How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal (2024)
Are you travelling to Nepal and looking for information on how to get a SIM card in Nepal?
Travelling to a new country can be daunting but getting a SIM card in Nepal is very easy and cheap. Here is all the information you need for getting a Nepali SIM card.
You two options to buy a SIM card in Nepal:
- At the airport after arrival, or
- At shops in Kathmandu (Thamel or where you are staying).
How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal
Process of Getting a SIM Card in Nepal
When buying a SIM card in Nepal, take these with you:
- Passport photo
- Passport (with valid visa)
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 + the extra costs for buying a data pack.
Where to Get a SIM Card in Nepal
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 itself.
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 SIM cards will have a sign outside saying that SIM cards are available for purchase there.
Mobile Networks in Nepal
There are two major mobile network providers in Nepal: NCell and Nepal Telecom (sometimes also called as Namaste)
Nepal Telecom
It is supposed to have better coverage in the 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.
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.
