Getting a New SIM Card in Nepal : NTC, Ncell, Smart Cell

At Hiking Bees, we understand how important it is to have a reliable SIM card when traveling to Nepal. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of getting a new SIM card in Nepal.

Why Get a New SIM Card in Nepal?

If you are traveling to Nepal, you might need to get a new SIM card to stay connected to your loved ones, access the internet, and make local calls. A new SIM card can help you save money on international roaming charges and allow you to communicate with the locals in Nepal. Moreover, having a local number can also be beneficial for both short and extended stays in Nepal, obtaining a local SIM card can prove to be an excellent way to save money. As a prudent traveler, one of the first things you should do after obtaining a tourist visa is to purchase a Nepalese SIM card. 

We suggest you choose an operator with the most coverage all over the country especially if you are visiting Nepal for trekking or hiking.

 

Choosing a Telecom Operator in Nepal

Choosing a SIM card depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Here's some information on the three major telecom companies in Nepal to help you make a decision:

 

1. NTC (Nepal Telecom)

NTC is the oldest and largest telecom company in Nepal. They offer reliable and affordable services with wide network coverage. Their services include voice calls, SMS, 3G, 4G, and ADSL internet. If you are looking for a more traditional telecom company with good coverage, NTC may be a good choice.

2. Ncell

Ncell is a privately owned company that offers a range of services including voice calls, SMS, 3G, 4G, and 5G internet. They have good network coverage and offer some unique features like Ncell Connect, which is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. If you are looking for a telecom company with good internet services, Ncell may be a good choice.

3. Smart Cell

Smart Cell is a newer telecom company that offers voice calls, SMS, and 4G internet services. They have a smaller network coverage compared to NTC and Ncell, but they offer more affordable prices. If you are looking for an affordable telecom company with good internet services, Smart Cell may be a good choice.

Although it's comparatively cheaper and provides good coverage in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you need to keep in mind that it has a weaker coverage in remote areas especially, if you are here for trekking to the mountains then NTC and Ncell would be a better choice for you.

 

Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and requirements. You may want to consider factors like network coverage, internet speed, call rates, and other services offered by each company before making a decision.

 

Types of SIM Cards in Nepal

In Nepal, you can get a prepaid or postpaid SIM card.

• A prepaid SIM card is a pay-as-you-go service that allows you to recharge your account and use it for calls, texts, and data.
  
  
• A postpaid SIM card, on the other hand, requires a monthly payment and offers a fixed amount of data, calls, and texts.

 

Where to Buy/Get a New Sim Card in Nepal?

There are several options for buying a new SIM card in Nepal. Here are some of the most common places to purchase a SIM card:

• Kathmandu Airport: If you're arriving in Nepal by air, you can purchase a SIM card from one of the mobile shops at the Kathmandu airport.
• Nepal Telecom Centers: Nepal Telecom (NTC) is a government-owned telecom operator in Nepal. You can purchase NTC SIM cards from any of their authorized centers throughout the country.
• Ncell Centers: Ncell is another popular telecom operator in Nepal. You can purchase Ncell SIM cards from their authorized centers.
• Mobile Shops: There are numerous mobile shops throughout Nepal where you can buy SIM cards from all major telecom operators.

When purchasing a SIM card, make sure to bring your passport or another valid form of identification as it is required to register the SIM card.

 

Documents Required for Getting a New SIM Card in Nepal

To get a new SIM card in Nepal, you will need to provide a few documents, including:

1. A copy of your passport
2. A passport-sized photo
3. A local address or hotel booking

It is essential to carry the original documents as well for verification purposes.

 

Steps to Get a New SIM Card in Nepal

Getting a new SIM card in Nepal is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a telecom operator based on your needs and preferences.
2. Visit the nearest outlet or store of the chosen operator.
3. Fill out the application form with your personal details and attach the required documents.
4. Submit the form along with the documents and pay the fee.
5. Wait for the SIM card activation, which may take a few hours to a day.

 

Recharging Your SIM Card in Nepal

In Nepal, there are several options to recharge your SIM card. Here are some of the most common ways to recharge your SIM card:

1. Recharge card: You can purchase recharge cards from authorized retailers of your telecom operator. Scratch the card to reveal the PIN number, dial the recharge code provided by the telecom operator, and enter the PIN number to recharge your SIM card.

2. Electronic recharge: Most of the telecom operators in Nepal allow you to recharge your SIM card electronically using digital wallets like eSewa, Khalti, or IME Pay. Simply select the recharge option, enter your mobile number and the amount, and follow the instructions.

3. Mobile banking: You can also recharge your SIM card through mobile banking services offered by your bank. Simply follow the instructions provided by your bank.

4. ATM recharge: Some banks in Nepal allow you to recharge your SIM card through their ATMs. Simply select the recharge option, enter your mobile number and the amount, and follow the instructions.

Make sure to check the validity period of the recharge and ensure that you have enough balance to cover the recharge amount.

 

Comparing the Three Companies

To help you decide which company to go with, we've created a comparison chart of the three companies:

Feature	NTC	Ncell	Smart Cell
Ownership	Govt	Private	Private
Prepaid	Yes	Yes	Yes
Postpaid	Yes	Yes	No
Coverage	Wide	Good	Limited
SIM card cost	NPR 200 ($2)	NPR 99 ($1)	NPR 99 ($1)
Call rates	Medium	High	Low
Data rates	Medium	High	Low
Network quality	Good	Good	Average

Tips for Using Your New SIM Card in Nepal

Here are some tips for using your new SIM card in Nepal:

• Check the network coverage and data speed in your area before choosing an operator.
• Use a data plan to save money on international roaming charges.
• Carry your original documents and a photocopy with you at all times.
• Be aware of fraudulent calls and messages asking for personal information or money.
• Use a VPN to protect your online privacy and access restricted content.

 

Mobile Data Speeds in Nepal

Now let's explore the mobile data speeds provided by NTC, Ncell, and Smart Cell.

NTC offers both 3G and 4G mobile data services. The maximum download speed for 3G is 7.2 Mbps, while for 4G, it is 42 Mbps. However, in reality, the speed may vary depending on various factors such as network congestion, location, and device compatibility.

For 5G, NTC is working on it and is currently in the testing phase now: Learn more

Ncell offers 4G mobile data services, and the maximum download speed is 150 Mbps. However, like NTC, the speed may vary depending on network congestion and other factors.

Smart Cell offers both 2G and 4G mobile data services. The maximum download speed for 2G is 236.8 kbps, while for 4G, it is 100 Mbps.

 

Additional Information

1. Mobile Balance Check

If you want to check the main balance on your SIM card in Nepal, there are specific numbers you can dial depending on your telecom operator.

For NTC, dial *400# and make a call to receive your remaining balance.

For Ncell, you can either dial *901# or *101#.

And for Smart Cell, dial *123#.

These codes will provide you with the information you need to check your balance directly on your phone.

 

2. Mobile Data Packs

Purchasing data packs for your SIM card in Nepal is easy and convenient, with a variety of options available for daily, monthly, and night-time usage. To buy a data pack, simply dial the relevant number for your telecom operator.

For Nepal Telecom (NTC), dial *1415# and choose your desired data package.

For Ncell, dial *123# or *17123# and select the data pack you need.

For Smart Cell, dial *141# and select your required package.

If you prefer not to purchase data packs, you can still use both voice and data services, but your main balance will be charged for the service. However, buying data packs is a more cost-effective way to use mobile networks.

 

Conclusion

Getting a new SIM card in Nepal is a relatively easy process, but it's important to do your research and choose the right company for your needs. Whether you go with NTC, Ncell, or Smart Cell, having a local SIM card will make it easier for you to stay connected while traveling in Nepal.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for a new SIM card in Nepal. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

 

FAQs

Can I get a SIM card at the airport in Nepal? Yes, you can get a SIM card at the airport in Nepal. Most telecom operators have their outlets or booths at the airport.

1. How long does it take to activate a new SIM card in Nepal?

It usually takes a few hours to a day to activate a new SIM card in Nepal, depending on the telecom operator and network coverage.

2. Can I use my international SIM card in Nepal?

Yes, you can use your international SIM card in Nepal, but it may result in high roaming charges. It is recommended to get a local SIM card for cost-effective communication.

3. Do I need to register my SIM card in Nepal?

Yes, you need to register your SIM card in Nepal to comply with the local regulations. You can register your SIM card by providing your personal details and a copy of your passport.

4. Can I keep my phone number when switching to a new operator in Nepal?

Yes, you can keep your phone number when switching to a new operator in Nepal by using the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service. MNP allows you to switch operators without changing your phone number.

5. How much does a new SIM card cost in Nepal?

The cost of a new SIM card varies depending on the operator and the package you choose. On average, a new SIM card costs around NPR 100-200.