How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal (2025)
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.
Nepal Trip Planning
Book your flight to Nepal: Check out Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to find the best flights deals!
Book Your Accommodation for Nepal: Are you looking for accommodation? Booking.com has everything from budget to luxury accommodation. For the cheapest places, check out Hostelworld.com.
Book Tours and Activities for Nepal: GetYourGuide and Viator have a vast number of tours and day trip activities all around the world. Check out their website and book your activity!
Get Travel Insurance for Nepal: It is always good to be on the safe side when travelling. SafetyWing is one of the most affordable international travel insurance and you can book it even after you have already started your trip.
Get Your Travel Cards: Whenever I am abroad, I always use travel cards Wise and Revolut. They have multiple currencies available, you can use it in shops and restaurants. The great thing is that they have the best exchange rates!
Looking for other tips to make travel easier? Check out my complete list of travel resources that have been my go-to companies when abroad or planning a trip.
Nepal Quick Guide
Can I get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal?
Yes! Almost all nationalities can get a ‘Visa on Arrival’ once landing at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu (check eligibility here). Getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal is quick and easy. Read here my full guide on getting a Visa on Arrival for Nepal.
Should I get a Nepali SIM card?
Yes! Once you arrive in Nepal, it is recommended to get a Nepali SIM card.
SIM cards in Nepal are cheap and easy to get. There are daily, weekly or monthly data plans – all at an affordable cost. For more information, check how to get a SIM card in Nepal here.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Nepal?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Nepal, including taxi apps, offline maps for trekking, booking accommodation and travel cards.
Check out my list of the most useful mobile apps to have in Nepal.
Can I exchange money in Nepal? What about ATMs?
Yes! Thamel (where most tourists stay) has many money exchange shops as well as ATMs.
There is also a currency exchange shop at the airport but the rates are better in Thamel. Read here all about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Nepal?
The roads are dangerous but generally yes (best to travel by a tourist bus)!
I would say road travel in Nepal is generally dangerous due to the road conditions. The roads are narrow and go through mountainous areas. The tourist buses in Nepal have the best safety, so if possible, make sure to book tourist buses when travelling in Nepal.
Overall, the roads might look dangerous but the drivers are used to the road conditions in Nepal so the tourist buses are a safe choice. Here is everything you need to know about bus travel in Nepal.
Can I book bus tickets online in Nepal?
Yes! It is possible to book bus tickets online in Nepal however, I recommend it for those staying in Nepal for 3+ months.
It is not possible to book bus tickets online using an international bank card but only through registering on a Nepali digital payment app eSewa. If you are staying long-term in Nepal, read here my step-by-step guide on how to book bus tickets online using eSewa.
Do they speak English in Nepal?
You might wonder “Do they speak English in Nepal?” It depends on where in Nepal you are. In big cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) or trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest) that have many tourists, you will easily get by speaking English.
If you are in remote Nepal where not many tourists go, people usually will have little or no English. Here is a quick list of useful Nepali phrases to know while travelling in Nepal.
