When are you allowed to operate your amateur station in a foreign country?

You are allowed to operate your amateur station in a foreign country when that foreign country grants authorization to do so. This means that before you can start transmitting, you must ensure that you are compliant with the laws and regulations of the host country. Many countries require amateur operators to have a specific license or permit, just as operators in your home country must have.

This approval from the foreign country is crucial because each nation has its own set of rules governing radio communications and may have different requirements for amateur radio licensing. Understanding and adhering to these rules ensures that you operate legally and maintain good relations between countries regarding radio frequency use.

While mutual agreements for third-party communications and provisions for using foreign languages can be part of operating internationally, they are secondary to obtaining the necessary authorization from the foreign government itself. Additionally, communicating with non-licensed individuals does not provide a basis for operating your station without proper authorization from the country in which you are situated.