Staying Connected in Nepal

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.

Where to Get a Nepali SIM Card

You have two main options for acquiring a Nepali SIM card:

• Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA): Several shops upon arrival offer SIM cards. It's convenient, but prices might be slightly higher.
• Thamel/Kathmandu and other cities: Mobile network retailers and authorized shops throughout Nepal sell SIM cards.

Major Mobile Networks in Nepal

Nepal boasts two primary mobile network providers:

Nepal Telecom (NTC)

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.

Useful Codes

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

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

You can also purchase exclusive tourist addon packs by dialing *17105# as per your requirement.

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

Speed and Coverage: While coverage might be slightly less extensive than NTC in remote areas, NCell shines with faster internet speeds in cities and tourist destinations.

Using a Roaming SIM from your Home Country

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.

Are eSIMs Available in Nepal?

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.