the native app? I can see a shop in my area but if I tap the icon, it does not display the info (address, phone, etc.)

If I use the maps in the browser of another app (e.g. IA), then the info do show up. Any ideas to fix this? Thanks.