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

Travel Tech · Nepal

Nepal SIM Card for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know Before You Land

📅 February 2026 ⏱ 6 min read ✍ Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal is one of those rare destinations where your phone's data connection can feel like a genuine lifeline. Whether you're navigating the maze of Kathmandu's old streets, coordinating with a trekking guide in Pokhara, or checking your GPS at 4,500 metres on the Annapurna Circuit, staying connected matters more here than almost anywhere else. The good news is that Nepal offers some of the world's most affordable mobile data — a local SIM card for tourists costs under $1.50, and a full month of 4G data can set you back just $2–4. The bad news is that without a little preparation, you might end up with the wrong SIM for your route.

There are two major network operators in Nepal: Ncell, a private carrier that dominates urban areas and popular tourist hubs with fast 4G speeds, and NTC (Nepal Telecom), the state-owned operator with unmatched reach in high-altitude and remote trekking regions. Understanding the difference between the two — and knowing where each one excels — is the single most important decision you'll make about connectivity during your trip. Many experienced Himalayan trekkers carry both SIM cards simultaneously for exactly this reason.

"A local Nepal SIM card costs less than a cup of coffee at the airport — but it could save your trip."

Buying a SIM card in Nepal is straightforward but not instant — you'll need your original passport and one or two passport-sized photos to complete mandatory government registration. The process takes 5–20 minutes at any authorised outlet. Both Ncell and NTC have dedicated counters at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu's arrivals hall, which is the most convenient place to pick one up the moment you land. In-city shops in Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara) often offer a wider variety of plans at slightly lower prices than airport kiosks.

If you'd rather skip the physical SIM entirely, both operators now support eSIM, and international providers like Airalo, Airhub, and GOHUB offer Nepal data plans starting from around $5 that you can activate before you board your flight. These are data-only solutions — ideal for travellers who don't need a local phone number — and they run on the same underlying Ncell 4G network. For most tourists visiting cities and standard trekking circuits, an eSIM is a genuinely hassle-free option. For serious trekkers venturing into remote territory above 4,000 metres, a physical NTC SIM remains the gold standard for coverage reliability.

Which Network Should You Choose?

The answer depends almost entirely on your itinerary. If you're spending the majority of your trip in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, or Chitwan, Ncell is the clear winner. Its 4G speeds are consistently faster in urban environments, its app lets you top up with an international Visa or Mastercard without visiting a shop, and its tourist-specific prepaid packs (marketed as TouristPro bundles) offer good value for short stays that combine data with international calling minutes.

For the Everest and Annapurna circuits, the calculus shifts. NTC has 4G coverage at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), Machhapuchchhre Base Camp, and parts of Tilicho Lake — elevations where Ncell's signal becomes increasingly patchy. On the Everest route, NTC is the more reliable option above Namche Bazaar (3,440m), and both networks have been reported to work — albeit inconsistently — at Everest Base Camp itself (5,364m). The safest approach for a multi-week trekking itinerary is to buy one of each: Nepal's SIM cards are so cheap that the cost of carrying both is negligible.

One practical note: always verify your data pack's expiry date at the time of purchase. Some short-duration packs expire in as little as three or seven days, which can catch travellers off guard during longer stays. Top-up scratch cards (available at shops, teahouses, and petrol stations across Nepal) and the Ncell mobile app are your two main options for recharging on the go. Keep both methods in mind before heading into a trekking region where digital top-ups may be your only option.

Nepal's mobile landscape is genuinely impressive for a developing-nation trekking destination. The fact that you can receive a 4G signal at one of the world's most iconic high-altitude camps, or video-call home from a teahouse above the clouds, is remarkable. Getting the right SIM card sorted within your first 30 minutes on Nepali soil is one of the smallest and smartest investments you can make in a smoother, safer trip.