This A-Z guide reveals everything tourists need to know about buying SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport (KTM): prices, where and how to get, what to prepare, and the best alternative to airport SIM.
Highlights:
Securing mobile connectivity is essential for tourists arriving in Nepal. Getting a SIM card upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) allows visitors to stay connected throughout their trip. Tribhuvan Airport makes purchasing a SIM card easy with several retailers inside the terminal. This guide will help travelers navigate acquiring a SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport, including where and how to buy one and how much to expect to pay for data packages and services.
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There are three easy ways to purchase a Nepal SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport (KTM):
Nepal Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) has only one international arrival hall and baggage claim. In the baggage claim area, you will find signs and displays advertising tourist SIM cards for Nepal. Here are the locations to get a SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport:
Tribhuvan Airport makes it convenient to pick up a tourist SIM at the main locations near baggage claim or right outside security. This allows visitors to easily get connected as soon as they arrive in Kathmandu.
No, SIM card shops at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) do not remain open after midnight. For example, the Ncell store at the airport is only open 9 am-5:30 pm daily. Other carriers follow similar business hours, meaning SIM card services are unavailable during the late night hours.
If you arrive after midnight, it is better to wait till morning to get a Nepal SIM or you can check other options in the city the next day.
Advice: If you are arriving late at night, consider ordering your Nepal SIM before your flight, signing up for a Nepal eSIM plan virtually, or traveling to Kathmandu city center to get cheap SIM cards for Nepal.
Good to know: NPR 100 = US$0.74; US$ 1 = NPR 134.81 (October 2024)
Tourists can get a free SIM card from Nepal Telecom at Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) but it does not come with any credit. You need to purchase Nepal Telecom data plans as follows:
A Ncell SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport is 110 NPR ($0.82). Here are SIM plans and data packages offered by Ncell at this airport:
Pro Tip: Select the SIM card (provider, network coverage, credit, price) that best fits your usage needs and the length of your stay in Nepal.
Getting your Nepal SIM activated at Tribhuvan Airport is simple but requires a few items. Major things to prepare include:
With just your passport, cash, and a photo if needed, signing up for a local SIM is quick and hassle-free right at the airport kiosks. SIM store staff will help you fill out the basic registration form too. Then your new local SIM will be all set to use during your visit to Nepal.
Pro Tip: If you want an easy SIM setup, getting an eSIM plan for Nepal is a great option. An eSIM lets you add it to your phone digitally without a plastic card. But first, check that your phone accepts eSIM, otherwise it will not work.
If getting a Nepal SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) sounds like too much hassle for you, an eSIM for Nepal is a handy option worth considering instead. These digital SIMs provide some nice benefits:
If you need an easy way to get data in Nepal without hassle, Gigago is a great eSIM option. They work directly with Ncell, one of the major networks there. Gigago offers affordable package choices starting at a low price of $10.50 for 1GB over 7 days. That’s much better than paying high roaming fees with your home network.
See more: Gigago eSIM options for tourists visiting Nepal.
You can buy a SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport from kiosks and shops located in the arrival hall and near the baggage claim area.
Yes, SIM shops inside the terminal building at Tribhuvan Airport make it easy to purchase a SIM card upon arrival.
The SIM card shops at Tribhuvan Airport accept Nepali Rupees as well as international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard as payment when buying a SIM card.
Buying a SIM card at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal is a handy way for tourists to stay connected when first arriving. The airport makes it easy to purchase a SIM card, with kiosks and shops located right in the arrival terminal and baggage claim area selling plans from the major carriers. Getting a SIM card at Tribhuvan Airport allows visitors to have data and calls on hand from the moment they land.
This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining and using Nepal Telecom SIM cards, including the different plan choices, activation steps, and availability across Nepal.
This article will discuss where and how to purchase a prepaid Nepal SIM card so you can make the most of your Nepal trip.
