FriendlyExpat

I want to get some walkie talkies or two-way radios for desert trips. I see they are on a list of technically "banned" items but I've seen people using them.

Does anyone know what frequencies one can safely use in Saudi (if any) without drawing unwanted attention? I am aware of the license-free personal use services on the FRS/GMRS bands (US) and the PMR band (EU/UK) but I assume there is no equivalent here.

Also is there anywhere to buy such radios in Riyadh?

Millhouse

Dunno about Saudi, but here we use the US band, specifically, the following:

Channel - Frequency/ UHF
1 - 462.5625
2 - 462.5875
3 - 462.6125
4 - 462.6375
5 - 462.6625
6 - 462.6875
7 - 462.7125
8 - 467.5625
9 - 467.5875
10 - 467.6125
11 - 467.6375
12 - 467.6625
13 - 467.6875
14 - 467.7125
15 - 462.5500
16 - 462.5750
17 - 462.6000
18 - 462.6250
19 - 462.6500
20 - 462.6750
21 - 462.7000
22 - 462.7250

How's that for a nerdy post.

No idea where to buy them in Saudi mind and if you get it here there is a fair chance of confiscation by customs (and anal probing) if you are caught.

northbadawi

Not legal and not available for free sale in KSA. But if you bring walkie-talkies from outside they will not draw anyone's attention in the desert, unless you drive in Riyadh with two-meters external antenna on the top of you car.

coffindodger

We (the company) have just bought some new radios from Bravo and we use them also as walkie talkies.

Since I am in Khobar and so I am told the range they could be used as far away as in Jeddah, just as log as you have a good Bravo reception.

The model we have is the Motorola i418 type.

scot47

Even the ones that are sold as kids' toys are illegal in KSA. I left in 2011 but I am pretty sure that the Min of Int will still be dead against them.

FriendlyExpat

This concerns me! But I have seen expats using them in the desert (and also security guards in shops). Probably not worth the risk.

scot47

Model aircraft are also forbidden in KSA ! Does the Min of Def think they could be used as weapons ?

FriendlyExpat

Model aircraft may be theoretically forbidden, but every supermarket in KSA sells them. There's even a specialised RC shop near to Tahlia Street. So I think in practice they are safe nowadays.

Millhouse

like the walkie talkies. They are not permitted in the UAE either. All sold under the counter... along with the touches with built in stun-guns.

Spugsy

Why not then? I never knew that yet it doesn't surprise me.

Are we allowed yoghurt pots on string?

northbadawi

There are no laws that prohibit such things, but you have to ask the reputable scholar, is there a fatwa on this issue.