The short answer
Buy a local SIM at the airport or in the city with your passport and a photograph; data is cheap and coverage is good in cities and along main roads. Wifi is common in hotels and cafes but can be slow in the hills and absent on high trails.
Power cuts are rarer than they were, but carry a power bank. Download offline maps and your documents before heading to remote areas.
Key facts
- SIM
- Passport and photo
- Coverage
- Cities and roads
- Wifi
- Hotels, cafes
- Trek
- Patchy
How it works
- Buy a SIMAt the airport.
- Register with IDPassport.
- Test dataBefore leaving.
- Download offline mapsAnd documents.
- Carry a power bankLong days.
Insider tip
Download offline maps and tickets before you leave the city.
Avoid this
Do not rely on mobile data in remote valleys.
Related questions
Does my phone work?
Usually if unlocked.
Is wifi free?
Often in hotels; sometimes paid on trek.
Quick trip match
Plan your Nepal trip in 60 seconds
Answer four short questions. We show trips that fit, and a planner can send a route and price. Free, no payment.
Trips that match this guide
Keep reading
More guides to explore
- Stays and CelebrationsStay types, tea houses, heritage hotels, weddings and celebrations.
- Itineraries and Booking3 to 14 day plans, private vs group, inclusions and booking.
- Nepal for EveryoneSeniors, access, budget, responsible travel and comparisons.
- Special ToursMuslim-friendly, group, kids, bus and cycling tours.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
