How to Get an eSIM at TIA
Sherkha
April 5, 2025
Landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and heading out for a trek? You’ll want to stay connected, and thankfully, both Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) offer eSIM services right at the airport.
Whether you’re capturing stunning Himalayan views or navigating rugged trails, getting an eSIM is a quick and hassle-free way to ensure you’ve got mobile data from the moment you arrive. Here’s how to get set up and what to expect as you journey into Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes.
Where to Get an eSIM at TIA
You have two options,
Ncell eSIM Counter: After you go through immigration and pick up your bags, you'll see two Ncell booths:
✔️ The first booth on the right sells regular SIM cards.
✔️ The second booth, further down on the left, is the Ncell Centre, where you can get an eSIM.
Nepal Telecom (NTC) eSIM Counter: NTC also has a booth in the arrivals hall after immigration. Here, you can get both regular SIMs and eSIMs.
Cost & Packages
Ncell
✔️ eSIM Cost: Upgrading to an eSIM costs Rs. 100.
✔️ Data Packages: They offer various data packs. For example, you can get 8GB of data with some calling minutes for around 1000 NPR.
Nepal Telecom (NTC)
✔️ eSIM Cost: Existing NTC users can upgrade to an eSIM for Rs. 50. New users can get a SIM for Rs. 90, which includes Rs. 10 talk time, 40 minutes of voice calls, 20 SMS, and 300 MB of data.
✔️ Data Packages: NTC offers various data plans. For instance, 2.5 GB for 1 day costs NPR 55, and 25 GB for 28 days costs NPR 800.
Network Coverage for Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek
As you trek higher, especially beyond Tengboche, cell coverage becomes limited. Here's how Ncell and NTC perform along the EBC trail:
✔️ Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar: Both Ncell and NTC work, but NTC often has faster data speeds.
✔️ Tengboche: Ncell usually has better service here.
✔️ Dingboche: NTC tends to perform better.
✔️ Lobuche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp: Neither provider offers reliable coverage.
✔️ After Tengboche or Pangboche, you'll likely need to buy Wi-Fi access at tea houses, which can cost between 300–800 NPR per day.
Final Tips
✔️ Ncell is convenient at the airport for quick setup. NTC might offer better coverage in some areas. If your phone supports dual eSIMs, consider getting both.
✔️ Carry cash (NPR or USD) for SIM purchases, as card payments might not always be accepted.
✔️ Download the Ncell and NTC apps before arrival to manage recharges and monitor data usage easily.
By securing an eSIM upon arrival at TIA, you'll ensure seamless connectivity up to Tengboche. For areas beyond, be prepared to utilize Wi-Fi services at local accommodations.
