Best SIM for Nepal Travelers in 2024. Nepal is an attractive nation with magnificent landscapes a rich culture, and kind citizens. If you intend to travel to Nepal in 2024 you might be concerned about how to stay in touch with your loved ones back home or how to use the internet for practical purposes.
In this blog post, we will compare the three main mobile service providers in Nepal: Nepal Telecom Ncell and Smart Cell, and help you choose the best sim for Nepal based on your budget preferences and travel itinerary.
Read Also: Which is Best SIM Cards for Internet in India 2023
Mobile Service Providers in Nepal
There are three mobile service providers in Nepal: Nepal Telecom (NTC) Ncell and Smart Cell. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the coverage speed price and availability of their services. Here is a brief overview of each provider:
Nepal Telecom (NTC)
Nepal Telecom is the state-owned and oldest telecommunication company in Nepal. It offers prepaid and postpaid SIM cards for both local and international calls and data. NTC has the widest coverage in Nepal especially in remote and mountainous areas. However, its 4G network is still limited to some major cities such as Kathmandu Pokhara Biratnagar and Bhairahawa1.
NTC also offers various data packages and voice bundles for different durations and prices Any of their authorized dealers or service facilities across the nation sell NTC sim cards. A passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport or visa are required. The cost of an NTC sim card is 90 NPR (0.75 USD) with 50 NPR (0.42 USD) balance2.
Ncell
Ncell is the first private and largest telecommunication company in Nepal. It offers prepaid and postpaid sim cards for both local and international calls and data. Ncell has the best 4G network in Nepal covering more than 20 cities across the country3. Ncell also offers various data packages and voice bundles for different durations and prices. You can buy an Ncell sim card from any of their service centers or authorized dealers across the country.
A passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport or visa are required. The cost of an Ncell sim card is 99 NPR (0.83 USD) with 50 NPR (0.42 USD) balance4. Ncell also offers a special traveler sim card for tourists which costs 499 NPR (4.17 USD) with 500 MB data 50 minutes of local calls and 25 minutes of international calls valid for 7 days5.
Smart Cell
Smart Cell is the third and newest telecommunication company in Nepal. It offers prepaid SIM cards for both local and international calls and data. Smart Cell has the cheapest rates for calls and data in Nepal but its coverage and speed are not as good as NTC or Ncell. Smart Cell’s 4G network is available in some major cities such as Kathmandu Pokhara Birgunj Butwal Bharatpur Hetauda Biratnagar Janakpur Dhangadhi Bhairahawa.
Smart Cell also offers various data packages and voice bundles for different durations and prices. You can buy a Smart Cell sim card from any of their service centers or authorized dealers across the country. A copy of your passport or visa must also be presented, along with a photo the size of a passport. The cost of a Smart Cell sim card is 99 NPR (0.83 USD) with 50 NPR (0.42 USD) balance.
How to Choose the Best SIM for Nepal
Choosing the best sim for Nepal depends on several factors such as your travel destination duration budget and usage. The following guidance can assist you in making informed decisions:
- Use an NTC sim card if you’re going to rural or mountainous places where NTC offers the best coverage.
- If you are traveling to urban areas where Ncell has the best speed and 4G network you should go with an Ncell sim card.
- If you are traveling on a tight budget and do not need high-speed internet or extensive coverage you should go with a Smart Cell sim card.
- If you are traveling for a short period of time and want to have some data and voice benefits without hassle you should go with an Ncell traveler sim card.
- If you want to have more flexibility and convenience you can also buy two sim cards: one from NTC and one from Ncell or Smart Cell. This way you can switch between them depending on the coverage and speed of each provider.
Conclusion
Nepal is a wonderful country to visit but staying connected can be a challenge. By choosing the best sim for Nepal you can enjoy your trip without worrying about roaming charges or poor internet service.
We hope this blog post has helped you compare the three main mobile service providers in Nepal and choose the best sim for Nepal based on your needs and preferences. Happy travels!
Which network is best in Nepal?
The best network in Nepal depends on various factors, such as location, service, and plan. However, based on some web search results, some of the popular and reliable networks in Nepal are:
Worldlink, Vianet, ClassicTech, Subisu, Nepal Telecom, CG Net, and WiFi Nepal for internet service providers (ISPs).
Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and Smart Cell for telecom service providers.
These networks offer different speeds, plans, and services to suit different needs and preferences. You can compare and choose the network that best meets your requirements by checking their websites or contacting their customer care.