Nepal SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022
Visiting Nepal soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Nepal SIM card.
Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Nepal in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Nepal. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Nepali – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Nepal.
Best SIM Cards In Nepal
If you’re traveling in Nepal, we recommend using a SIM card from Nepal Telecom, Ncell, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Nepal
You can either buy a Nepal prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Nepal Telecom, and Ncell.
Nepal Telecom SIM Cards
Nepal Telecom offers two different types of data plans:
- 35 GB, valid for 60 days for Rs 1,600 ($12.22)
- 70 GB, valid for 120 days for Rs 3,000 ($22.92)
Ncell SIM Cards
Ncell has four relevant prepaid plans available:
- 3 GB, valid for 7 days for Rs 98 ($0.75)
- 7 GB, valid for 28 days for Rs 249 ($1.90)
- 12 GB, valid for 28 days for Rs 399 ($3.04)
- 20 GB, valid for 28 days for Rs 499 ($3.80)
Overall, we think Ncell is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!
How To Buy A Nepal Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the PanAsia SIM card works in 15 countries and gives you 4 GB of data for 8 days. Nepal is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on Simify. This works if you live in the United States or Australia. They currently offer one package that covers Nepal:
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $40 – works in 18 countries
Get 10% off your first order with our discount code: ABB10
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Nepal or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Nepal
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Nepal.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo. Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Nepal.
Airalo Nepal
If you want to buy an eSIM for Nepal, you could purchase one on Airalo. I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.
Here is the option available for Nepal:
- Patancell: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50
Holafly Nepal
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here’s an overview of their plan for Nepal:
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $44
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Nepal
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Nepal or even an eSIM for your travels in Nepal is pretty straightforward.
You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Nepal if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Nepal soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
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