How to Set Up & Activate Your Nepal eSIM

Last updated: April 2026

How to set up your Nepal eSIM

This takes 5 minutes. Do it at home on Wi-Fi before your trip.

Check your phone first

Your phone needs two things:

  1. eSIM support. iPhone XS or newer. Samsung S20 or newer. Pixel 3a or newer. If your phone is from 2020 or later, it almost certainly supports eSIM.
  2. Carrier unlocked. Bought directly from Apple/Samsung/Google? You’re fine. Bought through a carrier? It might be locked. Call them and ask. Unlocking is usually free.
Warning

If your phone doesn't meet both requirements, an eSIM won't work. Get a physical tourist SIM at Tribhuvan Airport instead (Ncell counter, right after customs).

LTE bands

Nepal Telecom recommends devices support LTE Band 3 and Band 20 for their 4G network. Most modern phones support these, but if you're bringing an older or region-specific device, check your phone's specs.

Install the eSIM

You’ll get a QR code from your provider (via email or their app). Here’s what to do with it.

iPhone

  1. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
  2. Tap Use QR Code
  3. Scan the code
  4. Label it "Nepal Data" or whatever makes sense to you
  5. Set your original SIM for calls/SMS, the new eSIM for data

Android

  1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
  2. Tap + → Download a SIM instead
  3. Scan the QR code
  4. Set the new eSIM as your mobile data line

Configure your lines correctly

This is the part people mess up. You want:

On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → configure “Default Voice Line” and “Cellular Data.”

On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → set preferred SIM for each.

Info

If you skip this step, your phone might try to use your home SIM for data and you'll get roaming charges. Don't skip this step.

Activation

Most eSIMs activate the moment they connect to a Nepali network. Land in Kathmandu, your phone finds a tower, data starts flowing.

Two things that trip people up:

“Data Roaming” toggle: Some providers need you to turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line. This sounds scary but it’s fine. You’re on a prepaid eSIM. There’s nothing to “roam” into. Flip it on.

Manual network selection: If your eSIM doesn’t connect, go to Settings → Cellular → Network Selection and manually pick Ncell or NTC. This forces your phone to stop being indecisive.

Ncell tourist eSIM specifically

If you ordered the Ncell tourist eSIM online:

  1. Complete the online order with your passport details
  2. Receive the QR code by email
  3. Scan and install on Wi-Fi at home
  4. The eSIM activates when you connect to Ncell's network in Nepal

When things go wrong

QR code won’t scan: Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi. Try entering the activation code manually (your provider should give you one). Restart your phone and try again.

No signal in Nepal: Toggle airplane mode on/off. Check the eSIM line is actually enabled in your settings. Try manual network selection.

No signal on a trek: This might just be reality. Coverage in mountain areas is limited even on the best network. Check our coverage guide for what to expect.

Home SIM says “No Service” after installing eSIM: Your phone got confused about which line does what. Go back to cellular settings and make sure your home SIM is set as the default voice line.

Before you fly checklist

  1. Buy your eSIM (not sure which?)
  2. Install it via QR code
  3. Set eSIM as data line, home SIM for calls
  4. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM (here's why)
  5. Screenshot the QR code. Some providers only show it once.
  6. Download offline maps (critical for trekking)