Best SIM Card for Tourists in Nepal
Nepal’s Top Mobile Networks for Tourists
Nepal has two major mobile operators that dominate the market:
| Provider | Strengths | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Ncell | Faster 4G speeds in cities, plenty of tourist-friendly plans | Urban travelers, short trips, streaming & social sharing |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | Strongest nationwide coverage, especially in remote and trekking areas | Trekkers, long travels to rural regions |
Both networks require passport registration to activate a SIM, and cards are easily available at the airport, city kiosks, or official stores.
How to Buy Your Tourist SIM
Where you can purchase:
- Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) — best first stop after landing
- Official stores or kiosks in cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan)
- Authorized retail outlets across Nepal
What you need:
- Original passport (basic ID check)
- Some stores may ask for a passport-size photo
Once you register, the SIM is activated usually within minutes
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Ncell Tourist SIM & eSIM Plans
Ncell offers special tourist-focused packages with data and voice. These can also be bought as eSIM if your phone supports it (scan QR and activate).Ncell
Ncell Tourist Packages
| Plan Name | Data & Voice | Validity | Price (NPR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TouristPro Sprinter | Unlimited (FUP applies) + 100 SMS | 7 days | ₹595 | Short stay |
| TouristPro Explorer | Unlimited + 100 SMS | 14 days | ₹995 | Mid-length trip |
| TouristPro Voyager | Unlimited + 100 SMS | 28 days | ₹1,995 | Long trip |
Unlimited plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy — speeds may be reduced after thresholds (e.g., 10–25 GB).
Advantages of Ncell:
- Faster urban 4G speeds (great for social media, video, downloads)
- Tourist plans bundled with voice + SMS
- Easy airport & city purchase + eSIM option
- Good coverage in major towns and cities
- Coverage can be weaker in very remote mountain zones
Nepal Telecom (NTC) Prepaid Plans for Tourists
Nepal Telecom doesn’t always have special “tourist-only” bundles labeled like Ncell, but its prepaid SIM cards and data packs are widely used by visitors.
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Typical NTC Costs (Indicative)
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic SIM + 50 Rs credit | — | — | ~90–100 |
| 5 GB | 5 GB | 28 days | ~290 |
| 25 GB | 25 GB | 28 days | ~800 |
NTC SIM at airport may even be free for tourists (with standard registration), though city outlets charge a small fee.Travel Tom Tom
Advantages of NTC:
- Best rural & remote network coverage (mountains & trekking routes)
- Very affordable data plans
- Widely available recharge options
- Speeds can be slower in cities compared to private competitors.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Ncell | Nepal Telecom (NTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban 4G Speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rural Coverage | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tourist Bundles | Yes – with voice + unlimited options | Mostly standard prepaid |
| Price Range | Mid | Very budget |
| Easy Airport Pickup | Yes | Yes (sometimes free) |
| eSIM Available | Yes | Limited/less common |
Best Overall Choice for:
🔹 City-only trip? Ncell for speed & convenience
🔹 Trekking or remote travel? NTC for coverage
🔹 Peace of mind? Get both SIMs — locals often do this!
Best SIM Card for Tourists in Nepal FAQS
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Nepal?
Yes passport registration is mandatory for all SIM cards in Nepal
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
Yes both Ncell and Nepal Telecom SIMs are available at Tribhuvan International Airport counters.
What’s cheaper roaming vs local SIM?
Local Nepal SIM cards are usually far cheaper than international roaming from your home provider.
Can tourists use eSIM in Nepal?
Yes Ncell eSIM plans are available and can be activated online or upon arrival.
Which SIM has better coverage in the mountains?
Nepal Telecom (NTC) generally has broader network reach in remote trekking regions.
Final Recommendation
✅ Ncell Best for travelers staying mainly in urban areas who want fast 4G, convenience, and bundled tourist plans.
✅ Nepal Telecom (NTC) Best for explorers and trekkers who need coverage in hills, valleys, and off-the-grid locations.
✅ Ultimate Combo If you plan city + remote adventures, consider carrying both SIMs!
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