GetGov
If you use GetGOV, it will download the place hierarchy. It will store Its place record ID in the Gramps’ ID field. As you download more records, records with the same GetGOV id will be automatically merged.
I started using GetGOV for my German places but no longer use it. It was just too much. All I want is the populated place and the big picture enclosed by hierarchy. I do not want all the administrative offices throughout time.