How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal – (2026)
Posted on: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025.How to Get a SIM Card in Nepal (2025)
Are you planning a trip to Nepal and wondering how to stay connected? Getting a SIM card in Nepal is quick and straightforward, even for foreign tourists on a short-term visa. Whether you want mobile data for navigation, communication, or sharing your adventure, Nepal makes it easy to stay connected.
Where to Get a SIM Card
You can purchase a Nepal SIM card immediately upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, or later in the city, particularly in the Thamel area, which is popular with travelers. Thamel has numerous shops selling SIM cards, and they are usually easy to spot with signs indicating SIM card availability.
While the data packs sold at the airport tend to be slightly more expensive, buying a SIM there is convenient if you want immediate connectivity. If your hotel arranges a taxi to pick you up, it may be more practical to wait and purchase a SIM in Kathmandu, where prices are generally lower.
Required Documents
To buy a SIM card in Nepal, you need:
A passport with a valid visa
A passport-sized photo
At the shop, you will be asked to fill out a registration form with basic personal information to activate the SIM card.
Mobile Network Providers
Nepal has several reliable mobile providers, each with its strengths:
Nepal Telecom (NTC): Offers the best coverage, including remote areas
Ncell: Provides strong data coverage in cities and along popular trekking circuits
Smart Cell: Lower cost options, but limited coverage
Typical Costs and Data Plans
SIM cards are generally affordable, and popular data packages include:
Ncell: Around NPR 110, with a plan of 10 GB for 7 days and 40 minutes of calls, costing roughly USD 3.70–5.20NTC: Free SIM, with a plan of 7 GB for 7 days at approximately NPR 500 (USD 3.71)
International eSIMs, such as Airalo, Saily, or Holafly, also work in Nepal, but they may have limited speed or face network restrictions. For longer trips or trekking, local SIMs are recommended for better coverage and reliability.
Coverage and Connectivity
Cities (Kathmandu & Pokhara): Both Ncell and NTC provide reliable 4G coverage.
Popular trekking routes (Everest, Annapurna): Coverage is good up to about 4,500 meters.
Remote trails (Manaslu, Langtang): Coverage can be patchy; NTC generally performs slightly better than Ncell.Everest Region: Ncell and NTC provide 3G/4G up to Gorakshep at 5,100 meters, but speeds may slow at higher altitudes, including Everest Base Camp.
Wi‑Fi Availability
In cities: Hotels, cafés, and restaurants usually offer free Wi‑Fi. Speeds are reliable but may slow during festivals.
On the trek: Tea houses often provide paid Wi‑Fi (USD 3–15 per hour, or daily packages). Everest Link offers high-altitude broadband, with options like 10 GB for USD 20 or 20 GB for USD 30. Similar paid Wi‑Fi is available in the Annapurna region.
Practical Tips for Staying Connected
– Activate your SIM in the city to avoid delays.
– Download offline maps before heading to trekking routes.
– Carry extra power banks, as charging options can be limited in remote areas.
– Use Wi‑Fi for data-heavy tasks to conserve mobile data.
– Monitor and recharge data via apps like eSewa, Khalti, or IME Pay.
– For wider coverage, consider using dual SIMs: one NTC and one Ncell.
Why Connectivity Matters
Staying connected in Nepal is important for safety, navigation, and emergency communication. It also helps with logistics, like lodge bookings, permits, and coordinating flights or pickups. Even brief updates to family or friends can boost morale during long treks.
Conclusion
Getting a SIM card in Nepal is straightforward and affordable, whether you choose NTC, Ncell, or an international eSIM. By preparing ahead, carrying the necessary documents, and understanding coverage along your route, you can stay connected throughout your trip. Combining local SIM cards with Wi‑Fi options ensures smooth communication while exploring the mountains, cities, and cultural landmarks of Nepal.
