Why an eSIM is Essential for Nepal
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Nepal does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in Nepalese hotels and cafes, especially in mountain areas:
- Availability: limited outside major cities and tourist areas
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, trekking, mountain areas)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, essential for traveling in Nepal, especially for trekking.
Network Coverage in Nepal
Nepal has moderate 4G coverage (75%) in populated areas thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Ncell |
75% |
No |
55% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Nepal Telecom |
70% |
No |
45% |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Kathmandu: good 4G coverage throughout the capital
- Pokhara: good coverage in the city
- Chitwan: moderate coverage in the park area
- Trekking routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna): variable, limited in high altitude areas
- Mountain areas: very limited coverage above 4000m
- Rural areas: limited, variable in remote areas
How to Install Your Nepal eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Nepal (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Nepal eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Nepal eSIM 2026"
countryCode="NP"
countrySlug="nepal"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$7",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8",
highlight: "Global leader",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$50",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Ncell network (leader 55%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Ncell network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
Conclusion
For all travelers to Nepal, an eSIM is essential as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and free WiFi is limited, especially in mountain areas.
Best choice: GoMoWorld 5 GB at ~$7 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 3 GB at ~$4 remains very economical.
Nepal eSIM FAQ
