The rules that break your phone

Three kinds of rule cost travellers a handset, a call or a line. We publish a country only when a regulator's own document says so — 11 are confirmed, checked 10 Aug 2026. Where the paperwork does not exist, we say that too.

Device blocking

The handset stops working unless its IMEI is registered.

🇳🇵 Nepal Guide published ›🇹🇷 Turkey Guide published ›🇮🇩 Indonesia Guide published ›🇵🇰 Pakistan Guide published ›🇪🇬 Egypt Guide published ›

VoIP restrictions

Calls over WhatsApp, FaceTime or Telegram are blocked at network level.

🇴🇲 Oman Checked 10 Aug 2026 · no guide yet

🇶🇦 Qatar Checked 10 Aug 2026 · no guide yet

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Checked 10 Aug 2026 · no guide yet

Line limits & in-person rules

One line per operator, passport at the counter, no remote purchase.

🇹🇭 Thailand Checked 10 Aug 2026 · no guide yet

🇵🇭 Philippines Guide published ›

The mechanics, in detail

description IMEI Registration Countries: Five Regimes Compared (2026) › description Indonesia IMEI Registration: The HKT Customs Rule Explained › description Pakistan PTA/DIRBS Registration: 60 vs 120 Days › description Turkey IMEI Registration: The 120-Day Rule Explained ›

Confirmed, type not yet classified

🇳🇬 Nigeria A consequence is sourced; which regime it belongs to is still open.

A rule listed here was read on a regulator's own site, with the date on the country page. Rules change without notice — verify before you fly.