NTC and Ncell International Roaming (2026): How to Activate, Packs and Charges
Short answer: Roaming is switched on by default for NTC prepaid and Ncell in every country they cover except India. For India, dial *1415*7# on NTC and choose roaming, or *123*7*1# on Ncell. Activation is free on both. Your Nepal data packs don't work abroad, so buy a roaming data pack before you use mobile data, or keep data off.
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NTC international roaming
Nepal Telecom prepaid roaming now works in 62 countries, through 89 partner networks, and it's on by default everywhere except India (Khabarhub, March 2026). NTC began switching it on for all prepaid numbers from Shrawan 30, 2081 (Nepali Telecom).
Going to India
Dial *1415*7# and choose the roaming option. Or, in the Nepal Telecom app, tap buy packs, then International Services, Prepaid Roaming and Activate (Nepal Telecom). Activating and deactivating are free.
Before you leave
- Set up the Nepal Telecom app in Nepal. It signs in with an OTP, which you can't receive abroad until roaming connects, so NTC suggests activating the app before you travel.
- Your Nepal packs stop at the border. Domestic data and voice packs don't work abroad, and roaming is charged at roaming rates (Nepali Telecom). Incoming SMS is free, so bank and OTP messages still reach you.
- Postpaid: roaming isn't on by default. You need a balance of at least Rs 5,000. Then dial *1415*7# and choose 3, or visit an NTC counter with your ID.
Without a pack, NTC charges roaming calls per minute and data per 100 KB, at rates that differ by country. Check the roaming tariff on ntc.net.np before you use data abroad. For help, call 1498 in Nepal, +977 1 5901498 from abroad, or email roaming.support@ntc.net.np. When you're back, NTC suggests switching roaming off with *1415*7#.
Ncell international roaming
Ncell roaming is also on by default for every country except India (Ncell). For India, activate it first, for free, in any of these ways:
- Dial *123*7*1# and follow the prompts.
- In the Ncell App, open the Roaming tab and tap activate.
- In eSewa or Khalti: Top Up, then Ncell, then Roaming.
Calls and SMS work pay-as-you-go or with a pack. Mobile data only works with a roaming data pack, so buy one before you switch data on. For help, call Ncell care on +977 9809005000.
Roaming data packs
Ncell
Dial *123*7#, or buy a pack in the Ncell App, eSewa or Khalti. You can activate it before you fly or after you land. Some of the packs on Ncell's site:
| Pack | Price | What you get | Validity | Where it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Day India Combo | Rs 1,299 | 5 GB, 5 minutes of incoming calls | 7 days | India |
| 7 Day SE Asia and Middle East Combo | Rs 1,499 | 5 GB, 5 minutes of incoming calls | 7 days | Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia |
| 28 Day SE Asia and Middle East Combo | Rs 4,999 | 20 GB, 5 minutes of incoming calls | 28 days | Same 8 countries |
| 7 Day America and Europe | Rs 1,999 | 5 GB | 7 days | 15 countries, including the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Turkey (not Canada) |
| 28 Day World Pack | Rs 7,999 | 28 GB | 28 days | 27 countries, including Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, UK and USA |
Prices include tax, from Ncell's pack pages on 12 November 2026. Use beyond a pack is charged at roaming rates.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait aren't on the lists for these packs. Ncell's Best 28-Day Data Roaming Pack does cover both: Rs 2,499 for 4 GB over 28 days.
NTC
NTC sells roaming data packs too. Once roaming is active, buy one with *1415*7# or in the Nepal Telecom app. NTC suggests waiting until your phone connects to a network abroad, because validity starts when you buy (Nepal Telecom):
- India: Rs 100 for 100 MB (1 day), Rs 450 for 500 MB (7 days) or Rs 900 for 1 GB (28 days).
- Other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Malaysia: 3-day packs at Rs 500 or Rs 1,000, for 200 MB to 1 GB depending on the country. A few countries are postpaid-only.
For a long stay, a local SIM is still worth comparing.
Before you fly
- Going to India? Activate roaming first: *1415*7# on NTC, *123*7*1# on Ncell.
- Plan your data pack. Ncell packs can be bought before you fly. NTC suggests buying once you've connected abroad. Turn on data roaming in your phone's settings.
- Android on Ncell: set the APN to "web", as Ncell advises.
- Keep enough balance for calls and SMS, and recharge online if you run low. Our recharge guide shows how.
- No signal on arrival? Restart the phone, or pick a network manually in settings.
- Pack the right plug. See our travel adapter guide for the plug type in each country.
Roaming or a local SIM?
For a short trip, a roaming pack is the easy option: your number keeps working and nothing changes on the phone. For a long stay, such as work abroad, a local SIM usually works out cheaper for daily data.
You don't have to give up your Nepali number. On a dual-SIM phone, keep your NTC or Ncell SIM in one slot for bank OTPs, which arrive free on NTC roaming, and use the local SIM for data. Many newer phones take an eSIM, so both can fit even on a phone with one SIM tray. Our eSIM in Nepal guide shows how to convert your number.
Quick verdict
- Roaming is on by default except for India, on Ncell and NTC prepaid. NTC postpaid needs activating.
- India: *1415*7# on NTC, *123*7*1# on Ncell.
- Nepal data packs don't work abroad. Buy a roaming pack or keep data off.
- Long stay: a local SIM for data, your Nepali number for OTPs.
Travel essentials in our store
Quality Computer sells travel adapters, power banks and chargers for the trip. Visit our store in Birtamode, Jhapa or order online for delivery across Nepal.
| Product | What it is | Our price |
|---|---|---|
| Fantech TAC1 travel adapter | Travel adapter for 150+ countries, with USB-C and USB-A ports | Rs 2,699 |
| Havit PB91 20,000mAh power bank | 20,000mAh power bank with 22.5W fast charging | Rs 3,000 |
| Havit PB89 10,000mAh power bank | 10,000mAh power bank with 22.5W fast charging | Rs 2,550 |
| Mcdodo 20W GaN charger | Small 20W USB-C charger for iPhone and Android | Rs 2,300 |
| WiWU 33W GaN fast charger | 33W charger with USB-C and USB-A | Rs 1,900 |
| Ultima Atom 520 Pro earbuds | Wireless earbuds with 45 hours of playback | Rs 1,590 |
| iPhone 17 | The standard iPhone 17, supports eSIM | From Rs 1,73,499 |
Prices checked on 12 November 2026 on our website.
In our store
Fantech TAC1 travel adapter
Havit PB91 power bank
WiWU 33W GaN charger
Ultima Atom 520 Pro
Frequently asked questions
How do I activate roaming on NTC?
Prepaid roaming is on by default in every country except India. For India, dial *1415*7# and choose roaming, or activate it in the Nepal Telecom app.
How do I activate Ncell roaming for India?
Dial *123*7*1#, or open the Roaming tab in the Ncell App. You can also do it from eSewa or Khalti.
Is roaming activation free?
Yes. Both NTC and Ncell activate roaming for free. You pay for the calls, SMS and data you use.
Do my Nepal data packs work abroad?
No. Domestic packs don't work abroad. Buy a roaming data pack, or keep mobile data off.
Which Ncell roaming pack works in Malaysia, Qatar and the UAE?
Several do. The SE Asia and Middle East Combo is Rs 1,499 for 5 GB over 7 days, or Rs 4,999 for 20 GB over 28 days. The 28 Day World Pack (Rs 7,999, 28 GB) and the Best 28-Day Data Roaming Pack (Rs 2,499, 4 GB) also cover them.
How do I contact NTC roaming support from abroad?
Call +977 1 5901498 or email roaming.support@ntc.net.np.
Sources
- Nepal Telecom expands prepaid roaming service to 62 countries, Khabarhub, 19 March 2026
- GSM Prepaid Service, Nepal Telecom
- How to Activate International Roaming in Ntc?, Nepali Telecom, updated 11 July 2026
- Ncell Roaming (FAQs), Ncell
- International Roaming Data Package, Nepal Telecom
- 7 Day India Combo Pack, Ncell; 7 Day SE Asia and ME Combo; 28 Day SE Asia and ME Combo; 7 Day America and Europe; 28 Day World Pack; Best 28-Day Data Roaming Pack