Comments on: Buying a SIM Card or eSIM for Travel in Nepal https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/ Tech gear, gadgets, reviews, and advice Thu, 01 May 2025 23:48:27 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-771514 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-771514 In reply to Sara B.

Thanks Sara – added that info into the topup section!

]]> By: Sara B https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-771513 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-771513 Worth noting that Ncell now have an app which you can use to top up/buy data bundles etc. You can just load money on from a visa or mastercard through an online payment system – easy to use, super helpful when you’re on the go.

]]> By: Harry Ghimire https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-685382 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-685382 Buying a SIM card in Nepal is quite easier. In TIA-Tribhuvan International Airport: foreigner or Nepalese can instantly take out a new SIM card of both Nepal Telecom and Ncell by providing valid visa and passport as identification document. Besides that, stationary and mobile shop even sell the SIM card. So there is not much more hectic in buying the SIM card in Nepal but to select the telecom operator of your need is very essential.

]]> By: Kushal https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-657533 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-657533 In reply to Dave Dean.

Now, there is Ncell 4G service in Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, Jhapa, Bandipur, Nepalgunj, sarlahi, janakpur, etc

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-650649 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-650649 In reply to Katy.

I don’t personally know (others might), but it might also be worth posing the question to your hotel/guesthouse, assuming you’ve booked one. They’ll likely know the answer, and if you ask nicely, may even be able to pick up a SIM for you for a small fee.

]]> By: Katy https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-650643 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-650643 I had planned to buy a SIM card on my arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, but my flight arrives late at night and I have to be up early to catch a bus the next day. Does anyone have any info on how late the kiosks in the airport might stay open or how early the shops in Thamel that sell them might open? Thanks

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-650339 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-650339 In reply to Caleb Job.

These two posts might help explain the logistics (here and here).

Buying a SIM card in Nepal was very straightforward, and the vendor will likely take care of everything for you. You just need to ensure your phone has a GSM SIM card slot and isn’t locked by your carrier. Having an iPhone 7 means you’ve got the first part covered, even if you’re from the US. If you bought the phone through your cell company, you’ll need to confirm the ‘unlocked’ part with them before you travel. If you’re fine on both fronts, you should use your iPhone in Nepal. If not, that’s the point where you start looking at alternatives (like a cheap Nokia or whatever).

]]> By: Caleb Job https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-650338 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-650338 Hi dave, great page but I’m still a little confused of the basic logistics of the whole process…
i can’t work out if i should take my iPhone 7 and somehow get my sim adjusted so that i can use it out in nepal without raking up a massive phone bill or if i should just buy a budget nokia to there with me????
thanks

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-644641 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-644641 In reply to Marie Connolly.

It’ll depend on which cell carrier(s) GigSky has a relationship with in Nepal. Any international SIM or MiFi roams with one or more local carriers in each country, so they’re only as reliable as the network they’re using.

]]> By: Marie Connolly https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-nepal/#comment-644639 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=12762#comment-644639 Hello Dave
This is really helpful information. I leave for Nepal tomorrow, and wondered if you have a view on the GigSky option? It’s probably more expensive, but maybe more reliable? I am on a research trip and haven’t been to Nepal before and so I will want the easiest and reliable option.
Marie

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