How to get a sim card in Nepal:
There are two major telecommunication providers in Nepal: Nepal Telecommunications (NTC) is a semi-government corporation and Ncell is a privately owned mobile services provider. Ncell does have a counter at the airport. After collecting your bags and as you descend the ramp, Ncell’s counter will be to your left. Unfortunately, NTC, the mobile provider with wider coverage, does not have a counter at the airport. You would have to visit one of the NTC sales counter in Kathmandu. You would need to fill out a form and submit a copy of your passport. If you are trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we can help you obtain a NTC sim card.
According to the Ncell website, cost for a 26 GB pack is Rs. 599 and for a 115 GB pack is Rs. 1,499. But when you purchase at the airport, it WILL cost twice as much. Validity is for 28 days. NTC rates are slightly cheaper.
Why choose Ncell or Nepal Telecommunications (NTC):
Getting a Ncell sim card is relatively simpler than getting one from NTC. But another thing to consider is where you will be trekking. While both NTC and Ncell work relatively well in the major cities of Nepal, one may work better than the other on different treks. Anyways, coverage is NOT available for the whole region especially when you get higher.
Everest region – Ncell (Will only work until Tengboche and maybe Pangboche)
Annapurna region – Nepal Telecommunication
Langtang region – Nepal Telecommunication
Manaslu region – Nepal Telecommunication
eSIM compatible phones:
- Apple: iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Series, iPhone 12 Series, iPhone 13 Series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series
- Samsung: Galaxy S21 Series, Galaxy S22 Series, Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy S24 Series, Galaxy Note 20 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Google: Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series
Local lodges also provide Wifi:
On the popular Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu trekking routes both NTC and Ncell will NOT work as you get to high altitude. But you can buy wifi (which can be sketchy) at your lodge and this should cost you anywhere between Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 depending on where you buy. For the Everest region, consider purchasing wifi from Everest Link. For the Pokhara area, try Nepal Airlink.
Do I need both calling and data or will just getting data suffice?
That’s up to you. Most people in Nepal either use WhatsApp or VIBER. But not every Nepali is wi-fi connected or has data switched on at all times. Because of this you might want the ability to call people too. There are other non-Nepali data providers such as Holafly. I had a great experience using Holafly in Europe but that may not work as well in Nepal. Unless all you need is data to update your status on your social network or to call/message your friends and family back home on a messaging app.
Lastly, Crystal Mountain Treks does provide satellite phones for treks to remote areas such as Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Upper Dolpo etc.
