Quick question - is it legal to take a Garmin inReach into the UAE and use it while there? Thanks for any information.

As stated above, is it legal to bring a Garmin inReach into the United Arab Emirates and use it while on vacation there?

Thanks for any information.

0 twolpert over 2 years ago

I'm not sure whom you would contact to get an authoritative answer to this. US Department of State might know. OTOH, you might have to contact the UAE embassy.

0 6474136 over 2 years ago

Thanks. Yeah, I tried UAE embassies but no response. I'll try US DoS. Appreciate your reply.

0 twolpert over 2 years ago

You might have better luck asking about satellite phones. It's generally the communication services, not the location services, that are objectionable.

A bit of Googling turned up this Garmin support article. Raises the interesting issue of countries where the US embargoes satellite technology. Virtually EVERY source, including this one, says to check with the embassy for your destination country.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=Dq3CEPZjfRAhtToGD4Yrz9

0 6474136 over 2 years ago in reply to twolpert

Thank you. That is a good point on location services vs. satellite phones.

I also saw that particular Garmin page earlier.

And it seems, when I Google it, that Iridium-based phones are available in the UAE, but I know that may not be the same thing as a tourist carrying one in their luggage and using it, vs, perhaps being a citizen and having to get licensed to buy one, so I did not want to automatically assume it was legal.

Thanks again for the responses.