How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal (2026)
Are you looking for information on how to get a SIM card in Nepal?
You’ve come to the right place! I live in Nepal and I can say that getting a SIM card in Nepal is very quick and easy. Even as a foreigner on a tourist visa, you can easily get a SIM card in Nepal.
You can get a Nepal SIM card at the Kathmandu Airport after arrival, or in Thamel, where most of the travellers stay. Thamel is full of shops selling SIM cards so if you don’t get one at the airport, you will be able to do so later in Kathmandu.
The process to get a Nepal SIM card is easy for tourists, you just have to take a passport photo, a copy of your passport and visa, and fill in a form at the shop to get the SIM card.
The SIM card costs around Rs. 200 and in addition, you will have to pay for the datapack.
So, here is how you can get a Nepal SIM card!
How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal
Where to Get a Nepal SIM Card
At the Airport
Most travellers arrive at the airport in Nepal and it will be the first point where you have the option to buy a SIM card.
Usually, the data packs that they are selling at the airport are a little bit more expensive than in Kathmandu but if you want to get a SIM straight away, the airport is a good place to get it.
If your hotel sends you a taxi to pick you up and take you directly to your hotel, you may be better off getting a SIM card in Kathmandu (Thamel) and not at the airport.
In Thamel/Kathmandu
Depending on where you are staying, you will find plenty of shops that sell SIM cards in Kathmandu.
Most travellers stay in Thamel and there are many shops there that sell SIM cards. All the shops that sell Nepal SIM cards will have a sign outside saying that SIM cards are available for purchase there.
Process of Getting a SIM Card in Nepal
Firstly, to buy a SIM card in Nepal, you will need to have your passport and a passport photo with you. There is a form you have to fill in with some basic information to register for the SIM card.
The price of the SIM card is around Rs. 200 + extra costs for buying a data pack.
When buying a SIM card in Nepal, don’t forget to take these with you:
- Passport photo
- Passport (with valid visa)
Major Mobile Networks in Nepal
There are two major mobile network providers in Nepal: NCell and Nepal Telecom (sometimes also called as Namaste).
Nepal Telecom
Nepal Telecom has slightly better coverage in more remote, mountainous areas but has a slower speed generally.
I found the two networks to be more or less the same, but some trekkers have reported better coverage of Nepal Telecom.
Ncell
Ncell has a faster speed and is recommended for most travellers. However, if you go trekking, NCell has less coverage in mountainous areas.
NCell Datapacks
Personally, I have used NCell for many years now. I find that the best option is to download the Ncell App and then purchase a data pack through the NCell app.
The shops selling the SIM cards will try to sell you data pack options that are more expensive than if you choose the data pack from the NCell App.
My recommendation is to just buy recharge cards worth up to Rs. 600. If you top up with Rs. 600 balance, you will be able to choose from great data pack deals in the NCell app. The validity of data packs are usually for 1, 3, 7 or 28 days.
Ncell Datapack Options:
- 20 GB: 28 days, Rs. 499
- 1.5 GB/day + 5 GB: 28 days, Rs. 599
- 88 GB: 28 days, Rs. 888
Internet While Trekking
The coverage of NCell and Nepal Telecom is more or less the same, however, some travellers have said they found Nepal Telecom better.
Nepal Telecom is supposed to have slightly better coverage in the mountains, although there are still many areas where there will be no coverage at all.
If you are trekking, you will be able to pay to use the wifi at the tea houses along the way. The extra charge for wifi is usually between Rs. 100-300 at the tea houses.
FAQs: How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal?
Can foreigners get a SIM card in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can get a SIM card in Nepal. In fact, the process is very quick and easy to get a SIM card in Nepal.
You can get a Nepali SIM card at the Kathmandu Airport or at one of the many shops in Kathmandu.
You just have to fill in a form and have a passport photo and a copy of your passport and valid visa with you.
How to buy a SIM card in Nepal?
To buy a Nepal SIM card, take a passport photo and a copy of your passport and valid visa with you.
There are many shops in Thamel (and in Kathmandu in general) where you can get a SIM card. You will have to fill in a form and the cost of the SIM card is around Rs. 200.
The cost of datapacks are at additional cost. Generally, if you top up your phone with around Rs. 600, that will be sufficient for a datapack of 1.5 GB/day for 28 days.
Which is the Best Nepal SIM Card?
There are two major mobile network providers in Nepal: NCell and Nepal Telecom.
I found the two networks to be more or less the same, but some trekkers have reported better coverage of Nepal Telecom.
Nepal Telecom is supposed to have better coverage in the more remote, mountainous areas but has a slower speed generally.
What documents are needed for a Nepal SIM Card?
To get a SIM card in Nepal, you will need to have a passport photo, and a copy of your passport and valid visa with you. In addition, there is a form you have to fill in to get a SIM card.
The cost of the SIM card is Rs. 200, plus you will have to pay in addition for a datapack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a SIM card in Nepal is a quick and easy process.
You can get a Nepal SIM card after arriving at the airport in Kathmandu or once you get to Thamel. Thamel is where most tourists stay and it is full of shops where you can get a SIM card.
Two of the major mobile networks are NCell and Nepal Telecom. The two networks work more or less the same. However, some trekkers have reported that Nepal Telecom had better coverage in more remote areas.
When you apply for a SIM card, take a passport photo, and a copy of your passport and valid visa with you. To get a Nepal SIM card, it costs Rs. 200.
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