Importing phones to Turkey

Importing phones to Turkey

Recently, a law came into force according to which “tourists are prohibited from importing more than one phone to Turkey.” Rumors have emerged that “more than one smartphone” will be confiscated at the border, stored somewhere and returned upon departure.

The law is not new; it has not been recommended to import “more than one personal phone” since 2009. However, not a single case of the seizure of a second or third smartphone was covered in the media.

Note! The ban on importing more than one phone applies only to new equipment in boxes or original packaging.

A possible reason for the rumors is a misinterpretation of laws regarding the registration of a phone imported into Turkey. Registration of a new phone is available once every 2 years, and requires payment of tax. This must be done no later than 180 days after entry using the IMEI - smartphone identification number.

From January 1, 2024, the cost of registering an imported foreign phone has increased to 31,692 TL.

The period of “unregistered use” this year was extended to 180 days (instead of 120). So tourists don’t even have to bother. For permanent residents of Turkey, it is easier to buy a phone locally and save a lot of money.