Next summer, there will be 8 of us family members travelling in 2 different vehicles around Europe. What walkie talkie type devices could we use to stay connected. Cell phones - maybe - but looking for more "instant" connection. I do know that the North American ones are not permitted in Europe because their frequencies are used for first responders over there? Buy here in NA? Suggested brands? Cost?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
You can buy cheap legal walkie talkies in many European countries. And North American ones are not allowed as they use the wrong frequency.
They are usually sold in pairs. Are you just wanting two (one per vehicle). They arre low powered, and only have a range of a few hundred meters, especial in built up areas.
A simpler solution may be mobile phones. Either from your existing provider, or buy two new SIM cards once you arrive. Calls and texts within the same provider can be very cheap.
Posted by
toronto
178 posts
I see that the OP is from Canada. If you with Rogers then you should looking into their "share" plan.
With this plan you can call and text for $10 a day with a max of $100. Call them and ask about this and if it applies to phoning each other in Europe. They also have "travel packs" that you can purchase through Rogers (probably Bell has it too). Way easier than bothering with walkie talkies.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
David,
Forget the Walkie-Talkies. Those are definitely not the best way to stay in touch as they have limited power (and thus limited range) and the signal will be further attenuated when transmitting from inside a vehicle. I'm a licensed Amateur Radio operator, so have some knowledge on the subject.
Cell phones using text messages are about as "instant" as you'll need, and probably the cheapest option. Which cell network are you with? You can either use roaming plans with your home network, or buy local SIM cards if your phones are unlocked. That will be the cheapest option. I assume each vehicle will have a "navigator" in the passenger seat? That way the driver won't have to risk a distracted driving ticket.
If you're driving in Italy and France especially, don't forget that each driver listed on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit. How long will this trip be?
For short range use (similar to a Walkie-Talkie), something like this might work - http://www.gotenna.com/?gclid=CNDoo_bS3c8CFQ5EfgodktkHcw
However I haven't been able to find out which UHF frequencies they use, so not sure if there's a conflict with European services.
Posted by
OP
St. Catharines, Canada
23 posts
Thanks all form your input. We expect to have at least 4 in each vehicle with one being the "radio" operator but not the driver. I have used a world sim card with data purchased in Canada prior to departure at a very reasonable cost from iRoam with excellent results with phone and text. The only issue I can think of is with tower reception while on the road. Since my wife and I have travelled extensively in Europe before, we will be the leaders and with 2 vehicles, we do not want to get separated. We plan for each vehicle will have GPS but are thinking that some other method of fast communication between vehicles would be advantageous. Looks like texting may be the best option since the "walkie talkie" units may not be powerful enough, should the vehicles get too far apart in heavy traffic. Again thanks for the threads.
Posted by
TX
980 posts
Our group always uses cell phone but if you are looking for something that works off the grid, have you considered goTenna or similar?
https://www.rei.com/product/103081/gotenna-text-and-location-communicator-2-pack
DJ
Edit: I see someone else suggested this already.