Since 21 January, imported mobile phones brought into Egypt have been subject to customs fees of up to 37.5 percent after authorities cancelled the long-standing exemption that allowed travellers to bring one phone into the country duty-free once every few years. Authorities said the move reflects expanded local manufacturing capacity and aims to curb smuggling and recover lost tax revenue. Beyond the policy rationale, however, the decision has reshaped how much staying connected now costs, and who bears that cost. When the Price of a Phone Outpaces Income The impact is most visible at the point of purchase. High-end smartphones now carry price tags that place them far beyond the reach of most users. An iPhone 17, for instance, is estimated to cost around EGP 63,000 (USD 1,339) before customs fees. Once the 37.5 percent duties are applied, the final price rises sharply to EGP 86,625 (USD 1,856). Even older models are affected: an iPhone 14, priced at roughly EGP 40,000 (USD 850), would increase to EGP 55,000 (USD 1,175) after taxes. While iPhones are not representative of all smartphones on the market, their pricing illustrates how import duties can…
