Boateng uv5r are cheap and infinitely customizable. Thing to remember is in a city you will have greatly reduced range. With thousands of people all using those same 23 channels, you will have zero chance of reaching each other. With a programmable radio, or on where you can dial in any unoccupied frequency, you'll have many more options. Yes, you run the risk of transmitting illegally out of band or on frequencies that are prohibited, but desperate times....