Interesting info - Can I use walkie-talkies in Mexico?

[George]

Can I use walkie-talkies in Mexico?

Here is related post from another board:

Q: Can I use walkie-talkies in Mexico?

A:No. The walkie-talkies you purchase in the States, or Canada, operate on an assigned frequency established by the U.S. & Canada FCC. The problem is that Mexico has assigned that frequency band for other usage and therefore your walkies could possibly interrupt local communications. Those manufactured in Mexico are permitted.

People who use them are subject to a fine and confiscation by both the police and military.

This said... walkie-talkies operate at quite low power and the chances of being stopped and having them confiscated are correspondingly small.

If you get a red light at customs then your bag may be inspected. If the agent finds your walkie-talkies they will be confiscated.

Follow these guidelines if you take walkie-talkies to Mexico:

Pay close attention to whether they receive any broadcasts from local agencies before actually transmitting. If you hear anything over, perhaps, a half-hour of just listening, don't transmit on them.

Do not openly use them in public.

THE GREY AREA

Many people do get their walki-talkies through customs, even with getting their bags checked. We have also used walki-talkies in front of the military without having them confiscated.

The Mexican government does not confiscate walki-talkies because they interfere with official radio channels. They confiscate them when there is unrest with the EZLN [Zapatista - Freedom Fighters]. Basically they do not want modern communication devices in the hands of the Mayan Freedom Fighters.

For example, if you go through a military check-point wearing a Che T-shirt, and they find walki-talkies on you, you will get hassled and they will get confiscated.

If you are on vacation to an All-Inclusive resort with your children you usually will not get hassled, but, you never know.