Travel eSIM

Nepal
data from $3.99.

6 plans from 1GB to 20GB. Buy now, scan the QR, and your data works the moment you land.

Last checked: August 2026

You are flying to Kathmandu for a family visit, or you are heading to the Annapurna or Everest region for a trek. Either way, the last thing you want is to land and hunt for a local SIM with your passport and a passport photo while your luggage waits.

A Nepal eSIM gives you data the moment you switch off airplane mode. No shop, no paperwork, no waiting. Just a QR code installed before you leave, and you are online.

Who goes and why

For UK residents of Nepali origin, the trip is usually family first: Kathmandu, maybe Pokhara, a wedding or a funeral, and a lot of coordination over WhatsApp and Viber. You need a working number for data, not a tourist package with sightseeing discounts.

For India-based travellers, Nepal is a short flight or a land crossing. You might be going for pilgrimage, trekking or simply a weekend in Kathmandu. Your Indian SIM will roam for OTPs, but data roaming is expensive. A Nepal eSIM keeps your data costs predictable.

How much data for this trip

Pick data based on how you actually use your phone, not on a generic "heavy user" label.

  • 1GB / 30 days — for a 3-4 day city trip. Maps, WhatsApp texts, occasional photo uploads. No streaming.
  • 5GB / 30 days — for a 7-10 day trek or a two-week family visit. Offline maps, daily WhatsApp messages, short video calls. Skip Netflix and YouTube.
  • 10GB / 30 days — for longer stays or if you know you will video call daily, upload trek photos to the cloud, or stream music on buses.

If you are trekking, download offline maps (Mapy.cz or Organic Maps) before you leave. Trail data uses almost no mobile data, but Google Maps in remote areas can be patchy.

Two practical local notes

Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport: Wi-Fi at Kathmandu airport is unreliable. Install your eSIM before you fly and you have data for the taxi negotiation and the call to your host. If you land at Pokhara's new airport, same story.

Keep your home SIM active: Your UK SIM stays on for bank OTPs and two-factor authentication. Your Indian SIM, if you have one, roams in Nepal for SMS. Use the Nepal eSIM for data only. If your Indian prepaid balance is low, top it up before you travel via the India recharge page.

Install before you fly

The eSIM arrives as a QR code by email within a minute of purchase. Install it while you are on Wi-Fi at home or at the airport. Data starts on first connection in Nepal, and the 30-day validity begins then.

Follow the iPhone and Android install guide if you have never set up an eSIM. It takes about three minutes.

Nepal eSIM plans start at $X.XX for 5GB / 30 days. No contracts, no hidden fees. If your plans change before you connect, unused eSIMs are refunded on request.

Questions, answered

Does an eSIM work in Nepal for tourists?

Yes. If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, you can install a Nepal eSIM before you fly. Data starts when you connect to a local network in Nepal. You keep your UK or Indian SIM active for calls and OTPs.

How much data do I need for a trek in Nepal?

For a 7-10 day trek, 5GB is usually enough if you use maps offline, message on WhatsApp and avoid video streaming. If you plan to video call family or upload photos daily, take 10GB. For a short city visit of 3-4 days, 1-3GB covers maps and messaging.

Is Nepal eSIM cheaper than buying a local SIM at the airport?

A local SIM in Nepal can be cheaper per GB, but you need your passport, a photo and time to queue at the airport or a shop. An eSIM costs a bit more but is installed before you land, so you have data immediately. Prices start from $X.XX for 5GB.

Can I use a Nepal eSIM for hotspot sharing?

Yes. You can use your phone as a hotspot to share data with a travel companion or a laptop. Check your phone's hotspot settings before you travel. Battery drains faster when hotspot is on, so carry a power bank, especially on treks.

Will my Indian SIM work in Nepal for OTPs?

Indian SIMs (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL) roam in Nepal, so you will receive OTPs on your Indian number. Keep roaming on for SMS only. Use the Nepal eSIM for data to avoid high roaming charges. Recharge your Indian SIM before you travel if it is low on balance.

Which networks does the Nepal eSIM use?

The Slashtel Nepal eSIM connects to local networks in Nepal, including Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You get automatic network selection, so you do not need to configure anything manually. Coverage is strong in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along major trekking routes.

How it works

Three steps, no SIM card

Buy

Pick a plan, pay by card. QR arrives by email within a minute.

Install before you fly

Scan the QR on Wi-Fi at home. Takes two minutes. Keep your main SIM in.

Land and switch on

Enable data roaming on the Slashtel line. Done — no shops, no queues.