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candolim114:01 UTC17 Sep 2007

When in India I have an Indian sim card which saves a huge amount over my UK card. Question?is it possible to do the same in Nepal, get a local sim card and number for the duration of my stay say 3/4 weeks and use it whilst there, if so how much and how would I go about it? Finally what would connection be like if say I was out in the wilds example rafting trip? Many thanks. Johnny G

anonymous16:25 UTC17 Sep 2007

There are two major providers in Nepal, NTC and Mero Mobile.
It is very difficult to get a NTC SIM card if you are not Nepali, but Mero Mobile is relatively easy to get. You can get it in many corner stores, some supermarket, music stores... Just look for the red and yellow Mero Mobile signs at the door. You will need a passport photograph and possibly some form of ID (I think a copy of your passport, but I am not sure) to get a SIM card. The SIM card is Rupees 500, including a balance of NRS 100. Also, you get one hour talktime a month free (only Mero Mobile to Mero Mobile).
Connetions are generally not that bad. The network is occasionally busy, especially in the eveninings, and sometimes, it can take you some time to get connected to someone using an NTC phone, especially friday nights.
And if you are out in the wild, it really depends in where in the wild you are...
Steph

petrus17:25 UTC17 Sep 2007

Mero Mobile: no calls outside Nepal and India. If I remember correctly no incoming either.

Rafting & trekking: forget cell phones...

Just learn to be without a phone, relaxing times...

ampr1150gs17:46 UTC17 Sep 2007

I used a Mero sim card when I was in Nepal. It was ok to use in Ktm and Pokhara but as #2 says, forget about it when rafting or trekking as you won't get a signal. Which is kinda good, because I'd hate to see mobile masts everwhere (although, no doubt they will come eventually). If you really really need to carry a phone in the wilderness you can invest in a satellite phone, but they ain't cheap.

candolim118:33 UTC17 Sep 2007

Thanx for your responses! Was not intending using when rafting but possibly in towns. Many thanks, Johnny G

pazu06:09 UTC18 Sep 2007

Then what are the better options of satellite phone with data plan?

Mobile sim card? Country forums / Indian Subcontinent / Nepal
candolim114:01 UTC17 Sep 2007	When in India I have an Indian sim card which saves a huge amount over my UK card. Question?is it possible to do the same in Nepal, get a local sim card and number for the duration of my stay say 3/4 weeks and use it whilst there, if so how much and how would I go about it? Finally what would connection be like if say I was out in the wilds example rafting trip? Many thanks. Johnny G
anonymous16:25 UTC17 Sep 2007	There are two major providers in Nepal, NTC and Mero Mobile. It is very difficult to get a NTC SIM card if you are not Nepali, but Mero Mobile is relatively easy to get. You can get it in many corner stores, some supermarket, music stores... Just look for the red and yellow Mero Mobile signs at the door. You will need a passport photograph and possibly some form of ID (I think a copy of your passport, but I am not sure) to get a SIM card. The SIM card is Rupees 500, including a balance of NRS 100. Also, you get one hour talktime a month free (only Mero Mobile to Mero Mobile). Connetions are generally not that bad. The network is occasionally busy, especially in the eveninings, and sometimes, it can take you some time to get connected to someone using an NTC phone, especially friday nights. And if you are out in the wild, it really depends in where in the wild you are... Steph	1
petrus17:25 UTC17 Sep 2007	Mero Mobile: no calls outside Nepal and India. If I remember correctly no incoming either. Rafting & trekking: forget cell phones... Just learn to be without a phone, relaxing times...	2
ampr1150gs17:46 UTC17 Sep 2007	I used a Mero sim card when I was in Nepal. It was ok to use in Ktm and Pokhara but as #2 says, forget about it when rafting or trekking as you won't get a signal. Which is kinda good, because I'd hate to see mobile masts everwhere (although, no doubt they will come eventually). If you really really need to carry a phone in the wilderness you can invest in a satellite phone, but they ain't cheap.	3
candolim118:33 UTC17 Sep 2007	Thanx for your responses! Was not intending using when rafting but possibly in towns. Many thanks, Johnny G	4
pazu06:09 UTC18 Sep 2007	Then what are the better options of satellite phone with data plan?	5

Mobile sim card?