Radio's in Central America

[cruiser guy]

Does anyone have any information on what radios would be useful in Central America? What repeaters are there? What do folks use?

I'm considering a radio for our travels in Central America but I don't know anyone down there who plays with radios.

 

[k6uk]

It is important to keep in mind that when traveling, some countries have very strict laws regarding ownership and operation of a radio. As a ham radio operator it is important to operate legally when in a foreign country, and many countries have reciprocal agreements with the US.

Here is a great site for information on getting licensed while traveling and how to identify your station on foreign soil:
http://www.qsl.net/oh2mcn/license.htm

and here is an FAQ on reciprocal licensing at ARRL:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/faq.html

I don't have a lot of information on repeaters in Central America, but here is the link to the Panama Canal Amateur Radio Association, maybe they would be a good resource.
http://www.qsl.net/pcara/

 

[cruiser guy]

I'm new to all this radio stuff and I do weird things like drive all the way to Central America regularly so bear with my stupid questions!

In reading these websites some seem to indicate that most of Central America does not have agreements in place under CEPT or IARP but still allow amateur radio use under an "Amateur Reciprocal Operating Arrangement". Am I right in assuming that I'd need to apply directly to each country for permission to operate or is that not necessary?

I am Canadian and drive a Canadian registered vehicle but I am often in Central America for a long time (probably 18 months out of the last two years). Does that still qualify as a visitor or should I be applying for a radio licence from a Central American country (I don't have a radio licence yet but I'd like to operate in Canada and the U.S. as well)?

It would appear that the 2m radio is probably the best bet but should I get a dual band radio or not and if so what one?