Amateurs sometimes visit other countries and naturally want to operate their amateur stations. The three types of reciprocal operating authority are 1) a CEPT license; 2) an IARP; and 3) a reciprocal permit from a country which does not participate in either of these two multilateral agreements. Always follow all of the communications rules of the country visited. To operate under CEPT or IARP, the amateur must be a licensee in the country of citizenship.

Canada is the exception to the above. The US and Canada share an automatic reciprocal operating agreement. US amateurs must carry proof of their US citizenship and their valid US license. Identification for US amateurs is the US call separated by a stroke and the appropriate Canadian prefix identifier (e.g. N1KB/VE3). In all other instances, or as specified by the national licensing body, the prefix goes before the call sign. For further information on US/Canadian operation, visit the RAC Web site.