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Are you planning to visit Nepal soon? This article will discuss how to get a SIM Card in Nepal. Firstly, obtaining a SIM card is easy, and you need to submit your documents and a certain amount to get a SIM card. Generally, the SIM card providers activate your SIM, so you don’t have to worry about anything. There are very few SIM card companies providing services in Nepal. You might have many providers’ names on the list, but Nepal Telecom and NCELL are Nepal’s two most popular SIM card providers.
Nepal Telecom, also known as NTC, is a government-based service provider, whereas NCELL is a privately owned telecom company. You can opt for any of these two SIM card providers as they are both fierce competitors in the market. They both meet your requirements and provide various data and voice plans. You can review their website and look at their data and voice plans to find the one that suits your needs.
Besides NTC and NCELL, there are other SIM card providers such as SMART CELL, UTL, etc. These days, finding these SIM card operators is rare and almost on the verge of being closed. Moreover, their network coverage is not as good as that of NCELL and NTC. Electronic SIM cards, commonly known as E-SIM, are gaining popularity these days. You can also install an E-SIM instead of a physical SIM card during your Nepal visit.
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Why To Get A New SIM Card In Nepal?
Multiple strong reasons compel you to get a SIM card during your Nepal visit. The first reason you get a SIM card is to get internet access, which helps you connect with your loved ones back home. The WiFi network in Nepal is not available everywhere. If you’re travelling to rular parts of Nepal, the chances of finding the WiFi network is rare. However, if you buy a SIM card, you can get local coverage and use the internet via mobile data.
Using your own SIM card using roaming charges will cost you way more than opting for a local SIM card. Having a local SIM card will make it easier to have a local phone call. Having a local SIM card is the best cost-saving option, as the voice and data packs in Nepal are very budget-friendly. Another factor that makes you buy a SIM card is the convenience. SIM cards can easily be obtained anywhere without any hassle. You need your document and a photo.
Major SIM Card Operators in Nepal
NTC SIM card
Nepal Telecommunication Corporation was founded on 13 April 2004. It is Nepal’s first telecommunication service-providing company, previously owned by the government. Currently, NTC is a public company that is traded as NTC in the Nepalese stock market. Despite being listed as a public company, the government of Nepal holds 91% of the total share. Nepal Telecommunications’ services include fixed line, mobile SIMs(Pre-paid, postpaid, and e-SIM), broadband, IPTV, and fixed-line internet services.
Generally, NTC offers you three kinds of networks: Postpaid GSM mobile, Prepaid GSM mobile, and CDMA mobile. Their network coverage is widespread nationwide, which other operators have failed to reach. You can easily get an NTC SIM Card as it is available from almost every service provider in Nepal. The price for an NTC SIM card is NPR 90, which is around $1. You can get recharge cards to load your balance to your SIM cards, and they are available in almost every shop in Nepal. The nation-owned SIM operators provide you with multiple calls and data packages, and they are:
Popular Service Provided
| Data Plans | Package Name | Price | Lasts Upto |
| Calls | All-time voice pack | 250 | 28 days |
| SMS pack | 1000 on-net SMS pack | 99 | 28 days |
| Data Pack | 100 GB Data Pack for 28 days | 999 | 28 Days |
Ncell Sim Card
NCELL is Nepal’s second-largest mobile telecommunication service provider in terms of subscriber base. NCELL was founded in 2004 under a company named Spice Nepal Private Limited. The company started its commercial services as Mero Mobile. The company was later renamed NCELL in 2010. NCELL’s coverage has spread all over the nation, and its 4G service has spread over 90% of the total population. Interestingly, NCELL is Nepal’s largest company in terms of revenue market share.
NCELL offers numerous services for its customers. They offer you a variety of SIM Cards such as eSIM, Ultra Wi-Fi SIM, Sadhai ON, Get Started, etc. The price for an NCELL sim is around $1 and is easily available at places such as local shops, international airports, etc. You can get an NCELL SIM Card for Nepal in 2024 with very relevant pricing. Some of the popular packages provided by the NCELL SIM card Operators are given below.
| Data Plans | Package Name | Price | Lasts Upto |
| Calls | Unlimited voice pack | 449 | 28 days |
| SMS pack | 850 SMS pack | 125 | 28 days |
| Combo Pack(voice+data+sms) | Unlimited Pack | 799 | 28 Days |
| Data Pack | All Time Data Pack for 28 days | 999 | 28 Days |
Types of SIM Cards Available in Nepal
Prepaid SIM Cards
Prepaid SIM Cards are those SIM cards that pay for your mobile services in advance. It is an ideal choice for Prepaid travelers in Nepal. You can quickly get prepaid SIM Cards and don’t have to indulge in any obligations. There aren’t any monthly bills or contracts that bind you while owning Prepaid SIM Cards. With prepaid SIM Cards, you can buy any voice packages, data packs, SMS packages, etc., according to your budget and needs. This is the best option if you plan to buy a SIM card in Nepal.
Postpaid SIM Cards
A postpaid SIM card is a mobile SIM card where the user pays for services (like calls, texts, and data) at the end of each billing cycle, usually monthly. Instead of preloading credit, the user is billed based on usage or a fixed plan after the services are consumed. Postpaid SIM Cards are for those willing to get a steady, reliable service for a more extended period. The major advantage of owning a postpaid SIM card is that you can get cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data.
How to Choose the Best SIM Card in Nepal As a Tourist
Choosing the best SIM Card during your trip to Nepal depends on your preference. The NTC and NCELL are the best SIM card operators, providing you with mobile service packages. You can compare their calls, SMS, and internet packages and opt for a SIM according to your preference. We suggest you buy a prepaid SIM Card for Nepal visit. Moreover, a prepaid plan will help you connect everywhere and spend money on SIM cards according to your needs. NCELL and Nepal Telecom both have e-sim availability. So, you can also order an esim for Nepal tour.
Required Documents for obtaining a SIM Card in Nepal
There are a few documents that you need to submit before obtaining a SIM Card in Nepal. You cannot simply go and purchase a SIM card. The essential documents that you will need to obtain a SIM card in Nepal are listed below:
- Photocopy of Passport or license
- Passport size photo
- A certain amount of Fee
How do you activate and use a SIM in Nepal?
Getting a SIM Card in Nepal isn’t a challenging feat. You can go to any SIM Card operator and submit your document to get a document. The operator will do everything for you as they will verify your KYC and activate your SIM Card. The activation process might take some time, but you can simply insert the card into your phone and wait for the activation message from the SIM Card company.
How to recharge & Check the Balance on your NTC / Ncell SIM Card
Two methods exist to recharge the balance on any SIM Card in Nepal. Buying the recharge card and recharging is one of the most popular and easily accessible methods to load the balance in your SIM. Another straightforward method is to top-up the balance in your SIM using digital wallets, mobile banking applications, etc. Every SIM Card operator has their recharging and checking balance process. The steps that you should follow to recharge and check your balance in different SIM Card operators in Nepal are:
NTC Recharging and Balance Checking Process
- To recharge: Dail *1415*15 digit code#
- To Check Balance: Dail *400#
- To Subscribe to any Datapacks: Dail *1415#
- To Check Datapacks: Dail *1415*55#
NCELL Recharging and Balance Checking Process
- To recharge: Dail *122*PIN number of recharge card#
- To Check Balance: Dail *901# or *101#
- To Subscribe to any Datapacks: Dail *17123#
- To Check Datapacks: Type S and send an SMS to 17123
Tips for Using Mobile Data and Staying Connected in Nepal
In Nepal, staying connected while traveling is best done through mobile data, as WiFi can be limited in many areas. To access mobile data, purchase a local SIM card, either from Ncell or NTC, the two main providers. Data packages are affordable, and both operators offer monthly packs for around NPR 1000, providing sufficient data for browsing, navigation, and communication. It’s a good idea to compare their coverage based on your travel plans, as Ncell often has better service in cities, while NTC offers broader coverage in remote areas. Choose the SIM Card operator that suits your needs and stay connected throughout your trip.
Pros and Cons of Getting a SIM Card in Nepal
If you’re considering getting a SIM card in Nepal, here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
1. Affordable Data Plans: Nepal offers inexpensive data plans compared to many other countries, making it easy to stay connected for internet browsing and social media.
2. Local Connectivity: With a local SIM, you can make calls within Nepal at much lower rates than international roaming. It’s useful for booking accommodations, calling taxis, and staying in touch with locals.
3. Coverage in Urban Areas: Major telecom providers (e.g., Ncell, Nepal Telecom) offer good coverage in urban centers like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other tourist areas.
4. Easy Access: SIM cards are easy to purchase. You can get one at the airport or at many mobile shops across the country. The process usually involves providing a passport and a photo.
5. Tourist Packages: Telecom providers offer specific plans tailored to tourists, often with a mix of call time, SMS, and data at discounted prices.
Cons:
1. Limited Rural Coverage: In remote areas, especially in the mountains, network coverage can be patchy or non-existent. Trekking routes may have little to no signal.
2. Slow Internet in Some Areas: While 4G is available in cities, the speed can drop significantly in rural or high-altitude regions, where only 2G or 3G may be available.
3. SIM Registration Process: SIM cards in Nepal require registration, including a copy of your passport and sometimes a local address, which can feel a bit bureaucratic.
5. Topping Up Can Be Confusing: Depending on the provider, it can sometimes be tricky to understand how to top up your balance or renew your data plan. Automated systems might be in Nepali.
Overall, getting a SIM card is usually a good idea if you’re staying in Nepal for a short time and want reliable, affordable connectivity in cities. However, if you’re planning to explore more remote regions or rely heavily on high-speed data, you may want to manage your expectations.
FAQs
What is required to get a new SIM?
To get a SIM card in Nepal, you need need to provide a copy of your passport and a passport size photo. You will also need to pay a certain amount to get a SIM card in Nepal.
How do you purchase a new SIM card?
You may visit nearby mobile service providers or authorized telecom stores in Nepal to purchase a new SIM card. These stores or service providers are readily available anywhere in the city area, like malls, airports, or any local shops.
How do I start a new SIM card?
The SIM card providers will activate your SIM card after you provide them with your documents. This might take some time because the SIM card company needs to verify your KYC.
How do I activate 4G in an NTC SIM card in Nepal?
You can activate your 4G in NTC SIM Card by dialing *444#. After dialing this, a new dialog box appears that asks you to enter 1 to confirm. After following these steps, you will receive a text that your 4G in your SIM card is activated.
