iPhone from Dubai: versions, SIM and batch paperwork

The version is set by the market Apple built the phone for; the city of sale does not change it. The market shows in the two letters before “/A” in the part number and in the model number starting with A. The model number decides SIM, eSIM and bands.

• UAE (AH/A): iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 have no SIM tray, eSIM only, two active eSIMs.
• US (LL/A): eSIM only as well.
• Hong Kong (ZA/A): iPhone 18 Pro has a nano-SIM tray plus eSIM.
• Europe: nano-SIM tray plus eSIM.
• After import to Kazakhstan: IMEI verification within 30 days of first connecting to a local network.

As of May 2026, Beeline, Kcell, Activ, Tele2 and Altel offer eSIM. Each operator has its own number transfer procedure and model list, published on its website.

Since 24 March 2025, a phone brought into Kazakhstan from abroad goes through IMEI verification. There are 30 days from the first connection to a network in Kazakhstan; after that an unverified phone is cut off by local operators.

Since 9 October 2026, individuals apply through eGov Mobile or portal.imei.gov.kz with video identification. Since 19 April 2026, IMEIs go into the passenger declaration. Phones for resale come in as commercial cargo for a sole trader or LLP, and the batch documents list the IMEI of every unit.

We don't open the boxes: IMEI and serial numbers are checked against the factory label and the seals stay intact. We open a few only if the buyer asks.

• The IMEI from *#06# matches the box label and the packing list.
• On checkcoverage.apple.com the serial number shows coverage not yet started, so the phone has not been activated.
• No “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen and no prompt for someone else’s Apple Account.
• Wrap intact; model, storage and colour match the label.
• The SIM tray is present or absent as the ordered region requires.

The invoice lists model, storage, colour, region and price for every line. The packing list carries serial numbers and IMEIs. A transport document comes with them: an air waybill or the carrier’s consignment note. The IMEI table is needed later for verification.