TSA Regulations at Charles DeGaulle

The TGV/RER station and the Sheraton hotel directly above it are between Terminal 2C and Terminal 2E. I suggest that you meet in the lobby of the Sheraton. See this map.

It's illegal to use North American walkies talkies anywhere in Europe. The European models use a different set of frequencies. If you use a US model you will interfere with other services. It has nothing to do with airport security regulations, rather it's an EU wide regulation. Your US cellphone will be useless in Europe unless you're willing to go through the trouble of unlocking it, and buy a new SIM card.

Your US cellphone will be useless in Europe unless you're willing to go through the trouble of unlocking it, and buy a new SIM card.

Assuming the 'phone will actually work in Europe (GSM 900MHz and/or 1800MHz) I'd be surprised if it needs to be unlocked or use a local SIM. Surely you can just roam using your US provider? Unless there's some odd quirk of US service providers?

The per minute fee might be quite high but for a 2 minute "I'm by the Paul where are you?" call it will be a lot more sensible than messing around.

P.S. I just did a search and it seems that Ccellular is a retailer rather than a service provider? If you post what phone you have and who your service provider is someone should be able to tell you if they'll work in Paris. Actually, if you call your service provider they'll know and also be able to give you some idea of costs.

US Cellular is a service provider. And I agree, if you are only going to make a quick call to find each other, roaming might be best. I'm not sure if US Cellular offers it, but you might have to set up international roaming before you leave in order to use your phone. But the key is whether or not the phone can technically work in the EU, as Peter said.

Deborah, you'd be better off just to look at a map of the airport terminal online and determine a meeting place (maybe the baggage area?).

I second the suggestion to designate a meeting place ahead of time. US walkie talkies use the same frequency as European fire departments, so you definitely don't want to interfere with that.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration, not Travel Security Agency) has no jurisdiction in the EU. It is strictly a United States agency, with authority over transportation in the United States, governing things like what can be carried aboard planes within and leaving the US, as well as other transportation-related security.

Correct information regarding walkie talkes. Regarding cell phones, many US companies offer worldwide roaming. I have ATT and pay about $1.25 a minute in Europe. My wife and I use it in case we get separated or for quick calls home. Check your phone company, a cell phone may be just as handy as any other.

Nancy, I hope that was Steve's attempt at being humorous. I would hope that an AM Express travel agent would know what TSA stood for -- but then again.

Deborah,

As the others have indicated, use of "Walkie-Talkies" purchased in the U.S. will be illegal in Europe as these use different frequencies (some of the U.S. models operate on EU emergency service frequencies).

Regarding use of Cell phones from US Cellular, these will NOT work in Europe, as according to US Cellular network "We employ Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 1X technology on the network system-wide." and that is NOT compatible with the GSM technology that is used by 85% of the world (including Europe).

Based on your situation, it would appear you have two choices:

1.) Agree to meet at a specific spot in the airport. Check This Website for an excellent description of the airport, and also the transportation into the city.

2.) Travel with GSM Cell Phones. You could either purchase two unlocked quad-band GSM Phones from E-Bay and use with a "travel SIM" from Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Roam Simple, Mobal, Telestial or other "travel phone providers". You can also rent a phone from these firms. I'd suggest using text messaging rather than voice calls to keep in touch, as it's much less expensive.

As you'll probably be together most of the time after your meeting at the airport, Option 1 would seem like a more logical and cost effective choice. Of course, traveling with at least one Cell phone would also allow you to keep in touch with family back home (again, text would be cheapest).

I was in Paris again in May. If you have any further questions, post another note.

Cheers!

Thanks to everyone for the information. We definitely won't bring walkie talkies. It sounds like the best plan it to have my daughter meet me after I come through arrivals at Terminal 2E. With a fall back plan to meet in the lobby of the Sheraton.