eSIM in Nepal: How to Get an NTC or Ncell eSIM (2026 Guide)

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone. Instead of a plastic card, your operator sends a profile that you download, usually by scanning a QR code. Your number stays the same when you convert.

Two things make it worth having. On an iPhone you can install eight or more eSIMs and use two numbers at the same time, so an NTC and an Ncell number can share one phone. And Apple points out that an eSIM can't be removed from a lost or stolen iPhone the way a card can.

Does your phone support eSIM?

The quickest test works on any phone: dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number as well as the IMEI, the phone supports eSIM.

• iPhone: the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later support eSIM, except most models sold in mainland China.
• Android: many recent Samsung Galaxy S and Z models, Google Pixel phones and some others do. Budget phones often don't, so check with *#06# before you apply.
• Phones bought abroad: some iPhones have no SIM tray at all and need an eSIM. See eSIM-only iPhones in Nepal below.

A phone bought abroad also needs registering in NTA's MDMS system. Official importers register the phones they sell in Nepal before sale. Our MDMS registration guide shows how to check any phone and register one from abroad.

How to get an NTC eSIM

Nepal Telecom started eSIM in September 2022, and since February 2025 you can convert your SIM online. Converting an existing number costs Rs 50, and the online process needs at least Rs 50 balance.

Convert your NTC SIM to eSIM online

1. Open the NT app (update it first) and tap eSIM, or go to esim.ntc.net.np.
2. Choose Physical to eSIM, enter your 10-digit NTC number and the 6-digit OTP.
3. Enter your citizenship number and issuing district, then upload photos of both sides of your citizenship (under 300 KB) and take a live photo of the original card.
4. Submit and wait for approval. The request shows as pending until NTC checks it.
5. Once approved, download the QR code and scan it on your phone (steps below).
6. Dial *444*2# to switch on VoLTE, then restart the phone.

Steps as listed by Nepali Telecom.

New NTC prepaid eSIM

Since 11 May 2026 you can buy a brand-new prepaid NTC number as an eSIM: on esim.ntc.net.np, choose Get New Prepaid eSIM, register, and follow the steps (Kantipur). A new eSIM costs about the same as a new SIM card; the portal shows the amount before you pay. You can also get one through the Khalti app, or at any NTC office with your citizenship.

How to get an Ncell eSIM

Upgrading an Ncell SIM to eSIM costs Rs 100, taken from your balance, and the SIM must be registered in your name.

1. Open the Ncell eSIM page and fill in the eSIM conversion form: your Ncell number, citizenship (or passport or national ID) number, email and an alternate contact number, and agree to the Rs 100 charge.
2. Ncell calls you back to verify your KYC.
3. Install the eSIM Ncell sends you by scanning its QR code (steps below).

You can also convert at an Ncell Centre with your citizenship, passport or national ID, and a brand-new Ncell eSIM is bought at an Ncell Centre. Once you convert, the plastic SIM stops working, and going back to a physical SIM later carries Ncell's standard charge. Ncell eSIM isn't available on carrier-locked phones (Ncell).

NTC vs Ncell eSIM at a glance

Checked on 12 November 2026. Operators change fees; check their app or website before you apply.

How to install the eSIM on iPhone and Android

Connect to Wi-Fi first, and keep the QR code on another screen or on paper so the phone's camera can scan it.

• iPhone: Settings, Cellular (or Mobile Service), Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, then scan the QR code. Give the line a name such as "NTC" so you can tell your numbers apart.
• Android: Settings, then Connections or Network, SIM manager, Add eSIM or Add mobile plan, then scan the carrier QR code. Menu names differ by brand.

Two tips. Treat the QR code like a SIM card and don't share it. And with two lines on an iPhone, choose which one handles mobile data in Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data.

eSIM-only iPhones in Nepal

Some iPhones have no SIM tray, so in Nepal they work only with an NTC or Ncell eSIM:

• iPhone Air: eSIM only in every country, including the units we sell.
• iPhone Duo: Apple says it is activated with an eSIM and doesn't support a physical SIM.
• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bought abroad: they are eSIM only when bought in 12 countries and regions, including the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Canada and Japan. The iPhone 17 Pro is the same.
• US iPhones: since the iPhone 14, US models have had no SIM tray. Apple's US store lists the iPhone 16, 17e, 17, Air, 18 Pro and Duo as eSIM only.

So if someone brings you an iPhone from Dubai or the US, check it is carrier-unlocked first (Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”), get the eSIM sorted before you rely on it, and register the phone in MDMS. Thinking of buying one abroad? Our comparison of iPhone prices in Dubai, India and the USA vs Nepal shows what you'd save and what you give up.

eSIM iPhones and accessories in our store

Every iPhone we sell supports eSIM. Quality Computer is an authorised Apple reseller in Nepal, and iPhones are available on EMI with 20% down and 0% interest on a Nabil Bank or Machhapuchchhre Bank credit card (EMI details).

Prices checked on 12 November 2026 on our website.

In our store

iPhone Air

iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple 20W adapter

WiWU magnetic power bank

iPhoneApplePower banks

Frequently asked questions

How much does an NTC eSIM cost?

Converting an existing NTC number to eSIM costs Rs 50. A new prepaid eSIM costs about the same as a new SIM card, and the portal shows the amount before you pay.

How much does an Ncell eSIM cost?

Upgrading an existing Ncell SIM to eSIM costs Rs 100, taken from your balance. Apply with the form on Ncell's eSIM page or at an Ncell Centre.

Can I get an eSIM online in Nepal?

Yes. NTC converts and sells eSIMs at esim.ntc.net.np and in the NT app. Ncell converts existing numbers through an online form on its website. New Ncell eSIMs are sold at Ncell Centres.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

The iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later, except most models sold in mainland China. The iPhone Air and iPhone Duo work only with eSIM.

Can I use an eSIM-only iPhone from the US or Dubai in Nepal?

Yes, with an NTC or Ncell eSIM, if the phone is carrier-unlocked (Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”) and registered in NTA's MDMS system.

Can I use NTC and Ncell on one phone?

Yes, on a dual-SIM phone. An iPhone 13 or later can run two eSIMs at once, so both numbers can be eSIMs.

Sources

• How to activate Ntc eSIM, Nepali Telecom
• NTC eSIM online activation, ICT Frame, 5 February 2025
• Nepal Telecom's prepaid e-SIM can be purchased online, Kantipur, 11 May 2026
• Nepal Telecom launches eSIM service, The Kathmandu Post, 16 September 2022
• Ncell eSIM, Ncell
• eSIM adoption continues to grow in Nepal, Nepali Telecom, 10 August 2025
• Set up eSIM on iPhone and Using Dual SIM with an eSIM, Apple Support
• iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in these countries, MacRumors, 9 September 2026
• Buy iPhone 18 Pro and Buy iPhone Duo (UAE), Apple
• iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM only worldwide, TechCrunch, 9 September 2025
• Apple Promotes Benefits of Using iPhone 14 With eSIM While Traveling Abroad, MacRumors, 14 September 2022