Is It Still Worth Buying a Phone from Abroad in 2025? The New Era of Rising IMEI Fees

Buying a phone from abroad was once a popular choice, but as of 2025, that situation has changed significantly. Increasing IMEI registration fees, restrictive regulations, and exchange rate differences have nearly eliminated the economic advantage of this method. So, is it still worth buying a phone from abroad in 2025? In this Papel Blog article, we’ll take a step-by-step look at current IMEI fees, new regulations, price comparisons, and projections for 2026.

How much is the IMEI registration fee in 2025?

In Turkey, the IMEI registration fee for mobile phones brought from abroad has been set at 45,614 TL. In 2024, the fee was 31,692 TL, indicating an increase of approximately 44% due to the revaluation rate. This amount is a mandatory fee paid to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and is required for registering any foreign device to be used in Turkey.

If registration is not completed, the device’s IMEI number is blocked from mobile networks after 120 days. In other words, it can only be used via Wi-Fi, and SIM cards will not work for calls or mobile internet access. Therefore, those bringing a phone from abroad must register their devices via e-Government (e-Devlet) within 120 days of entering Turkey.

With this price increase, it’s safe to say that the notion of “buying a phone abroad is cheaper” has lost its validity. The IMEI fee alone almost equals the total cost of buying the same device domestically.

How have the rules for bringing phones from abroad changed?

In recent years, the rules for bringing phones into Turkey from abroad have become much stricter. According to current regulations, each traveler may bring only one mobile phone within three years, and that device can only be used with SIM cards registered under their own name.

Additionally, the IMEI registration must be completed within 120 days from the device’s entry date into Turkey. If not registered within this period, the device will be blocked from connecting to mobile networks. Another important detail is that phones sent by mail or courier are not eligible for exemption; they must be physically brought into the country by the traveler.

In the past, some users registered phones using someone else’s passport information, but BTK’s new monitoring systems have put an end to such practices. This aims to reduce both tax losses and security risks by preventing unregistered devices from being used.

Abroad or in Turkey? Where’s the price gap now that costs are rising?

In the past, buying a phone abroad was a cost-effective choice for many users, but as of 2025, that difference has almost completely disappeared. The increased IMEI registration fee (45,614 TL), combined with currency fluctuations and tax regulations, has pushed total costs much closer to local prices.

For instance, the iPhone 17 Pro is sold at 1,099 USD (around 46,500 TL) in Apple’s U.S. store. When brought to Turkey, simply adding the IMEI fee brings the total cost to around 92,000 TL. This figure doesn’t include travel expenses, adapter differences, or warranty coverage. Meanwhile, the same model sells officially in Turkey for 107,999 TL with an Apple Turkey warranty.

The narrowing price gap has not only eliminated the economic advantage of purchasing abroad but also highlighted the benefits of buying domestically, such as a 2-year warranty, authorized service, and legal protection. In short, the answer to “Abroad or Turkey?” now clearly favors Turkey in both cost and reliability.

In which cases can buying a phone abroad still be advantageous?

In some specific situations, buying a phone abroad can still make sense. For example, people living abroad or frequent travelers may benefit from local discounts or promotional offers. Purchasing the device during a trip, taking advantage of travel allowances, or finding models with significant price differences can still offer minor savings.

However, several conditions must be met for these advantages to apply. The device must be brought into Turkey by the passport holder, only one registration right may be used within three years, and the IMEI must be registered and the fee paid on time. It’s also worth considering that warranty, repair services, and spare parts availability for foreign devices may be limited.

In short, while it may seem profitable at first, a phone purchased abroad can become more expensive in the long run if it requires servicing or runs into registration issues.

How much could IMEI fees increase in 2026?

The IMEI registration fee is increased each year based on the revaluation rate (YDO), which depends directly on inflation and tax policy. With the 2025 fee set at 45,614 TL, it is expected to rise by 25–30% in 2026, reaching approximately 57,000 TL.

This represents a significant additional cost for those planning to bring a phone from abroad. If a device purchased in 2025 is registered in 2026, it will be subject to the new rate, significantly increasing the total cost. Therefore, completing the registration before the end of the year would be more advantageous.

 

Sources: 1, 2.  

 

This blog post contains general information, not legal, financial, or investment advice. The content is prepared for informational purposes only, and you are advised to seek professional advice for your specific circumstances. The expressions in this article do not carry any binding nature or responsibility and reflect only the author’s evaluation. All your decisions are your responsibility, and Papel Electronic Money and Payment Services Inc. accepts no liability for any consequences arising from them.