Egypt
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.…
