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Learn how to get and activate sim cards in Nepal for easy communication while visiting the country.
Staying connected while traveling is crucial, and Nepal offers convenient options for tourists to acquire a local SIM card. This guide will walk you through where to get a SIM, the major mobile networks in Nepal, and answer questions about roaming and eSIMs.
You have two main options for acquiring a Nepali SIM card:
The state-owned NTC offers widespread coverage, especially in rural
areas.
They provide various prepaid tourist packages with data and call minutes.
Speeds can vary depending on location, but NTC generally offers decent coverage
throughout the country.
Image source: traveltomtom
Service | Code |
---|---|
Mobile No. Inquiry | *9# |
SIM Owner Inquiry | *922# |
Buy Data Pack | *1415*1# |
Buy Voice Pack | *1415*4# |
Balance Transfer | #422# |
Check Security Code and Balance | *Balance# |
Check Data & Voice Pack Info | *1415*55# |
Enable Call Forwarding (Replace b with desired number) | *21Nb# |
Disable Call Forwarding | ##0022# |
Enable Call Waiting | *43 |
Disable Call Waiting | #43# |
NCell is a private network known for its generally faster internet
speeds, particularly in urban areas.
Packages: Similar to NTC, NCell offers prepaid tourist
packages with data and call minutes.
Plan Name | Price | Upon Activation |
---|---|---|
Tourist Plan A | Rs. 100 | 200 MB, 10 minutes (local calls), Valid 3 days |
Tourist Plan B | Rs. 500 | Main Balance Rs. 50, 50 Minutes (local calls), 10 GB Valid 7 days |
Tourist Plan C | Rs. 1000 | Main Balance Rs. 50, 100 Minutes (local calls), 25 GB Valid 28 days |
Validity | Price | On Activation |
---|---|---|
7 days | Rs. 500 | Main Balance Rs. 50, 50 Mins (local calls), 10 GB Valid 7 days |
28 days | Rs. 1000 | Main Balance Rs. 50, 100 Mins (local calls), 25 GB Valid 28 days |
While convenient, using your home country's roaming SIM card in Nepal can be expensive. Data charges can be high, so it's generally not recommended for extended stays. Check with your mobile provider for specific roaming rates before your trip.
As of April 2024, eSIMs are not yet widely available for purchase in Nepal. However, the technology is constantly evolving, and it's possible that eSIMs might become an option in the future. Be sure to check with mobile network providers closer to your travel date for any updates.
Tip: Before purchasing a SIM card, consider your travel itinerary and data needs. If you plan to spend most of your time in cities, NCell might be a good choice for speed. If venturing into remote areas, NTC's wider coverage could be beneficial. Most shops allow you to choose a package that best suits your requirements.