Getting around Nepal without a phone can be tough, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the routes, local people, or places. Free Wi‑Fi in Nepal is usually weak or unreliable, so it’s best to get a local prepaid SIM card for consistent mobile data and calls.
Where to Buy a SIM Card ?
At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you’ll find stands near the departure gate selling SIM cards for tourists. It’s recommended to buy your SIM at the airport to avoid a more complicated registration process elsewhere.
The main providers in Nepal are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC)—both offer various prepaid plans ideal for travelers.
Ncell (Nepal) SIM Plans-Ncell
Ncell offers a range of prepaid packs that include data, voice calls, and SMS—all of which you can buy via the Ncell app or by dialing USSD on your phone.
Popular Ncell Packs (example prices)
Basic & Best Packs
Rs. 99 — 2 GB, 49 mins calls, 9 SMS (7 days)
Rs. 399 — 8 GB, 399 mins calls, 39 SMS (28 days)
Rs. 499 — 12 GB, 499 mins calls, 49 SMS (28 days)
Rs. 599 — 20 GB, 599 mins calls, 59 SMS (28 days)
Unlimited & Long‑Validity Packs
Rs. 799 — 30 GB + Unlimited calls & SMS (28 days)
Rs. 999 — 50 GB + Unlimited calls & SMS (28 days)
Rs. 1,499 — 100 GB + Unlimited calls & SMS (28 days)
Rs. 1,199 — 25 GB + Unlimited calls (84 days)
Other Data Packs
Rs. 35 — ~1.25 GB (1 day)
Rs. 99 — Unlimited data (3 days)
Rs. 2,499 — Unlimited at 5 Mbps (84 days)
Ncell also offers weekly renewal packs (e.g., Rs. 99 for unlimited all‑Nepal calls, Rs. 150 for 10 GB data weekly) for short stays.
Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM Plans -NT
NTC provides a wide variety of prepaid plans including data‑only packs, combo packs with voice + SMS, and more. Exact items vary but current common options include:
NTC Volume‑Based Data Packs
Rs. 22 — 600 MB (1 day)
Rs. 30 — 1 GB (1 day)
Rs. 99 — 4 GB (1 day)
Rs. 109 — 5 GB (7 days)
Rs. 299 — 10 GB (28 days)
Rs. 399 — 20 GB (28 days)
Rs. 499 — 30 GB (28 days)
Rs. 899 — 55 GB (28 days)
Rs. 999 — 100 GB (28 days)
Daily & Recurring Packs
Rs. 299 — 700 MB/day (28 days)
Rs. 599 — 1.5 GB/day (28 days)
Combo Packs (Data + Voice + SMS)
Rs. 199 — 2 GB + 200 min all‑net (28 days)
Rs. 299 — 4 GB + 300 min + SMS (28 days)
Rs. 499 — 8 GB + 500 min + SMS (28 days)
(voice + data + SMS bundled)
NTC also offers Sajilo Unlimited packs with large data and unlimited voice if you stay longer or need heavy usage.
Which SIM Should You Choose?
Short trip: Choose a daily or weekly plan from either provider.
One‑month stay: Choose a 28‑day data combo pack from Ncell or NTC.
Extended stay or trekking: It’s smart to carry both Ncell and NTC SIMs, as coverage varies widely in rural and hilly areas.
E‑SIM Option
Local SIM providers in Nepal generally don’t sell e‑SIMs at the airport, but many international e‑SIM providers let you purchase one online before arriving in Nepal. You can activate this once you land and use it alongside or instead of a physical SIM.
Final Tip from Nepal Trips :-
Once you have your SIM and preferred data package activated, you’ll be ready to explore the streets of Nepal with peace of mind maps, guides, and connections all just a tap away.
