NTC eSIM in Nepal 2026: Complete Guide – How to Get, Activate & Use

Physical SIM cards are slowly becoming outdated. Nepal Telecom (NTC) was the first operator in Nepal to launch eSIM, and now you can get or convert to eSIM completely online without visiting any counter.

This guide covers everything you need to know about NTC eSIM in 2026.

What is an eSIM?

eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is built into your phone. Unlike a physical SIM card, you don’t need to insert or remove anything. The SIM profile is downloaded and activated through a QR code.

Main advantages of eSIM:

No need to change physical SIM when switching phones
You can keep two numbers (physical SIM + eSIM) on the same phone
Safer – cannot be lost or stolen easily
Faster activation (especially online)

Does Your Phone Support eSIM?

Before applying, check if your phone supports eSIM:

Open the Phone dialer
Dial *#06#
If you see an EID number (usually starts with 89), your phone supports eSIM

Popular phones that support eSIM:

iPhone XS and later (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series)
Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Z Flip, Z Fold series
Google Pixel 3 and later
Many recent flagship and mid-range Android phones (Redmi Note 14/15 Pro+, etc.)

Note: Some China-variant phones may not support eSIM even if the model usually does.

How to Get NTC eSIM in 2026

There are three main ways:

1. Convert Existing Physical SIM to eSIM (Most Common)

Cost: Rs. 50 (deducted from main balance)

Requirements:

Active NTC number
At least Rs. 50 main balance
Updated KYC/profile in NTC system
Citizenship details matching NTC records

Online Process (Recommended):

Go to the official portal: https://esim.ntc.net.np
Or open NT App → eSIM section
Enter your 10-digit NTC number and request OTP
Enter OTP and verify your details (Citizenship number + Issued District)
Upload a clear live photo holding your citizenship card
Submit the request (Rs. 50 will be deducted)
Wait for SMS: “Your request for eSIM has been accepted”
Important: Switch to Wi-Fi (do not use mobile data)
Log in again → Download/Activate the eSIM → Scan the QR code
Once activated, your physical SIM will be deactivated automatically

After activation tip:
Dial *444*2# to activate VoLTE, then turn on VoLTE in phone settings and restart your phone.

2. Buy New Prepaid eSIM Online

You can buy a completely new NTC prepaid eSIM from home.

Options:

Official portal: https://esim.ntc.net.np
Khalti App → Search “NTC Prepaid E-SIM” (costs around Rs. 90)

You will need to upload citizenship/ID documents and a live photo. After verification, you receive a QR code via email/SMS.

3. Visit NTC Counter

Still possible if you prefer offline process or face issues with online verification.

Important Guidelines from NTC

Always use Wi-Fi when downloading and activating the eSIM
Do not activate eSIM using mobile data of the same number
Your profile must be updated (KYC complete)
Clear live photo with citizenship is mandatory
After successful activation, physical SIM stops working

NTC eSIM vs Physical SIM

Feature	Physical SIM	eSIM
Can be lost/stolen	Yes	No
Dual number support	Limited	Easy
Switch phones	Need to remove SIM	Just transfer profile
Activation	Insert & wait	QR code scan
Cost to convert	–	Rs. 50

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?
Yes, most modern phones support Dual SIM (one physical + one eSIM).

What happens to my number and balance after converting to eSIM?
Your number, balance, packs, and all services remain exactly the same.

Can foreigners get NTC eSIM?
Yes, but the process is usually done at NTC counters with passport.

Is eSIM available for postpaid numbers?
Yes, both prepaid and postpaid are supported.

What if activation fails?
Contact NTC customer care or visit the nearest service center. You can also re-apply after fixing profile issues.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, getting an NTC eSIM is much easier than before. You can convert your existing SIM or buy a new one completely online. If your phone supports eSIM, it is worth switching for convenience and security.

Have you already converted to NTC eSIM? Or are you planning to? Share your experience in the comments.