How to Buy Prepaid Nepal SIM Cards? (Tourist Guide)

This A-Z guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing prepaid Nepal SIM cards as a tourist, from popular options to the best deals.

Buying a prepaid Nepal SIM card is essential if you want to stay in touch during your trip. Nepal SIM cards allow tourists to make local calls, send text messages, and access the Internet from your mobile device at low rates. They deliver better value than using your regular carrier’s international roaming. This article will discuss where and how to purchase a prepaid Nepal SIM card so you can make the most of your Nepal trip.

I. Best Nepal SIM Cards for Travelers

Nepal Telecom (NTC) and NCell are Nepal’s two main cellular network operators, offering prepaid SIM cards specifically designed for tourists. Travelers to Nepal can select from a variety of prepaid plans to match their usage needs and budget.

1. Nepal Telecom SIM cards

Nepal Telecom is a well-known mobile provider in Nepal that offers a wide range of data and voice services. The pricing for Nepal Telecom SIM card plans are really affordable.

• 2.5GB of cell data for 1 day: NPR 55 – US$0.41
• 5GB of cell data for 28 days: NPR 290 – US$2.17
• 25GB of cell data for 28 days: NPR 800 – US$6.73
• 2.5GB of cell data for 3 days: NPR 75 – US$0.56
• 2.5GB of cell data for 7 days: NPR 98 – US$0.73

2. Ncell Nepal SIM cards

Ncell also provides tourists to Nepal with a wide selection of prepaid plans. Some popular options include:

• 1.5GB of cell data per day, valid in 28 days: NPR 599 – US$4.48
• 60GB of cell data, valid in 28 days: NPR 599 – US$4.48
• 5G of cell data, valid in 7 days: NPR 145 – US$1.08

➤ Our Recommendation:

Getting a prepaid physical SIM from main Nepal telecom companies like Nepal Telecom or Ncell allows you to have cell data right on your phone. These providers offer plans with various amounts of data at different price points so you can easily pick one that best suits your needs.

If your cell phone enables eSIM, activate a Nepal eSIM plan online. Just purchase an eSIM pack, follow the guidelines, and you will be connected instantly.

II. Where to Get Nepal SIM Cards for Visitors?

There are three ways to obtain Nepal SIM cards for tourists:

• Online
• Upon arrival at Nepal airports
• In the city center

1. Buy Nepal SIM Cards online

Several online resellers enable tourists to buy Nepal SIM cards online before their flight. Reliable websites like Gigago let you pick a plan that best fits your length of stay in Nepal and usage needs. They email a code (QR code). Scan it and your digital SIM will work right away when you land.

Pros: instant internet as soon as you arrive, time to look at different deals and choose the best one 

Cons: Phone must accept digital SIM cards

2. Purchase SIM card at Nepal Airports

If you land at Nepal’s large airport, for example, Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you can get a SIM at SIM card stores inside the terminal (after collecting luggage). Also, when you walk through the last custom baggage check, there is a Nepal Telecom shop and an Ncell shop next to each other. Getting a Nepal SIM at the airport ensures you have cell data when you arrive in Nepal.

Pros: convenient, instant cell data use

Cons: fewer options compared to city shops, more expensive, passport ID verification required

3. Get SIM card in Nepal City

SIM card shops throughout Nepal offer different prepaid options for visitors. Stores from major carriers like Nepal Telecom and Ncell are located in cities and towns. They have places in popular areas like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Madhyapur Thimi, Pokhara, Butwal, etc. This wide coverage makes prepaid SIM cards very convenient to obtain.

Pros: easy to buy, good-value options

Cons: passport ID check, extra travel to the retail locations

III. How Much is a Tourist Nepal SIM Card?

A prepaid tourist SIM for Nepal is very cheap. The price varies based on the plan you choose and how many call minutes, texts and cell data it includes. For example, some starter packages cost as little as about 55 Nepali Rupees (around US$0.41) and give you 2.5GB of data to use within 24 hours.

Or you could get a plan that is approximately 800 NPR (about US$6.73) for the month which provides 25GB of data. No matter which carrier you go with, major providers like Nepal Telecom and Ncell have great value options tailored for foreign travelers.

IV. Types of Nepal SIM Cards for Tourists

Two types of Nepal SIM cards for Nepal include:

• Prepaid physical SIM card for Nepal
• Prepaid eSIM for Nepal

Taking a look at the main differences between these solutions might help you select the most appropriate option:

Criteria	Nepal Physical SIM Card	Nepal eSIM
Convenience	Works on most phones. Check phone supports the SIM slot	Insert the SIM card into the phone. Power on
Compatibility	Insert the SIM card into phone. Power on	– Only for newer phones with eSIM support  – Check phone compatibility
How to use	Purchase online anytime before the trip. Easier activation	– Download profile online – Load into phone settings
Price	Inexpensive starting at 55NPR	Cost-effective
Plan	Wide choice of data, call & text bundles.	– Data-only plans available – Recharge online or via app

► Our Recommendation:

We can see that a Nepal eSIM is a wonderful choice for those seeking an Internet connection while exploring the country. Instead of installing a traditional SIM card, you may quickly set up data plans directly on your phone. eSIMs often provide data-only packages, allowing travelers to communicate with friends and family via messaging and phone apps. This enables them to communicate back home without paying extra for SMS or phone calls.

V. Do I Need to Purchase a SIM Card for Nepal Travel?

Sure! If you choose to visit Nepal, obtaining a local SIM card is a fantastic idea to enhance your vacation experience.. Key benefits include:

• Affordability: A prepaid SIM will save you money compared to expensive roaming charges from your home network.
• Wide selection: Carriers like Vodacom and Ncell offer data, text, and call packages perfect for different travel needs.
• Extensive coverage: Major networks provide coverage across Nepal thanks to good infrastructure.
• Convenience: You may easily use the internet on your cell phone to plan days, navigate places, and stay in touch with friends back home.
• Customer support: SIM provider stores in large towns can assist if needed, and online help ensures you get the most from exploring Nepal’s beautiful scenery.

VI. What to Prepare When Obtaining Nepal SIM Cards?

There are a few items tourists will want to prepare before buying Nepal SIM cards:

• Passport: Shops will need to photocopy your passport details for verification purposes.
• Unlocked cell phone: You need to check that your cell phone is unlocked to utilize local networks in Nepal. An unlocked phone gives you the flexibility to switch SIMs and access the best connectivity options while traveling in Nepal.
• Cash in Nepalese rupees: Prepare local currency to pay the your SIM. Some shops may not accept foreign currency or cards.
• Basic information: Have handy things like your address and phone number in case any are required.
• Service needs: Decide what level of minutes, texts, and data you think you will require so you can pick the proper plan.

VII. Nepal eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM Cards

For tourists visiting Nepal, an eSIM is a very convenient and secure option compared to purchasing a regular prepaid SIM card. Digital eSIMs for Nepal offers numerous handy benefits, including:

• Convenient setup: An eSIM can be activated remotely before your trip by simply scanning a QR code on your device. You do not have to obtain a normal plastic SIM in Nepal.
• Instant connectivity: Once activated, an eSIM provides immediate cellular connectivity. You do not have to waste time inserting a nano-SIM.
• More secure than physical SIMs: If your device is lost/ stolen, the Nepal eSIM profile can be remotely deactivated by the carrier, preventing misuse. With a physical SIM, anyone can use it.
• Save SIM costs: eSIM plans are often cheaper than multi-SIM packs since no physical cards are involved in production and distribution.
• Flexibility: It is possible to have simultaneous eSIM profiles from local carriers for the best coverage in different areas of Nepal.
• Environment friendly: eSIMs for Nepal help reduce electronic waste from disposed plastic SIMs. This is better for sustainability.

If you are seeking a trusted eSIM provider for Nepal, Gigago would be your optimal choice. Gigago provides visitors to Nepal with eSIM packages from Ncell – one of Nepal’s prominent operators.

For Nepal, Gigago delivers a range of eSIM package options, beginning at $10.50 for 1GB data, valid in 07 days, much more budget-friendly than roaming. See more details on Gigago eSIM options for tourists visiting Nepal.

VIII. How Long Does a Tourist SIM Card Last in Nepal?

How long a prepaid Nepal SIM card for visitors valid varies depending on the plan. For those who just need basic connectivity for a few days, 1-day and 3-day option allow minimal usage over a short time. Plans providing a week’s worth of service are popular with many tourists, giving 7 days of calling, texting, and data.

30-day SIM cards allow you to use your phone freely for a full month of exploring Nepal. Whichever works best for your Nepal itinerary length, a local SIM card ensures reliable connectivity throughout your time exploring the country.

IX. How to Activate a SIM Card in Nepal

It is effortless to set up a SIM card when you arrive in Nepal. The instructions below will guide you through successfully activating your new SIM for Nepal.

1. Activating Prepaid Nepal SIM Cards for Travelers

After purchasing a SIM from Ncel or Nepal Telecom, take these steps:

• Turn off your unlocked phone, insert the Nepal SIM into its SIM slot, and then turn it on;
• Let your cell phone detect the new SIM and the network connection;
• Pick the cellular network provider if needed;
• To check your remaining data or call time, contact the provider’s customer service number;
• Now you are ready to call, text and use data to stay in touch during your travels around Nepal.

2. Activating Nepal eSIM

Activating an embedded SIM (eSIM) for Nepal is very simple.

• Ensure your device enables eSIM and does not just accept your home network;
• Purchase a Nepal eSIM pack virtually;
• Open the email from the provider containing activation details (QR code) and scan the code;
• Follow on-screen prompts to download the eSIM profile onto your device. Only takes a few minutes;
• Your phone may restart as it updates to the new network settings.
• Then simply turn your device on as usual. It will now be set up with cellular service.
• Access data, make calls and send texts on the network right away.

X. FAQs about Nepal SIM Cards

XI. Conclusion

In summary, having a prepaid Nepal SIM card allows tourists to easily stay connected while exploring all the beautiful places in Nepal. Nepal SIM cards provide affordable cellular data, texting, and local calls so you will not miss out on anything during your trip. With numerous options available that cater specially to tourists, acquiring a Nepal SIM is simple and hassle-free. Whichever network or plan you end up choosing, a prepaid SIM will ensure you make the most of your travels throughout Nepal.