Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling Internationally With a Garmin inReach Device
Compiled below is a list of frequently asked questions about travelling internationally with inReach® satellite communication devices:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Countries Where inReach Devices May Be Regulated, Prohibited or Embargoed?
Are There Countries That My SAR Insurance Will Not Cover Me?
Do I Have to Purchase a Different Service Plan to Travel Internationally?
Do I Need a Different Charger When Traveling Internationally?
How Do I Activate and Test Service Before Travelling Internationally?
Are There Countries Where inReach Devices May Be Regulated, Prohibited or Embargoed?
inReach® devices operate on the Iridium satellite network, which provides 100% global coverage. However, some countries require prior permission or a government-issued registration code to activate or use satellite communication devices. Other countries completely prohibit the use of satellite communicators. In addition, United States embargoes prohibit providing satellite communications products and services in some countries.
For more details, see - Countries Where inReach Devices May Be Regulated, Prohibited or Embargoed.
NOTE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used, including countries you are traveling through but not staying in.
Does SOS Work Internationally?
SOS coverage is included with an inReach subscription. This provides you with global 24/7 monitoring and emergency dispatch if the SOS is activated on an inReach. This basic coverage does not provide any insurance or cover any costs incurred from an SOS activation. Additional Search And Rescue (SAR) benefits are available to purchase, if desired. For more details on additional SAR benefits, visit - SAR Insurance.
Are There Countries That My SAR Insurance Will Not Cover Me?
Garmin Response™ will still attempt to coordinate the emergency response anywhere in the world but there are certain countries that you will not be able to utilize your SAR insurance. Countries in which search and rescue expenses will not be reimbursed: Afghanistan, Belarus, Chechnya, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Syria, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Crimea, Sudan and any other country or territory that is or becomes subject to a United States or United Kingdom government embargo, or that has been or is designated by the United States or United Kingdom government as a terrorist supporting country.
Do I Have to Purchase a Different Service Plan to Travel Internationally?
No. Your subscription is based off of your country of residence and does not need to be changed when traveling to another country.
Can I Send an SMS Message to an International Phone Number?
Yes, although SMS message delivery and receipt is contingent on many factors including, but not limited to, local restrictions and laws related to international SMS, policies of individual SMS providers, and support for SMS carriers from the inReach SMS provider.
NOTE: SMS messages to Telecom Personal Argentina or Georgia (country) subscribers cannot be delivered as there is currently no route available to this carrier through our international SMS delivery partner. Ghana does not currently have SMS messaging. Currently, there is also an issue with inReach messages being received by SMS phone numbers in Mexico and Romania. For more details, see - inReach Messages Not Received by SMS Phone Numbers in Mexico and inReach Messages Not Received by SMS Phone Numbers in Romania.
Is My Device TSA Approved?
Yes, according to TSA.gov navigation GPS devices are allowed. It is recommended that they are powered off and stored in your carry on or checked bag. Garmin recommends checking with the airline or TSA officer ahead of time as they make the final decision.
Do I Need a Different Charger When Traveling Internationally?
When traveling outside of your country of residence we suggest charging your device using the USB port from a computer, if available, since AC outlets can vary. For more information on battery and charging specifications, see your device owner's manual.
Garmin offers the following AC adapter cable kits:
How Do I Activate and Test Service Before Travelling Internationally?
It is important to activate and test your device before leaving for your trip. For more information on activating, see - How to Activate an inReach Subscription. For instructions on testing your service, see - Testing inReach Service to Verify Active Subscription.