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Good old QRZ may be able to help

I notice there are several US hams in DR who are likely to have first hand knowledge.

It would normally be a little off to post a link of that nature, but this is a specialist subject that requires specialist answers.

73

YD1/G0

@Matt_McD

Welcome to the forums.  Your post is absolutely fine where it is honey!  I have zero knowledge on this subject, sorry.

My wife and I are licensed Hams, as well.  We've been coming to the DR (snowbirding) since 2018, and haven't heard a peep about HAM radio in the DR. 

However, since we only snowbird for 3 months a year, the topic hasn't exactly been on our front burner, either. 

We do bring (disassembled) a couple of Handheld mobiles (2Meter, 70 cm, FRS) with us every time we travel to the DR/Caribe.  Just in case of emergency, of course -- and we've found no reason to assemble them, much less turn them on.

PRO TIP:  If you have a lithium battery in your HT -- such as with the Baofeng radios -- remember that those lithium batteries are NOT allowed into the baggage hold of your airliner.   Rather, you need to carry them in your carry-on bag.

1. We've had no issues getting these batteries through TSA in the US, or any customs or security in Caribbean nations.  At most, they pull out the baggie (we keep the batts in a double-sealed zip-loc style baggie), take a quick look, and wave us on through. 
2. We even forgot, one time, to remove the batteries...so into the baggage hold they went.  No ill effects suffered, fortunately.  But, it's not recommended.

Looking forward to more responses on this thread.

Jim

ExpatRusher

Baofeng radio are pretty relaible and, most importantly, safe. I have not heard any reports of batteries exploding.

I have a UV16 and one of the old UV3 radios. The battery on the 3 died, but that was just end of life, not anything dangerous.

When travelling, the radio goes into hand luggage. I have yet to have any issues with airport staff, but perhaps  things are stricter in the US.

Here's a tip. I always carry a telescopic dual  band antenna and a small speaker mic. That allows a far greater range so makes the handheld more useful (for pleasure or emergency).