Can I use my radios outside of the USA?Updated 3 months ago
Using Rocky Talkie Radios Internationally: Regulations and Recommendations
Rocky Talkie radios (and most handheld radios on the market) do not rely on local infrastructure like cell networks and can technically function around the globe. However, the radios are only legal to operate in the United States and Canada, and using them abroad could interfere with local emergency services and first responders, making Rocky Talkie radios illegal to use in most countries outside of the USA or Canada. Using the radios internationally could result in a fine or confiscation, so we recommend that you do some additional research before heading out.
For those looking to understand more about the different regulations in common destinations, we provide some general facts below:
USA:
FRS - Family Radio Service
- License free
- 22 allowed frequencies (462 ~ 467 MHz)
- Maximum 2 Watts of power (0.5 on channels 8-14)
- The FCC specifies FRS in regulations Part 95 B.
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service
- Requires $35 license
- Same 22 allowed frequencies (462 ~ 467 MHz)
- Additional 8 repeater channels
- USA Power limit: Maximum 5 Watts of power (0.5W on channels 8-14 and 50W on 14-22 for mobile radios)
- Antenna is swappable
- The FCC specifies GMRS regulations in Part 95 E.
Canada:
FRS - Family Radio Service
- License free
- 22 allowed frequencies (462 ~ 467 MHz)
- Maximum 2 Watts of power (0.5 on channels 8-14)
FRS designated radios (like our Mountain Radio) that also have the IC certification are legal to use in both the USA and Canada! The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio has both certifications and can be used in both countries.
Mexico:
While some frequencies may overlap with FRS/GMRS radios, Mexico requires radios to bear a certification mark by CoFeTel. U.S. and Canadian radio models are not allowed to be used in Mexico, despite sharing some frequencies.
European Union:
The European Union (EU) prohibits using FRS or GMRS radios. The most common walkie-talkies for personal and recreational use are PMR446 radios:
- License Free
- 16 allowed frequencies (446.00625 ~ 446.19375)
- Maximum of 0.5 Watts of power
- PMR446 radios are also allowed to be used in a handful of countries outside of the EU like Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Vietnam
- More information onEU standards can be found here.
Australia:
UHF CB is the FRS equivalent radio service in Australia. FRS and GMRS radios made in the USA are not allowed for use in Australia.
- License free
- 77 channels (HF and UHF)
- 5 Watts maximum of power
- Allows for use of repeaters
Japan:
Japan's Specified Low Power Radio (特定小電力無線局, tokutei shōdenryoku musenkyoku) or SLPR service covers most license-free recreational users. Radios are limited to 10 mW in the 420 - 422 MHz band.
Brazil:
Regulated by ANATEL (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações).
Argentina:
Communication equipment must comply with ENACOM standards.
Don’t see your travel destination?
Feel free to write in to [email protected] and we can add it to the list!