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SIM cards and eSIM in Nepal

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac app icon

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App StorePlay StoreSee plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration
Bring your passport and visa or entry stamp; staff complete registration at purchase.
Tourist plans and prices
Typical prepaid offers include around 1 GB, while starter prices begin near 138 NPR.
Where to buy
Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
Airport prices
Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.

Good to know

Carry a passport photo and photocopy as well as the original passport; shop equipment may be unavailable.

Local carriers

  • Nepal Telecom (NTC)

    A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

  • Ncell

    Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.

  • Smart Cell

    A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

  • Smart Cell exists but its status is disputed - see conflicts_notes

    A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→
Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki: retrieved 30 Jul 2026, page indexed 18 Mar 2026; source of the bring-your-own-photo advice and the thumbprint note | Traveltomtom Kathmandu Airport: 20 Jan 2025 (FIRST-HAND, prices stated current to January 2025) | Traveltomtom Nepal guide: 9 Feb 2025 (FIRST-HAND) | NepaliTelecom (Nepali telecom news site): 6 Jun 2026, source of the NTC Rs 90 SIM price and the 2026 eSIM portal report | FinanceHub Nepal: 21 Feb 2026 | Esim.net: undated (eSIM seller) | BitJoy: 17 May 2026 (EXCLUDED source; airport description recorded but not relied on)

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

  • prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com
  • traveltomtom.net
  • traveltomtom.net
  • nepalitelecom.com
  • financehubnepal.com
  • esim.net
  • thebitjoy.com

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Nepal?

Bring your passport and visa or entry stamp; staff complete registration at purchase.

Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Nepal?

Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.

What is the best eSIM for Nepal?

Guac eSIM covers Nepal with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Nepal