The first thing to remember is that a Reciprocal Operating agreement does not mean the amateur can simply go and begin transmitting.  It means there are known procedures to follow.  Think of it as there are identified “hoops” for the amateur to “jump through” with the result being you will have permission to operate from a foreign country.

In some cases, such as Canada, a US licensee can simply append the proper Canadian prefix to their US call and begin operating. In many cases, especially through multi-lateral agreements such as CEPT, the amateur needs only to carry specific documents and can get on-the-air. In some cases, such as the IARP, the amateur must first obtain a written document that authorizes transmissions before they begin. In many situations, even though there may be an existing bilateral agreement between the US and a specific country, the amateur must apply and pay the requisite fees though the proper channels to obtain an operating permit.  There are also situations that even though there is not bilateral agreement with the US, a country may allow you to apply and obtain a temporary operating authorization or license.

A word of caution:  When operating in a foreign country, you must follow the rules and regulations that country has in place for amateur radio. Frequency allocations may be different. As an example, just because you have phone privileges between 7.2 and 7.3 MHz with your FCC license, if you are operating in ITI Regions 1 or 3 (outside of the Americas), amateurs do not have any operating allocation on those frequencies. It is your responsibility to understand those differences when you wish to operate from a foreign country.  Know Before You Go!