Nepal SIM Card for Tourists: The Complete 2026 Guide (Ncell vs NTC + eSIM Options)

 Nepal SIM Card for Tourists: The Complete 2026 Guide (Ncell vs NTC + eSIM Options)

Planning a trip to Nepal? Getting a local SIM card is one of the smartest things you can do before your first trek. This guide covers everything — from which network to choose, to exact prices, registration requirements, and whether an eSIM might suit you better.

Nepal SIM Card for Tourists: The Complete 2026 Guide (Ncell vs NTC + eSIM Options)

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Why You Need a Nepal SIM Card as a Tourist

Nepal is a land of jaw-dropping Himalayan landscapes, ancient temples, and bustling trekking trails — but its hotel Wi-Fi is notoriously unreliable, especially outside Kathmandu. Power outages are frequent in rural areas, and if you're heading to trekking regions like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, a stable mobile connection could be the difference between navigating safely and getting lost.

Here's why skipping international roaming and getting a local SIM card in Nepal is a no-brainer:

• Cost savings: International roaming can cost over $10/day. A local Nepal SIM with weeks of data costs under $15.
• Reliable navigation: Google Maps, offline trekking apps, and emergency contacts all require data.
• Local bookings: Many guesthouses, guides, and taxis operate via WhatsApp or local apps.
• Emergency connectivity: Having a local number makes communication with embassies, hotels, and trekking agencies far easier.

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Nepal's Mobile Network Operators: Who Are They?

Nepal has two main nationwide mobile operators and one smaller provider:

1. Ncell (Private Operator)

Ncell is Nepal's leading private telecom company and the top choice for most tourists visiting urban areas and popular trekking hubs. It offers excellent 4G/LTE coverage in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, along with fast data speeds ideal for video calls, streaming, and navigation. Ncell also provides tourist-specific prepaid plans (called TouristPro plans), making it the most visitor-friendly option. It also has 4G coverage in spots like Namche Bazaar on the Everest trail. Its app (available on iOS and Android) allows easy top-ups via Visa or Mastercard — a huge convenience for travelers.

Best for: City travelers, Pokhara visitors, short-term tourists, those who want smooth 4G.

2. Nepal Telecom / NTC (Government Operator)

Nepal Telecom (NTC) is the state-owned telecom giant and the oldest network in the country. While its urban speeds can be slower than Ncell, NTC has superior infrastructure in remote and high-altitude areas. NTC offers 4G coverage at Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchchhre Base Camp, Tilicho Lake, and several locations in Manang district. For serious trekkers heading off the beaten path, NTC is often the more reliable choice.

Best for: Remote trekking regions, Mustang, Everest and Annapurna circuits, budget travelers.

3. Smart Cell (Smaller Operator)

Smart Cell is a niche, budget-friendly operator with decent urban coverage but limited reach in rural areas. While it offers competitive data pricing, its license has faced regulatory challenges in recent years. Most tourists are better served by Ncell or NTC.

Best for: Extended city stays on a very tight budget.

Pro Tip: Many locals — and seasoned Nepal travelers — carry two SIMs. One Ncell for city speed, one NTC for trekking coverage. Since both SIMs are extremely cheap, it's worth buying both if you're doing a major trek.

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Ncell vs NTC: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Ncell	NTC
Type	Private	Government
Urban Speed (4G)	Excellent	Moderate
Remote/Trek Coverage	Good (some gaps)	Best in Nepal
Tourist Plans	Yes (TouristPro)	Yes (Tourist SIM)
SIM Cost	~NPR 100–150 (~$0.75–1.10)	~NPR 90–200 (~$0.65–1.50)
5G Availability	Select cities	Select cities
eSIM Support	Yes	Yes
App for Top-Up	Yes (Ncell App)	Limited
English Support	Strong	Moderate

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Nepal SIM Card Prices and Data Plans (2026)

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries in the world for mobile data. Here's what to expect:

SIM Card Cost

• Ncell: NPR 100–150 (~$0.75–1.10 USD)
• NTC: NPR 90–200 (~$0.65–1.50 USD) — NTC sometimes offers free SIMs to tourists at the airport

Data Plan Examples

*Ncell Data Packs (approximate, dial 17123# or use app):

• 5 GB — NPR 290–300 (~$2.20 USD), valid 28–30 days
• 10 GB — NPR 500–550 (~$4.00 USD), valid 28 days
• Tourist bundles with combo voice + data — NPR 500–1,500 depending on duration

*NTC Data Packs (approximate, dial 1415#):

• 5 GB — NPR 300–500 (~$2.20–3.70 USD), valid 28 days
• 1 GB — NPR 100–150 (~$0.75–1.10 USD), valid 7 days
• Tourist packs with calls + SMS + data available at airports

Voice and SMS Rates

• Local calls: NPR 1–2 per minute (~1–2 cents)
• SMS: NPR 1 per message
• International calls: From NPR 3–5/minute to the US, UK, and India
• International SMS: NPR 5–10 per message

These prices make a Nepal SIM card one of the best-value purchases of your entire trip.

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How to Buy a SIM Card in Nepal: Step-by-Step

Buying a Nepal SIM card is straightforward, but you cannot simply grab one off a shelf — government regulations require registration. Here's how the process works:

Documents Required

Before heading to a SIM counter, make sure you have:

1.     Original passport (photocopies alone are usually not accepted)

2.     1–2 passport-sized photos (shops near airports and in Thamel offer instant photo services for ~NPR 50–100)

3.     Nepal visa or entry stamp (not always required, but handy to have)

4.     Completed registration form (provided at the point of sale)

The registration process typically takes 5 to 20 minutes.

Where to Buy a Nepal Tourist SIM Card

At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu The easiest option. Both Ncell and NTC have dedicated counters at the airport arrivals hall. English-speaking staff will help you select a plan, complete registration, and activate your SIM before you leave the terminal. Airport prices may be slightly higher than in-city stores, but the convenience is hard to beat.

In Thamel, Kathmandu Thamel — Nepal's main tourist hub — is packed with mobile shops displaying the Ncell or NTC logo. Look for authorized resellers and avoid unlicensed vendors. Staff at these shops are generally tourist-friendly and English-speaking.

In Pokhara Lakeside Pokhara has numerous mobile shops and official operator outlets. You can easily buy a SIM card here on arrival before beginning any trek.

At City Stores in Other Towns Major towns like Biratnagar, Birgunj, Chitwan (Bharatpur), and Lumbini all have NTC and Ncell outlets. These are sometimes cheaper and have more plan variety than airport kiosks.

Activation

Once you purchase your SIM, the store will activate it on the spot. You'll typically receive a welcome SMS confirming the number and any initial data balance. If you've chosen a tourist pack, the data and calling credits will be ready to use within minutes.

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How to Top Up Your Nepal SIM Card

Running out of data mid-trek is a common tourist mistake. Here's how to top up:

• Scratch cards: Available at shops, stalls, cafés, and supermarkets across Nepal in denominations of NPR 50, 100, 200, and 500. Scratch the code and dial the designated top-up number.
• Ncell App: The Ncell mobile app allows you to top up using an international Visa or Mastercard — extremely convenient if you don't want to hunt for a shop in a remote village.
• Online portals: NTC's website and Ncell's app both support online recharges, though reliability can vary.

Important: Always check your balance and data expiry after topping up. Some packs expire in 3–7 days, so verify the validity period before purchasing.

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eSIM for Nepal: The Modern Alternative

If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from XS onwards, and many newer Android devices), you have a hassle-free alternative to a physical SIM card.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that you activate by scanning a QR code — no physical card needed. You can set up your Nepal data plan before you even board the flight.

Nepal eSIM Options

From Local Operators:

• Both Ncell and NTC now offer eSIM services activated via QR code at their stores and airport counters.

From International eSIM Providers:

• Airalo: Offers a data-only Nepal eSIM running on the Ncell 4G network. Plans start from around $5–10 for a few GB.
• Airhub: Offers a 12 GB Nepal eSIM for approximately $28 USD.
• SimOptions: Offers a 5 GB data-only eSIM for around $14.90 USD.
• GOHUB: Offers Nepal eSIM plans with easy top-ups via their app, using local carrier networks.

eSIM Pros and Cons for Nepal Travel

Pros	Cons
Instant activation before arrival	Data-only (most providers — no phone number)
No registration hassle	Often more expensive than local SIMs
No SIM swapping	Requires eSIM-compatible device
Keep your home number active	Less flexibility to switch carriers

For trekkers who want zero friction and don't need to make local calls, an eSIM is a great option. For longer stays or those who want maximum coverage at the lowest cost, a physical local SIM (or two) wins.

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Nepal SIM Card for Trekking: Region-by-Region Coverage Guide

Connectivity on Nepal's famous trekking routes is better than many people expect — but it does vary significantly depending on your altitude and location.

Everest Region (Khumbu)

• Ncell: Works in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and some mid-altitude villages. Signal weakens significantly above 4,000m.
• NTC: More consistent higher up the trail, including at Tengboche and Dingboche. Reportedly functional in parts of Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
• Recommendation: Carry an NTC SIM if heading above Namche Bazaar.

Annapurna Region

• NTC: Has 4G coverage at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Machhapuchchhre Base Camp (3,700m). Also covers Tilicho Lake area and parts of Manang district.
• Ncell: Good coverage up to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Patchier above that.
• Recommendation: NTC is the stronger choice for the full Annapurna Circuit.

Langtang Region

• Both networks provide patchy coverage. Expect limited connectivity above Langtang village.

Mustang (Upper Mustang)

• NTC generally performs better in this remote restricted zone. Connectivity is limited but available in Lo Manthang.

Kathmandu Valley

• Both Ncell and NTC offer excellent 4G coverage throughout Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, and surrounding towns. Ncell tends to be faster.

Pokhara

• Both networks work well. Ncell is particularly strong around Lakeside and the city center.

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Tips for Tourists Buying a SIM Card in Nepal

Here are some practical tips to make sure you get the best experience:

1.     Buy at the airport if you're in a hurry: Even if prices are marginally higher, the convenience of getting connected on arrival is worth it for most travelers.

2.     Bring two passport photos: Some shops require one, others require two. Being prepared saves time.

3.     Check your phone is unlocked: Your home carrier may have locked your phone. Contact them before traveling to ensure it will accept a foreign SIM.

4.     Confirm your SIM size: All current NTC and Ncell SIM cards come as triple-cut (standard/micro/nano), so they fit any phone.

5.     Ask about tourist-specific packs: These bundles are designed for short stays and often include international call minutes alongside data.

6.     Save the customer service numbers: Ncell's helpline is *9808#, NTC's is *1415# for data packs and balance inquiries.

7.     Don't let your SIM expire: Prepaid SIMs in Nepal require at least one top-up every few months to stay active. For short-stay tourists, this isn't a concern, but keep data pack expiry dates in mind.

8.     Use the Ncell app: It's the easiest way to top up and manage data without visiting a shop — especially useful in remote areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Nepal?

Yes. Both Ncell and NTC sell prepaid SIM cards specifically for tourists. You need a valid passport and one to two passport photos to complete the mandatory registration.

What is the best SIM card in Nepal for tourists?

Ncell is generally best for city travel and popular tourist areas due to its fast 4G speeds and tourist-friendly plans. NTC is best for remote trekking regions and high-altitude areas. Many seasoned travelers buy one of each.

How much does a Nepal SIM card cost?

SIM cards cost between NPR 90–200 (roughly $0.65–1.50 USD). Data packs add a few dollars more depending on the plan you choose.

Can I use an eSIM in Nepal?

Yes. Both Ncell and NTC support eSIM. International providers like Airalo, Airhub, SimOptions, and GOHUB also offer Nepal eSIM plans you can activate before arrival.

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Nepal?

Yes. Nepal's government requires SIM card registration with a valid passport. Some shops also ask for passport photos and a copy of your visa or entry stamp.

Is there mobile network coverage at Everest Base Camp?

Yes, there is some connectivity at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), primarily through NTC. Signal strength varies and is not always reliable. Ncell covers lower elevations on the route.

Can I make international calls with a Nepal SIM card?

Yes. Both Ncell and NTC support international calls at competitive per-minute rates, starting from as low as NPR 3–5/minute to popular destinations like the US, UK, and India.

Where can I top up my Nepal SIM card?

You can top up via scratch cards (available at most small shops), the Ncell mobile app (with an international credit card), NTC's website, or by visiting any authorized retailer.

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Final Verdict: Which Nepal SIM Card Should You Get?

Traveler Type	Best Choice
City explorer / short stay	Ncell
Everest or Annapurna trekker	NTC (or both)
Tech-savvy traveler with eSIM phone	eSIM (Airalo or GOHUB on Ncell)
Budget traveler going remote	NTC
Someone who wants both city + trek coverage	Buy both Ncell + NTC

Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations in the world for mobile connectivity. Whether you're negotiating with a Kathmandu taxi driver on WhatsApp, navigating the Annapurna trail on a GPS app, or video-calling home from a Himalayan teahouse, a local SIM card gives you the freedom and safety net you need — all for just a couple of dollars.

Pick up your SIM card at Tribhuvan International Airport the moment you land, and start exploring Nepal fully connected.

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Last updated: February 2026. Prices are approximate and subject to change. Exchange rate reference: 1 USD ≈ NPR 135–140.