The two main mobile network providers in Nepal are NTC (Nepal Telecom) and Ncell, and both offer SIM cards suitable for tourists. SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to purchase in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and at the airport, usually by showing a passport and a passport-size photo.
Ncell is often preferred by tourists for its easy activation process and strong data packages in cities and popular tourist areas. NTC, being government-run, has wider coverage in rural and remote regions, including some trekking routes, though data speeds may be slower. Coverage in high-altitude trekking areas can be limited regardless of provider.
Tourist SIM packages typically include data, local calls, and SMS, and can be topped up easily at shops or online. Internet access is generally good in cities and towns, but travellers should not rely on mobile data in remote mountain regions.
Choosing the “best” SIM depends on where you plan to travel—city-focused trips may find Ncell sufficient, while wider regional travel may benefit from NTC.
Which network did you use in Nepal, and how was the coverage during your trip?
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