It would be illegal for you to try and talk on the ham bands without a license and callsign. Getting your tech license is pretty easy if you take the time to study.
I used the above book to get my license and probably studied it and took all the online quizzes and passed my first try. I am also not that tech savvy and just thought it was cool so I tried it out. So much to do and learn that you can find something to do.
It's currently in it's 5th edition which just came out. The content might generally be the same, but every 4 years the question pool is updated, so some questions might have been removed and others added.
https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2003373064
https://www.amazon.com/License-Manual-Questions-Technician-Amateur/dp/1625951558/ (Spiral-bound version)
https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625951566/ (Paperback version)
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If you want a ham radio license, you have to study for a 35 question test. The clubs are going to charge $15 to administer the test and the FCC is going to want $35. You want an up to date ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition- Fast Start Study Guide with Sample Questions to Pass the Technician Amateur Radio Exam Spiral-bound – June 16, 2022
You will want to test yourself on eham.net
When you say "city", what kind of obstacles are in the way? If you have skyscrapers or hills in the way, its possible they won't hear you because a five watt radio may only transmit five miles unless you have elevation and line of sight.
In a city, there might be a noise floor which means your transmission might get interference. I am doing pretty good in my city as I'm able to hit the repeater with my Baofeng. I really have to ask my local club in the city where their antenna is at and what elevation it is at because I'm at least getting five or more miles out of my transmission. I might have an answer in a day or two.
The Range of Ham Radio: Guide to How Far You Can Talk
https://hamradioprep.com/ham-radio-range/
How Far Can I Talk with a Handheld Radio?
https://www.hamradioschool.com/post/how-far-can-i-talk-with-a-handheld-radio
How Far Can I Talk?
" I have a hard time finding info on these/where to get them" - info is everywhere, at least in the US. Google "how to get a ham license USA"
The question pool for the technician class license changed July 1. Some study resources may be using the old question pool. Some of the questions have been replaced.
Study the material, don't memorize the test questions. All of the study resources are guilty of teaching to the test to some degree. ARRL license manual is the best way to actually learn the material. Then use online practice exam sites to see if you are ready for the test.
Costs: Book costs $33. Exams usually cost $15, although some locations will give them for free. The FCC fee for a license application or a renewal (every 10 years) is $35.
You don't need to get a good score on the exam, just a passing one (74%).