Travellers tips

Many radio services have different frequency allocations throughout the world. As a consequence, a radio transmitter that may operate satisfactorily in one country may cause interference in another.

Travellers considering the purchase and importation of radio transmitters including walkie-talkies, baby monitors, cordless telephones and similar equipment, should first check with Radio Spectrum Management. The following information is provided as a general guide as to what equipment is likely, or unlikely, to be a problem.

Cordless phones

Cordless Phones purchased in other countries (except Australia) are most unlikely to be acceptable for use in New Zealand. Such phones may cause interference to television reception in many parts of New Zealand or affect other communication services.

Cordless phones purchased in Australia, particularly those bearing the

C-tick symbol  or A-tick symbol

are likely to be acceptable for use in New Zealand.

HF (High Frequency) Citizen Band (CB) radios

CB radio operates in the 26 MHz band in New Zealand. In Australia, United States and a number of other countries the 27 MHz band is used. It is therefore unlikely that HF CB radios purchased outside New Zealand will be acceptable for use in New Zealand.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Citizen Band (CB) radios

UHF Citizen Band radios from USA (FRS or GMRS) or from the UK or Europe (PMR446)and other countries are on frequencies which will cause interference and should not be brought into New Zealand.

Australia’s UHF Citizen Band service operates in the 476 MHz band, the same as the Personal Radio Service (PRS) in New Zealand.  UHF CB radios acceptable in Australia are acceptable for use in New Zealand.

Radio controlled models and toys

The 27 MHz band is internationally used for radio control purposes, therefore models or toys operating in this band can be used in New Zealand.  Many other bands are used for model control but there is limited international standardisation.  Accordingly it will be necessary to check the acceptability of equipment which uses other frequencies before importing or using the equipment.

Baby monitors

While some baby monitors available in other countries use acceptable frequencies authorised in New Zealand others will cause interference. Baby monitors from the UK may affect VHF television reception, so should be checked for appropriate frequency of operation.

Amateur radio equipment

Information for holders of foreign radio amateur operator certificates and/or licencees who wish to operate in New Zealand is available on our website.