Nepal eSIM: Stay Connected from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp
Land in Nepal already online. A HelloSIM eSIM gives you instant 4G/5G data with no roaming bills and no SIM swapping at the airport.
Touching down in Kathmandu with a dead phone is the last thing you want when a taxi driver, a trek permit and your guesthouse all need confirming. A HelloSIM eSIM gets you online the moment you land, so Nepal feels easy from the first minute.
Why use an eSIM in Nepal
Queueing for a local SIM after a long flight, hunting for a passport photocopy and topping up at a kiosk eats into your trek time. An eSIM skips all of that.
Nepal has two strong mobile networks: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). Both run solid 4G across populated areas, with 5G rolling out in parts of the Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu and Pokhara have reliable 4G and growing 5G
Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur are well covered
Nepal Telecom tends to reach further into remote hills and along trekking routes; Ncell is strong in cities
On high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna, expect patchy or no signal above the larger villages.
How to get connected
1. Buy your HelloSIM Nepal eSIM online and check the email
2. Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM profile
3. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line and you are online
How much data do you need
1-2 GB: a short trip, maps and messaging
3-5 GB: a one-to-two week visit with daily browsing
10 GB or more: long trekking trips, photo uploads and video calls home
Wi-Fi is common in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels, so your eSIM mostly covers travel days and remote stretches.
Language: Nepali (English widely understood in tourist areas)
Time zone: NPT (UTC+5:45)
Famous places: Everest Base Camp, Pokhara and the Annapurna region, and the temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square
FAQ
Is my phone compatible? Most phones from the last few years support eSIM, including recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy models. Check your settings for an Add eSIM option.
When should I install it? Install at home over Wi-Fi before you fly. The data plan only starts when you connect to a Nepali network on arrival.
Can I keep WhatsApp on my number? Yes. WhatsApp stays tied to your original number, so you keep chatting while using eSIM data.
Yes. Nepal's main mobile operators support eSIM roaming, so a HelloSIM eSIM gives you mobile data on arrival, provided your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked.
Is my phone compatible with a HelloSIM eSIM for Nepal?
Most recent phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note, and Z series. Your phone also needs to be unlocked.
How do I check whether my phone supports eSIM before my Nepal trip?
On iPhone, dial *#06# and look for an EID, or check Settings > General > About. On Android, look for an 'Add eSIM' option under SIM manager. An EID means your device supports eSIM.
Which networks does HelloSIM use in Nepal?
HelloSIM connects through Nepal's leading operators, primarily Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC/Namaste), which together cover Kathmandu, Pokhara, and most towns and highways.
Which is better in Nepal for coverage, Ncell or Nepal Telecom?
Both work well in cities, but Nepal Telecom (NTC) tends to reach further into remote and mountain areas, while Ncell often has strong urban 4G. HelloSIM connects you to available local networks automatically.
How do I buy and install a HelloSIM eSIM for Nepal?
Pick a Nepal plan on HelloSIM, pay, and you'll get a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone's settings to install the eSIM before you travel.
How do I install the eSIM QR code on an iPhone?
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code and scan the code from your HelloSIM email, then follow the prompts to label and enable the line.
How do I install a HelloSIM eSIM on an Android phone?
Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM (wording varies by brand) and scan the HelloSIM QR code. Menu names differ slightly across Samsung, Pixel, and other Androids.
Should I install my Nepal eSIM before flying or after landing?
Install it before departure while you have stable Wi-Fi, but keep data roaming off until you arrive in Nepal so the plan activates at the right moment.
When does the validity of a Nepal eSIM plan begin?
On most HelloSIM plans, the validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a Nepali network rather than at purchase, so installing early won't cost you any days.
Will I have internet at Tribhuvan International Airport when I land?
Yes. Once your eSIM is installed and data roaming is on, it should connect to a local network shortly after you land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.
Is there 4G in Nepal?
Yes. 4G/LTE is widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities and larger towns, offering good speeds for maps, messaging, and video.
Can I get 5G in Nepal?
5G is only in very early trial stages in Nepal and not generally available to travellers. In practice you'll be using 4G in cities and 3G in more remote spots.
What data speeds can I expect in Nepal?
City 4G is usually fine for browsing and video calls, but speeds can be inconsistent during peak hours or power fluctuations, and drop to 3G or nothing in mountainous regions.
Will my eSIM work while trekking in the Himalayas?
Coverage on popular treks is patchy. Lower villages and teahouses on routes like Annapurna and Everest often have some signal, but high passes and remote sections regularly have none.
Is there mobile signal on the Everest Base Camp trek?
There's intermittent coverage in villages such as Namche Bazaar along the route, but it's unreliable and disappears at higher altitudes. Don't count on continuous data above the treeline.
Does the eSIM work well in Pokhara?
Yes. Pokhara has solid 4G coverage in and around the lakeside and city area, so you'll generally have good data for maps, booking, and staying in touch.
How much data do I need for a week in Nepal?
For a week of maps, messaging, and moderate browsing, roughly 3-5 GB suits most travellers. Add more if you plan to stream video or share lots of trekking photos.
How much data should I get for a two- or three-week trek in Nepal?
For longer trips, an 8-15 GB plan is a common choice, though you'll be offline for stretches on high-altitude treks, which naturally reduces usage.
What data plans does HelloSIM offer for Nepal?
HelloSIM provides several Nepal data bundles in different sizes and validity periods, so you can match the plan to a short city visit or a longer trekking holiday.
Roughly how much does a Nepal eSIM cost?
Cost depends on data size and validity, but eSIM bundles are generally an affordable, convenient alternative to standard roaming. See the HelloSIM Nepal page for current pricing.
Can I use my HelloSIM eSIM as a hotspot in Nepal?
Yes, HelloSIM Nepal plans support tethering, so you can share your data with a laptop or a friend's phone, using up your bundle allowance.
Can I keep my home number while using an eSIM in Nepal?
Yes. The eSIM is a separate data line, so your home SIM stays active for calls and texts on your usual number while HelloSIM handles data.
How does dual-SIM work with an eSIM in Nepal?
Your phone runs your home SIM and the HelloSIM eSIM together; set HelloSIM as your data line and keep your home number for essential calls, ideally with home roaming turned off.
Do I need to set the APN manually for Nepal?
Usually not — HelloSIM eSIMs typically configure the APN automatically. If data doesn't work, the correct APN can be entered manually and is included in your activation details.
Do I have to enable data roaming for the eSIM to work in Nepal?
Yes. The eSIM connects as a visitor on Nepali networks, so you must turn on data roaming for the HelloSIM line, or you won't get any data.
Will turning on data roaming for the eSIM cost extra?
No. Roaming only needs to be enabled on the HelloSIM eSIM line to use your prepaid data; keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid your own carrier's charges.
What should I do if my eSIM shows no service in Nepal?
Confirm data roaming is on for the HelloSIM line, toggle airplane mode off and on, and if needed restart the phone or manually select Ncell or Nepal Telecom in network settings.
My eSIM won't register on a Nepali network — how do I fix it?
Ensure the eSIM line and data roaming are enabled, then in network selection turn off automatic and manually choose a Nepali operator to trigger a fresh registration.
Can I top up or add data if I run out in Nepal?
Yes. If you use up your bundle, simply buy another HelloSIM plan or top up through your account, so there's no need to visit a local SIM shop with paperwork.
What happens when my HelloSIM data runs out in Nepal?
Data stops once the bundle is used up, with no surprise overage fees. Just purchase a new plan or top-up to keep going online.
Does a Nepal eSIM include calls and SMS or is it data-only?
HelloSIM plans are data-only, but you can call and text over the internet using WhatsApp, Viber, Signal, FaceTime, and similar apps, which are widely used in Nepal.
How do I make calls in Nepal with a data-only eSIM?
Use internet calling apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger over your eSIM data. For local landline calls, keep your home SIM handy or use a VoIP service.
Can I use the same eSIM in India or other nearby countries?
A Nepal-only plan works only in Nepal. If you're also visiting India or other countries, choose a HelloSIM regional or multi-country plan that covers those destinations.
Is there a regional plan covering Nepal and other Asian countries?
Yes, HelloSIM offers regional Asia plans spanning multiple countries. For a multi-stop Asia itinerary, a regional bundle is more convenient than buying separate eSIMs.
What is the emergency number in Nepal?
Dial 100 for police, 102 for an ambulance, and 101 for fire. The general emergency number 112 also works from mobiles. Emergency calls usually connect even without an active plan.
Can I reach emergency services on a data-only eSIM in Nepal?
Emergency calls generally connect through any available network regardless of your data plan, but keeping your home SIM active gives you a dependable way to dial for help.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use the eSIM in Nepal?
No. The eSIM works alongside your physical SIM. Keep your home SIM in place and just select the HelloSIM eSIM as your data line.
Any tips for staying connected while trekking in Nepal?
Download offline maps, save teahouse and trail info in advance, carry a power bank since electricity is scarce on trails, and treat any signal as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Should I download offline maps before travelling in Nepal?
Yes. Given unreliable mountain coverage and frequent power cuts, save offline maps like maps.me and your itinerary before you go so you can navigate without a signal.
Can I get a refund if my Nepal eSIM doesn't work?
For a genuine technical fault, contact HelloSIM support before using the plan. Refund eligibility depends on whether the eSIM was activated and consumed; unused faulty eSIMs are reviewed case by case.
How long is a HelloSIM Nepal plan valid?
Validity depends on the bundle, commonly from around a week up to 30 days. Choose a plan whose validity matches the length of your trip or trek.
Can I install my Nepal eSIM on two phones?
No. Each eSIM QR code installs on a single device only. If you need data on a second phone, purchase a separate eSIM for it.
