Using UHF Radios in Europe, The Middle East and Asia
 

Hi guys,

I have a question regarding the legality of using bike-to-bike UHF radio communication equipment on our up coming trip. They are a very popular option in Australia but I have heard they are banned in Iran and some of the Stans.

If anyone has concrete information or an experience with taking a UHF radio through one of these countries I would love to hear it.

Cheers

Do you mean UHF or VHF radios?

I know some sea kayakers use 5-6W VHF radios for communications/safety, but even in Europe, you need a licence to own and a licence to use a VHF radio (needs a weekend training course) on the water (and presumably elsewhere).

I am guessing land based radios may be subject to licensing also, but you would have to check that with the appropriate authorities.

Grey Beard

At last years Horizons meeting there was a couple who drove a Land Cruiser from Oz to Italy via Sth Korea and Russia and used an Oz freq UHF the whole way with no probs although they did say that it was illegal in Europe and they hid them at all border crossings.

Low power PMR446 radios are OK in Europe (EU) without a licence. Other radios will most prob need a licence for each country to be legal. Radio amateurs with a full licence can apply for a permit to operate in countries with ease, but you need to pass the examinations to get that privelidge !

The border paperwork for the 'stans has "electronic communication equipment" on the declarable items tick box list. I guess if you stash them and dont have external aerials etc then you may get away with it !

In Russia, they have a similar radio to our PMR446 called the " LPD 433MHz Two way radio" which has 69 channels. You do see them on Ebay occasionally as they all come out of the same factories in China as the 446 kit. Not sure if these are legal in the ;stans, but there's a better chance they will be that the EU kit.

Guess its down to chance and risk ! I'll do some more digging and post an update here in the next few days

Iain

Spoke with someone who deals in these places in the Comms industry. Basically, anythings a risk without the correct licence. He did, however, think that an EU PMR446 radio decalred on your carnet would probably be the best idea as they're common over there, but nothing can be guaranteed in the 'stans !