Will my phone get IMEI blocked in Egypt if I use a local SIM card?
Based on 1 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 7 days ago
TL;DR
Yes, inserting a local Egyptian SIM (Orange, Vodafone, etc.) can lead to IMEI blocking after 90 days unless a ~38% import duty is paid. Using an eSIM or roaming is the safest option.
What the community said
Buying a router from an official store in Egypt means its IMEI is already registered, so there's no risk of blocking. This is a reliable way to get local internet access.
1 day ago Official store router — IMEI pre-registered
When you insert a local SIM, Egypt's system logs your device's IMEI. After 90 days, the device can be blocked on Egyptian networks unless an import duty of roughly 38% of the device's value is paid. Short-stay tourists are technically at risk too, with some reporting blocks before the 90-day mark.
1 day ago ~38% import duty on device value
Routers with Egyptian SIMs are technically subject to the same IMEI rule. Rented routers from local providers usually work fine since the owner has already paid the required fees. A personal router brought from abroad may get blocked.
1 day ago Renting a local router — safer option
Two reliable ways to avoid blocking: 1) Don't use a local SIM at all — use international roaming (not subject to blocking) or buy a tourist eSIM before arrival. 2) If you need a local SIM, buy a cheap basic phone locally — the 90-day rule rarely applies to low-cost feature phones.
1 day ago eSIM or cheap feature phone — safe alternatives
Since January 2025, many travelers have stopped using Egyptian SIM cards due to the real risk of IMEI blocking. The rule takes effect 90 days after a device first connects to Egyptian networks with a local SIM.
2 days ago Since January 2025 — IMEI blocks enforced