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Walkie-talkies in France- permitted or not?

Have read somewhere that the inexpensive motorola walkie-talkies that we use for skiing and at amusement parks are not allowed in Europe in general. Don't want to carry 2 cellphones, nor run up the charges when we've gotten separated and turned around coming out of the WCs at Mt. St. Michel, etc. Anyone have any knowledge of this? thanks!

Posted by
4555 posts

North American walkie-talkie frequencies are different than European frequencies...they can interfere with emergency radio transmissions, so they are not permitted. You could always pick up a pair in Europe....but then your cell phones might work just as well, and at less cost.

Posted by
683 posts

US w-ts work on a frequency that is used by the military in France. They are understandably loath to have them used there. Think about it-- if you used a military frequency HERE, even by accident- you would likely face 20 years in prison. While it is not likely that you would be severely penalized in France, common courtesy should prevail

Posted by
973 posts

Thanks for the replies, & for saving room in my carry-on. Younger son hates carrying his phone buit this time I think having both cells will prevent worry.

Posted by
522 posts

You don't want to carry 2 cellphones but you're willing to carry 2 walkie-talkies? I'm missing something here....

Cellphone calls are not expensive. Just make sure your phones are set up for international use before you go.

Posted by
973 posts

good point, but i wouldn't have to set both phones up, buy 2 cards, or deal with Verizon if the phones are misplaced/stolen/misused.
Lose 2 w-t's? oh well.

Posted by
4 posts

Wow, I'm glad you asked about France... Now I know I can't use walkie-talkies for that half of my trip. Does anyone know about using walkie-talkies in England???

Thanks!

Posted by
4555 posts

Lisa...same thing, but even more so, since North American walkie talkie frequencies interfere with (if I remember correctly) some ambulance frequencies. Her Majesty would not be amused ;)

Posted by
122 posts

Most Verizon phones will not work in Europe. Verizon has a CDMA network and Europe uses GSM networks. There are only 2 Verizon models (one of those is a Blackberry)that are both CDMA and GSM capable.