1. Quick choice: NTC, Ncell, physical SIM or eSIM?
Do not choose only by the cheapest SIM price. In Nepal, network quality can change by district, ward, house, office building and travel route. Ask people near your actual location which network gives better signal, then compare starter price and data/call plans.
| Your situation | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I want the cheapest normal SIM | NTC prepaid or Ncell Pahilo SIM | Both have low visible starter cost. Choose by network coverage in your home/work area. |
| I need easy data/call bundles from day one | Ncell Sadhain ON / Yuwa or NTC packages | Ncell publishes starter plans with bundled resources; NTC packages can be bought after activation through NT App or USSD. |
| I use a newer iPhone/Pixel/Samsung with no physical SIM slot | eSIM | NTC supports new prepaid eSIM and physical-to-eSIM conversion. Ncell sells tourist eSIM through its eSIM shop. |
| My phone was stolen | Block first, replace later | Blocking protects bank OTP, wallet, social login and account recovery before someone misuses the number. |
| My SIM is very old or unused | Visit the operator centre | Inactive numbers can be barred or recycled. Recovery depends on the operator record and whether the number is still available. |
2. Documents and information to prepare
Your preparation
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Only checklist ticks are saved on this device. Tools Pasal never asks for or stores SIM number, citizenship, passport, OTP, QR code, ICCID or eSIM details.
3. Current SIM and eSIM price snapshot
Prices and starter resources can change. This table uses official NTC and Ncell public pages reviewed on . Confirm final stock, KYC requirement and plan resources at the counter before paying.
| Provider | Item | Published price | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | GSM prepaid SIM | Re. 10 | Official tariff says the starter SIM includes 40 minutes voice, 20 SMS and 300 MB data, with ownership tax included. |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | Physical SIM change / replacement | Rs. 50 | Use this when the SIM is damaged, lost after blocking, or must be changed. Visit an official counter or authorised process with ID. |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | Physical SIM to eSIM | Rs. 50 | Official NTC eSIM portal says the customer must have an eSIM-supported phone, Wi-Fi and minimum Rs. 50 balance. |
| Ncell | Pahilo SIM 2026 | Rs. 50 | Official Ncell Get Started data lists this as a Local/Indian SIM plan. Confirm stock and current resources before buying. |
| Ncell | Yuwa SIM Plan | Rs. 149 | Official Ncell Get Started data lists this as a Local/Indian SIM plan. |
| Ncell | Sadhain ON local plans | Rs. 99 to Rs. 999+ | Official Ncell data lists Rs. 99, 199, 399 and 999 starter options, with validity and included resources varying by plan. |
| Ncell | TouristPro eSIM | Rs. 595 / 995 / 1,995 | Official Ncell eSIM shop and Get Started data list Sprinter, Explorer and Voyager tourist options. |
4. Step-by-step guide for each situation
Click the situation that matches you. The flow is intentionally simple: choose correctly, register officially, test activation and protect the number.
Official NTC GSM tariff, eSIM portal and self-registration link reviewed on 23 June 2026.
Most users start with prepaid. NTC publishes GSM prepaid, postpaid and separate tariff pages; postpaid can require a different registration and billing setup.
NTC's eSIM portal links to the official new physical SIM self-registration form. Complete the form, save the QR/reference, then visit an authorised NTC SIM seller or counter.
Take the original identity document and the same details used online. The counter must match the SIM owner to the official record.
Make a test call or data check. Save PIN/PUK/security-code information safely because NTC notes these are needed for SIM block, reactivation and balance transfer.
5. eSIM in Nepal: what to check before you pay
eSIM is a digital SIM profile downloaded to your phone instead of inserting a plastic card. It is convenient, but mistakes are more painful: deleting a profile, changing phones or using an unsupported device can force a reissue.
- Confirm the phone supports eSIM before paying or converting.
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi before scanning/downloading an eSIM profile.
- Keep the QR code/email private; it can activate your mobile identity.
- Do not delete the eSIM profile before confirming the transfer/reissue process with the operator.
- If changing phones, ask the operator whether a fresh eSIM issue is needed.
New prepaid eSIM or convert existing SIM
The official NTC eSIM portal has separate cards for a new prepaid eSIM and for converting a physical SIM to eSIM.
- New eSIM
- Email registration + number selection
- Conversion
- OTP verification + Rs. 50 balance/charge
- Activation
- Use Wi-Fi and compatible phone
Tourist eSIM shop
Ncell's official eSIM shop is visible for tourist eSIM products. The app text says activation may require identity verification at an Ncell store.
- Sprinter
- Rs. 595
- Explorer
- Rs. 995
- Voyager
- Rs. 1,995
6. If your phone or SIM is lost: block first
Treat a stolen SIM like a stolen identity key. A mobile number can receive bank OTPs, wallet OTPs, email recovery codes, social-login codes and SIM-swap verification. The first goal is not replacement; it is blocking misuse.
7. If the SIM was not used for a long time
Old inactive SIMs are not always recoverable. Operators can bar, deactivate or recycle numbers according to their live policy and system record. Before depending on the old number, visit the operator centre with original ID.
- Call the number and note the message: rings, switched off, invalid or answered by someone else.
- Check whether your bank, wallet, email or social accounts still depend on that number.
- If the number is recycled, update all linked accounts immediately.
- If it is still in your name, ask for reactivation or replacement.
8. Use only official links for registration and eSIM
SIM registration involves identity documents and OTPs. Use operator pages directly; do not send ID photos or eSIM QR codes to unofficial form-fillers.
esim.ntc.net.npcustomer.ncell.com.np/#/RegisterSIMFrequently asked questions
How much does a new NTC SIM cost in Nepal?
The official NTC GSM prepaid tariff currently lists SIM cost as Re. 10, including ownership tax, with 40 minutes voice, 20 SMS and 300 MB data. Counter stock and starter resources should still be checked before payment.
How much does an NTC SIM replacement cost?
NTC's published GSM prepaid and postpaid tariff pages list SIM change charge as Rs. 50. Take the original ID used to register the number.
Can I convert my NTC physical SIM to eSIM?
Yes. NTC's official eSIM portal has a Physical SIM to eSIM path. It says your phone must support eSIM, you should connect to Wi-Fi, and you must have at least Rs. 50 balance for the eSIM change.
Does Ncell provide eSIM in Nepal?
Ncell has an official eSIM shop. The current public flow is clearly visible for tourist eSIM products, and the app text says identity verification/activation may be completed at an Ncell store after arrival in Nepal.
What documents are needed for a new SIM in Nepal?
Nepali citizens should carry their original citizenship or National ID details. Tourists carry passport and valid visa/arrival evidence. The operator may capture a live photo or ask for additional KYC details.
What should I do if my SIM or phone is lost?
Block the SIM first through operator support or an official centre, then request replacement after owner verification. Also secure bank apps, wallets, email recovery and social accounts linked to the number.
Can I recover a SIM that has not been used for years?
Maybe, but not always. Visit the operator centre with the original ID. If the number has been recycled to another customer, recovery may not be possible.
Is it safe to use a SIM registered in someone else's name?
No. It creates problems for replacement, blocking, bank KYC, wallet KYC, account recovery and legal responsibility. Transfer or register the number in your own name where the operator allows it.
Should I choose NTC or Ncell?
Choose by coverage first, then price and plan. Ask people in your home, office, college or travel route which network works better there; a cheaper SIM is not useful if signal is weak where you actually use it.