Mobile Phone Fees in Egypt – The Complete Guide & FAQ

If you are planning to buy a new mobile phone, or you want to use a phone bought outside Egypt, you may be wondering how mobile phone fees are applied, how to check a device's status, and whether any fees are due.
In this guide we have gathered the main questions and answers in a simple form, based on the official information published by the competent authorities.

Note: Regulations and procedures are updated from time to time, so we always recommend checking the official sources for the latest information.

Phone fee tables by manufacturer

• iPhone fees in Egypt
• Samsung phone fees in Egypt
• Xiaomi phone fees in Egypt
• Huawei phone fees in Egypt
• Google Pixel phone fees in Egypt
• Nothing Phone fees in Egypt
• OnePlus phone fees in Egypt
• RedMagic phone fees in Egypt
• Sony phone fees in Egypt

Frequently asked questions about mobile phone fees in Egypt

Do the fees apply to all electronic devices?
No.
These fees apply to mobile phones only.
They do not cover other electronic devices, even if the device supports a SIM card or can connect to mobile networks.
Examples of devices that are not subject to these fees under the current system:

• Smartwatches.
• Tablets.
• Fitness trackers and other wearables.
• Mobile hotspots.
• Any other electronic device that is not classified as a mobile phone.

What are mobile phone fees?
These are fees that may apply to some mobile phones under the regulations in force in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Whether fees are due, and how much they are, is determined through the official system using the device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).

Are fees due on every mobile phone?
No.
Each phone is assessed individually, so the status of one device can differ from another.

How do I know whether a phone has fees due?
You can check the status of any phone using its IMEI through the official Telephony app or website.
Once you enter the IMEI, the device's status will be shown, along with whether any fees are due and how much they are.

Can I check the fees before buying a phone?
Yes, and we always recommend it when the device's IMEI is available.
Checking in advance helps you understand the device's status before completing the purchase.

What is an IMEI number?
The IMEI is the unique international identity number of every mobile phone.
You can find it by:

• Dialing *#06#.
• Checking the phone settings.
• Looking at the device's original box.

If the phone supports two SIM cards, it will usually have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM, and both should be entered when checking.

How is the fee amount determined?
There is no single fee amount for all phones. The fee is linked to the reference price set for each phone in the official system, not only to the price you paid for it.

Do the fees differ from one phone to another?
Yes.
The fee amount for each device is determined according to its reference price and its record in the official system.

Can the fee amount drop over time?
Yes, it can. In September 2026, the head of the Egyptian Customs Authority explained that phones' reference prices are reviewed periodically in coordination with the manufacturers, and that a lower price for a phone, which often happens after a newer model is launched, may be reflected in the fees due on it.

Is there still an exemption for a personal phone brought in from abroad?
No. The exceptional exemption for a personal phone brought in by a traveler ended on January 21, 2026, and phones brought in from abroad are now subject to the fees set under the current system.

What is the grace period?
Under the rules currently announced:

• Egyptians residing abroad get a grace period of 120 days from the date the device is first activated in Egypt, effective April 2026.
• Tourists get a grace period of 90 days.

The device's status and its remaining grace period are shown when you check it through the Telephony app.

What happens if I do not pay the fees within the grace period?
Once the grace period ends, the phone stops working on Egyptian mobile networks, although it can still be used over Wi-Fi. It is reconnected to the networks after the payment is completed.

How are the fees paid?
Fees can be paid through the Telephony app using the available electronic payment methods, such as bank cards and mobile wallets. Cash payment is also possible through approved collection companies after generating a payment code from the app.

Can the fees be paid in installments?
Yes. Since April 2026, the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority have offered an installment service for the fees due on phones brought in from abroad through valU, the first consumer finance company to provide this service.

I bought a phone from an authorized agent or distributor inside Egypt, do I need to register it?
No.
Registering phones sold through authorized agents and distributors is their responsibility. That said, we always recommend keeping the tax invoice and checking the phone's status through the Telephony app at the time of purchase.

I bought a phone from Ennap.com, will I need to pay additional fees?
At Ennap.com, we make a point of stating the fee status of every phone on its product page whenever this applies.

• If the phone has no additional fees due, this is stated clearly.
• If there are fees to be paid after activation, this is also stated before you complete the purchase, so that all the information is clear before you decide.

Do the fees apply to locally manufactured phones?
No.
According to the official authorities, these fees do not apply to locally manufactured mobile phones.

Are the fees applied retroactively?
No.
Fees are not applied retroactively to phones that were registered or exempted before the system came into effect.

What happens after the fees are paid?
The device is reactivated as soon as the payment is completed successfully, according to the official information.

Where can I get the latest information?
For the latest information, or to check the status of any device, we recommend relying on the official Telephony website or app. You can also call the Telephony app hotline on 15380.

Tips before buying a mobile phone

• Check the phone's status if the IMEI is available.
• Keep the invoice after purchase.
• Make sure the IMEI on the phone matches the one on the invoice and on the device box.
• Always rely on official sources when checking a device's status or the fee amount.

Official sources

• The official Telephony system website.
• The Telephony app.
• The National Telecom Regulatory Authority.
• The Egyptian Customs Authority.

Updated on: 13/10/2026