Best eSIM for Nepal
Coverage in Nepal is reliable in Kathmandu, Pokhara and main trekking trailheads including Namche Bazaar. Signal degrades above Tengboche and is virtually absent at Everest Base Camp — plan around offline maps and lodge Wi-Fi for any high-altitude trek.
Last checked: October 2026. Plans and prices change — verify before purchase.
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How much will it cost for your trip?
Nepal is not an EU member. EU RLAH does not apply. Carrier roaming is expensive. A travel eSIM is almost always cheaper. Cash in Rupees is essential on all trekking routes — tea houses and lodges only accept cash. Withdraw sufficient Rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting any trek.
Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara have good 4G. On the Everest route, Ncell has signal in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) but it becomes very weak above Dingboche (4,410m) and unreliable at Everest Base Camp (5,364m). On the Annapurna Circuit, signal is reasonable up to Manang (3,519m). Download offline maps (Gaia GPS, AllTrails or Organic Maps) and trekking route data in Kathmandu before heading to Lukla. Also download accommodation lists and emergency contacts.
Prices sourced from provider websites. Network information sourced from provider documentation and independent travel guides (2026).
eSIM — Nepal
Network coverage in Nepal
Two mobile operators serve Nepal: Ncell (dominant private operator, widest 4G network) and Nepal Telecom (NTC, state-owned, strong rural coverage). The third operator, Smart Telecom (SmartCell), collapsed in 2023, returning Nepal to a two-operator market. 4G is available on both in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and the main trekking gateway towns. No commercial 5G. High-altitude trails and remote Himalayan areas lose signal progressively — see the field tip above for specific altitude thresholds on the Everest and Annapurna routes.
On this page, aloSIM routes via Ncell and Airalo via Ncell or NTC (4G); Roamless does not disclose its carrier. Ncell has the widest 4G, so an Ncell-routed plan is the safer default for trekking-gateway towns and main routes.
Where are you travelling from? Does your plan cover this destination?
All AT&T plansPlan data / 1 day: US$12; plan data / 30 days: US$120.Compare: the pass may be enough.
Unlimited UltimateIncluded in the plan.Keep your plan.
Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome5 GB / 1 day: US$12; 20 GB / 30 days: US$100.Get an eSIM.
Experience Beyond (Go5G Next) · Experience More (Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX)Included in the plan.Keep your plan.
Essentials2 GB / 1 day: US$10; 15 GB / 10 days: US$50; 30 GB / 30 days: US$75.Compare: the pass may be enough.
All EE plans10 MB / 1 day: £16.Get an eSIM.
All O2 plans100 MB / 30 days: £26; 500 MB / 30 days: £45; 1 GB / 30 days: £65.Get an eSIM.
All Vodafone plansNo pass: pay as you go.Get an eSIM.
All Three plansNo pass: pay as you go.Get an eSIM.
All TELUS plansPlan data / 1 day: CA$18; plan data / 14 days: CA$70.Compare: the pass may be enough.
All Bell plans5 GB / 1 day: CA$16; plan data / 14 days: CA$100; plan data / 30 days: CA$120; plan data / 30 days: CA$320.Compare: the pass may be enough.
All Rogers plansNo pass: pay as you go.Get an eSIM.
All Vidéotron plansNo pass: pay as you go. (figure not confirmed by an official source)Get an eSIM.
All Telstra plansPay as you go: A$3/MB.Get an eSIM.
Choice Plus, Plus Family, Plus Promo5 GB / 1 day: A$5.Compare: the pass may be enough.
Other Optus plans1 GB / 1 day: A$10.Get an eSIM.
All Vodafone (TPG) plansPay as you go: A$1/MB.Get an eSIM.
All Vodafone Ireland plans500 MB / 1 day: €5.Compare: the pass may be enough.
All Three Ireland plansPay as you go: €4.99/MB.Get an eSIM.
All eir plansPay as you go: €4.99/MB.Get an eSIM.
Arrival protocol in Nepal
VPN, passwords and documents
On hotel or café Wi-Fi, a VPN can be useful to keep your browsing private from the network operator. A password manager is also worth having for managing account access on the road. A secure cloud backup of your passport, visa, insurance and accommodation details can also be useful — keep an offline copy too. None of these are mandatory.
Mistakes to avoid in Nepal
Continuing your trip in Asia?
Many travellers combine Nepal with neighbouring countries. See our guides for eSIM in India and eSIM in Sri Lanka. For multi-country trips combining Nepal with neighbouring Asia destinations, our Asia regional plan comparison may be useful.