Admin UserPractical details like data and cash can make or break a smooth trip. This guide covers SIM cards, Wi-Fi, ATMs and money in Nepal: which networks work best, how to buy a SIM, what to expect on treks, how to get cash, how to exchange currency, how much to tip and how to avoid common money mistakes.
Mobile data and SIM cards
The main providers are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). You can buy a tourist SIM at Kathmandu airport or in the city with your passport and a photo. Data packages are cheap, typically a few dollars for several gigabytes.
- NTC often has better coverage in remote mountain areas.
- Ncell is popular in cities and offers good data deals.
- Consider carrying both if you trek.
The official sites of Nepal Telecom and Ncell list current packages and tourist offers.
Buying a SIM step by step
- Bring your passport and a passport-sized photo.
- Visit an airport or city shop.
- Fill in the form, which the shop will usually help with.
- Choose a data pack, and ask them to activate it before you leave.
- Test the connection before you walk away.
Keep your receipt, and ask how to top up. eSIM options exist for some phones; check compatibility before you travel.
Wi-Fi on treks
Tea houses on popular routes sell Wi-Fi by the hour or day, but speeds are slow and unreliable above 4,000 m. Charging devices typically costs USD 2–5 on the trail. Bring a power bank or solar charger, and download maps and documents offline. Expect to be mostly disconnected on remote routes such as Manaslu or Nar Phu. Read the packing list for charging gear.
Cash, ATMs and cards
- ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdrawal limits per transaction are modest, and fees apply.
- Cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and shops, but small businesses prefer cash.
- Trekking: carry enough rupees for the whole trip, as ATMs on routes are rare.
Notify your bank before you travel and check foreign transaction fees. Withdraw cash during daylight at ATMs inside banks where possible.
Currency exchange
Exchange money at licensed counters in Thamel or banks. Compare rates and get small notes. Do not exchange with street touts. The Nepal Rastra Bank publishes official exchange rates on its website. Keep receipts if you plan to convert unused rupees back at the airport, since some counters require proof.
How much cash do you need?
| Situation | Suggested cash |
|---|---|
| City sightseeing, per day | USD 30–60 |
| Tea-house trek, per day | USD 30–50, excluding guide and permits |
| Short trek (4–5 days) | USD 150–250 |
| Long trek (14 days) | USD 400–700 |
These are rough guides. Carry a buffer for emergencies and delays, and divide cash between bags.
Tipping
Guides and porters usually receive 10–15% of the trip cost shared among staff. Restaurants customarily expect about 10% if no service charge is included. Drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips. Give tips in rupees if possible and hand them over in person.
Budget planning
See the daily budget guide and the visa guide for fees you might pay in USD. Remember that prices rise with altitude on treks.
Useful apps
Offline maps, a translation app, a weather app, a ride-hailing app and your airline's app are all useful. Download them before you travel, and save maps of your trek route offline.
eSIMs and other options
Some phones support eSIMs that work in Nepal, which lets you arrive with data already active. Coverage and prices vary, and they may not work as well in remote areas as local SIMs. If your phone supports it, an eSIM is convenient for city travel, while a local SIM often gives better value and coverage on trek routes.
Coverage on trek routes
Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads, patchy on popular treks and absent in remote valleys. Tea-house Wi‑Fi cards sell by time or data, and speeds are slow. In remote areas such as Manaslu and Nar Phu, assume you will be offline for most of the trek. Tell family your plan, and download maps, books and music in advance.
Cash planning by trek
| Trek | Suggested cash in rupees (excluding agency payments) |
|---|---|
| Poon Hill (5 days) | USD 120–200 |
| Annapurna Base Camp (10 days) | USD 250–400 |
| Everest Base Camp (14 days) | USD 400–700 |
| Annapurna Circuit (14 days) | USD 350–600 |
| Manaslu Circuit (14 days) | USD 350–600 |
Prices rise with altitude, so carry more if you plan to buy snacks, showers and charging often.
Exchange rate and fee tips
Compare rates between airport counters, city exchange offices and banks. Avoid exchanging all your money at the airport, where rates can be less favourable, and keep exchange receipts. Check your bank's fees for foreign cash withdrawals, and consider a card with no foreign transaction fee.
Paying your agency and local providers
Many agencies take a deposit by bank transfer or card and the balance in cash on arrival. Always request a written receipt and keep it. Be cautious about paying large amounts by untraceable methods, and check the company's registration. Our responsible travel guide lists questions to ask.
Emergency money plan
Carry a small reserve in USD and rupees hidden in a separate place, keep a card in a different bag and note your bank's emergency number. If your card is lost or stolen, call your bank immediately, and ask your hotel or agency to help you find a safe place to receive funds if needed.
Staying safe with money
Keep cash in more than one place, use hotel safes for spare cash and passports, and avoid showing large amounts in public. Watch your belongings in crowded areas such as Thamel and local buses; see our safety guide. If your card is lost, call your bank immediately.
Paying for services
Many tour operators accept bank transfers or cards for deposits, and cash for final balances. Always get a written receipt. Beware of requests for large payments by untraceable methods. See our guidance on choosing agencies in the responsible travel guide.
FAQ
Which SIM is best for tourists?
Ncell for cities, NTC for remote areas. Many travellers carry both.
Can I use my home SIM?
Roaming is expensive; local SIMs or eSIMs are better.
Is it safe to use ATMs?
Yes, in secure locations. Use machines inside banks.
How much cash should I carry on a trek?
Estimate USD 30–50 per day, plus extra for emergencies.
Can I pay by card in Nepal?
At larger businesses, yes. Carry cash for small shops, taxis and trekking.
