Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Internet in Kathmandu: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Kathmandu?
Median fixed broadband in Nepal is 89 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi in cafés and Thamel guesthouses is usually fine; power cuts are rare now, but check your hotel has a backup.
Getting online in Kathmandu
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from WorldLink, Vianet and Classic Tech is widespread; about NPR 1,000–2,000 a month for 100–300 Mbps. |
| Cafés and coworking | Wifi in cafés and Thamel guesthouses is usually fine; power cuts are rare now, but check your hotel has a backup. |
| Outages | Occasional fibre cuts and street-level power flickers |
| Tourist SIM | Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Ncell, Nepal Telecom (NTC) |
| Monthly data plan | Rs800–1,500 ($5.2–9.7) |
Coworking in Kathmandu
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in South Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 89 Mbps | — |
| Bangladesh | 71 Mbps | 39 Mbps |
| India | 64 Mbps | 128 Mbps |
| Sri Lanka | 37 Mbps | 59 Mbps |
| Pakistan | 18 Mbps | 32 Mbps |
| Afghanistan | 6 Mbps | 19 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Kathmandu?
Median fixed broadband in Nepal is 89 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi in cafés and Thamel guesthouses is usually fine; power cuts are rare now, but check your hotel has a backup.
Which SIM card should I get in Kathmandu?
Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days.
Can I use an eSIM in Nepal?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Kathmandu
Going to Kathmandu solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Nepal
- Ncell
- Nepal Telecom (NTC)
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Nepal Immigration (arrival form)
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- CIWEC Hospital
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.