Do you need a SIM Card in Nepal?
A local SIM card is a must-have for travelers, especially in Nepal, where the mountains and remote trekking areas often lack Wi-Fi access.
With a SIM card, you can stay in touch with family, use maps, and access travel info on the go, making your journey safer and easier.
So, where can you buy a SIM card in Nepal, how to activate it, and what are the requirements?
We have got a proper guide for getting a SIM card for tourists in Nepal.
Quick Answers
- You can buy SIM cards at airport, local shops, mobile network stores, or even online before traveling to Nepal.
- If you are a tourist in Nepal, the documents required for SIM card in Nepal are your real passport and its photocopy, along with two passport-size photos, a photo or photocopy of your visa or arrival stamp.
- To activate your SIM card, simply enter your SIM card in the SIM card slot on your phone, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Nepal Telecom (NTC) numbers start with 984, 985 and 986.
- Ncell numbers start with 980, 981, 982 and 970.
Types of SIM Cards Available in Nepal
There are two types of SIM Cards in Nepal:
Prepaid SIM card
Prepaid SIM cards are easy to get and use, without any long-term commitments. They offer local rates for calls, texts, and data. They require you to pay in advance for a specific amount of credit or data. You can then use this credit or data as you need it. When your balance runs out, you can easily top it up online or by buying a recharge card from shops. It is a perfect choice for travelers making short trips to Nepal.
Advantages of Prepaid SIM Card
- The activation process is quick and straightforward.
- You can start using it immediately after a purchase.
- There are no contracts, no deposits, or bills.
- You can easily recharge it.
- You will get an International Dialling(ISD) service activated by default.
Disadvantages of Prepaid SIM Card
- An unused balance may expire, leading to a waste of your money.
- Prepaid plans often charge per minute for calls, which can be expensive.
Postpaid SIM Card
Postpaid SIM Cards are for travelers who are looking to stay for a longer time or planning to visit Nepal often. These SIM cards allow you to use services and pay for them at the end of the month. You will need to sign a contract with the service provider and provide proof of identification and address.
Advantages of Postpaid SIM Card
- You don’t have to worry about running out of balance.
- Postpaid plans usually come with larger data packages.
Disadvantages of Postpaid SIM Card
- You may be tied to long-term commitments or contracts.
- A local bank account or credit card may be necessary for payment.
Main Operators in Nepal
There are two main SIM card providers in Nepal including Nepal Telecom (NTC), and Ncell.
1. Nepal Telecom (NTC)
Nepal Telecom (NTC) is one of the largest and oldest mobile service providers in Nepal. It offers great coverage throughout the country, including rural areas, making it a reliable choice for travelers. It even has 4G network coverage in Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC).
NTC provides data package, voice packs, SMS packs, unlimited night packs, unlimited Fb/Youtube add-on pack, unlimited hourly data pack, and international services.
NTC also provides eSIM service compatible for a few mobile phones of Apple, Samsung, and Google.
2. Ncell
Ncell is another popular mobile network provider in Nepal. It is best known for its competitive pricing and good coverage, especially in urban areas. It offers a range of prepaid plans suitable for tourists.
One of Ncell’s main benefits is that you can borrow credit for emergency calls. When you’re running out of balance, you can quickly borrow credit by dialing *9988# or *123# with Ncell Saapati to continue your calls or data use in emergencies.
Ncell has started providing eSIM service compatible for a few mobile phones of Apple, Samsung, and Google.
Where to Buy SIM Card in Nepal?
You can buy a NTC and Ncell SIM card in Nepal at the:
- Airports: You can easily buy SIM cards at Tribhuvan International Airport. You can find the NTC and Ncell counters outside the arrival terminal. But, SIM cards at the airport may be slightly more expensive.
- Mobile Network Stores: You can also visit mobile network provider stores like NTC and NCELL in major towns. At these stores, you will find a genuine SIM card at a cheaper price, and staff can assist you with registration, data plans, and technical issues.
- Local Shops: You can also get a SIM card from convenience stores, stationeries, or SIM card shops.
- Online: You can also get your SIM card delivered to your house before you travel by online shopping sites (like Amazon). You will find travel SIM cards that work with major Nepalese networks, like Ncell or Nepal Telecom, for mobile data.
Also read a complete guide on eSIM in Nepal
What Documents are Required to Buy a SIM Card in Nepal?
The requirements to buy SIM card for tourists in Nepal are:
- Your real passport and its photocopy.
- Two passport-size photos (You can easily get it from photo studio)
- Photocopy or photos of your visa or arrival stamp to verify your entry into Nepal.
Note: Indian citizens can use alternatives like a voter ID card or embassy card instead of a passport.
How to Activate Your SIM Card: NTC and Ncell
To activate your SIM card,
Step 1: Insert the SIM Card into the phone’s SIM card slot.
Step 2: Follow activation instructions, most providers include activation steps with the SIM card, like dialing a number or sending a text.
Step 3: Provide the required information, you may be asked to provide your name and passport number for activation.
Step 4: Wait for the confirmation, you’ll typically receive a confirmation message once the activation is successful.
Step 5: Test your SIM card by making a call or using mobile data.
In case, you encounter any issues, reach out to the provider’s customer support for assistance.
Explore How Many Languages are Spoken in Nepal
How to Identify NTC and Ncell Mobile Numbers?
It is very easy to differentiate between NTC and Ncell numbers.
- Nepal Telecom (NTC) numbers start with 984, 985 and 986.
- Ncell numbers start with 980, 981, 982 and 970.
How Much Does a SIM Card in Nepal Cost?
The cost of a SIM card in Nepal typically ranges from NPR 90 to NPR 500 about ($0.80 to $4.50), depending on the provider and plan. A data plan usually starts from as low as NPR 25 for smaller bundles and increases for larger packages.
How to Check Your Number: NTC and Ncell
- Nepal Telecom (NTC): To check your NTC number, dial *9#, and the number will display on your USSD dialog box. To check the SIM owner, dial *922#.
- Ncell: To check your Ncell number, dial *903#, and the number will display on your USSD dialog box. To check the SIM owner, dial *9966#.
How to Check SIM Card Owner Name: NTC and Ncell
- NTC: To know the NTC number details, dial *922# on your phone.
- Ncell: To know the Ncell number details, dial *9966# on your phone.
How to Check the Balance on a SIM Card?
To check the balance on your SIM card,
- Open the caller app on your phone.
- Dial *400# for NTC and *901# (or *101#) for Ncell.
- Press the call button and check your balance.
How to Recharge Your SIM card in Nepal?
1. Buy a Recharge Card
You can buy recharge cards of NPR 50, NPR 100, NPR 500, and NPR 1,000 from local shops in Nepal. Scratch the silver layer on the recharge card to uncover the 16-digit PIN. Dial the pin on your caller app with the code based on your mobile network service provider and make a call.
- For NTC: Dial *412*XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX# (Replace the X with 16 digits pin)
- For Ncell: Dial *102*XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX#
2. Use a Digital Wallet or Mobile Banking
You can use a digital wallet like eSewa, Khalti, and IME Pay or mobile banking to recharge your SIM card. Simply ask someone you trust to recharge your card using their digital wallet and repay them afterward.
How To Get a Mobile Data Package?
To get a mobile data package,
- Open the caller app on your phone
- Dial the code based on your network provider. ( *1415# for NTC, and *141# for Ncell).
- Make a call to see available data packs with prices, validity, and data limits.
- Dial the code for your chosen pack and call again.
How to Activate 4G in NTC SIM?
To activate 4G in NTC SIM, you should have 4G/LTE compatible SIM. If you have it, just dial *444# to activate the service.
If your SIM is limited to 2G or 3G, visit the nearest Nepal Telecom office to get a 4G compatible SIM card.
Conclusion
Getting a SIM card in Nepal is simple and a great way to stay connected. For foreigners, you can easily get a SIM card at the airport, mobile network stores, local mobile shops, or even online by providing your passport. Locals can use their citizenship for the purchase.
Both NTC and Ncell offer reliable prepaid plans to suit different needs, and the process of activation and recharging is quick and easy. With a local SIM card, you can easily stay in touch and access services throughout your time in Nepal.
Also Read: A complete travel guide for Nepal
FAQ
Can tourists buy SIM cards in Nepal?
Yes, tourists can buy SIM cards in Nepal. You can get it from the airport, local shops, mobile network stores, or even online before traveling to Nepal. All you need is a real passport and its photocopy, two passport-size photos, photos or a photocopy of your visa or arrival stamp.
Does prepaid SIM work in Nepal?
Yes, prepaid SIM works in Nepal. All mobile network provider including Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell provides prepaid SIM cards for calls, texts, and mobile data across the country.
Which SIM work in Nepal?
Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell SIM works in Nepal.
Which SIM Card is 9851 in Nepal?
The 9851 prefix in Nepal belongs to Nepal Telecom (NTC) and works for calls, SMS, and mobile data across the country.
How to recharge ncell mobile phones in Nepal?
To recharge ncell mobile phones in Nepal, you can buy recharge card from shop and use any of four following methods:
- Dial *122*PIN number# and press the call button.
- Send PIN number via SMS to 90012.
- Call 90012 and enter PIN number.
- You can also top up from mobile banking or digital wallet.
Is 985 NTC or Ncell number?
985 is NTC mobile number. Nepal Telecom (NTC) numbers start with 984, 985 and 986.
Is 980 NTC or Ncell?
980 is Ncell number. Ncell numbers start with 980, 981, 982 and 970.
Is 970 Ncell or NTC?
The number prefix “970” belongs to Ncell.
Which SIM card is best for Nepal tourists?
Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM card is best for Nepal tourists as it offers coverage in rural areas and along some trekking routes. Whereas other providers may struggle to offer the same service in remote locations.
Can we use Indian SIM card in Nepal?
Yes, you can use an Indian SIM card in Nepal if you have activated international roaming. To activate international roaming, you can contact your service provider.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
