Interested in going to India for a few days? What about China, Bhutan, or Bangladesh? It is relatively easy to get to these destinations. But should you bring your NTC, Nepal Telecom, phone with your while traveling abroad? Is roaming worth it with NTC? We will find out today.
Table of Contents
Can I roam with NTC?
Both NTC prepaid and postpaid customers can roam abroad in numerous destinations. The availability of roaming destination differs between prepaid and postpaid users. Postpaid users can roam at a discounted tariff in various destinations such as China, the US, France, and Japan, while prepaid customers can only roam in China and India.
No idea how roaming works? I made this comprehensive guide about what roaming is and how it works. It is worth the read – promised!
What do I need to know about roaming with NTC?
NTC does not offer any roaming packages, meaning that if you decide to roam while abroad, you will be charged per action. An action could be making a phone call, receiving a phone call, or using mobile data. Receiving a text message is free regardless of the destinations you are visiting.
Postpaid roaming tariffs differ per country and even between preferred roaming operators. For example, making a phone call to Nepal from Afghanistan on Afghan Wireless would cost you रू 494.19/min (Nepalese Rupees – NPR), while it would cost you रू 362.41/min on TDCA.
Roaming on NTC prepaid is only available in China and India with local outgoing calls starting at रू 30/min.
NTC allows its prepaid and postpaid customers to data roam in 14 destinations around the world. NTC' data roam pilot started on the 6th of September 2019 in India for रू 10/MB (100 KB increments). On the 18th of September, they added 13 more destinations to the list, although the tariff varies by destination.
Unfortunately, for now, data roaming in the new destinations is for postpaid customers only.
How do I enable the NTC roaming service?
NTC customers can either dial a number or use the Nepal Telecom app to enable NTC roaming service.
NTC prepaid customers have to dial *1415*7# from your prepaid phone and choose the option in the list to subscribe to the prepaid roaming service.
If you want to enable roaming through the Nepal Telecom app, you have to follow the following steps:
(Note: NTC recommends you to download and activate the app while you are still in Nepal. You cannot receive the one-time passport (OTP) to activate the app without being connected to a network)
- Open the app
- Go to Buy Packs
- Choose International Services
- Choose Prepaid Roaming*
- Press on Activate
- Click on Buy Packs again
- Press OK
* Even if you are on a postpaid plan, you do have to select Prepaid Roaming to activate roaming.
Congratulations – roaming has been activated on your phone!
Where can I roam with NTC?
Roaming tariffs and availability differ between postpaid and prepaid customers. Below you can find the tariffs for both options together with the corresponding roaming rates.
NTC Prepaid International Roaming destinations and tariffs
Notes:
1. All prices are in NPR per minute or text with the relevant taxes included
2. L. Out. Call stands for Local Outgoing Call
3. Out. Call ROW stands for Outgoing Call to Rest of the World
4. Inc. Call stands for Incoming Call
5. Incoming SMS are free of charge
Destination | L. Out. Call | Call to Nepal | Out. Call ROW | Inc. Call | SMS |
China | 50 | 90 | 397 | 53 | 54 |
India | 30 | 30 | 397 | 14 | 24 |
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming zones and tariffs
NTC uses zones to group roaming tariffs. Below you can find the list of zones and the corresponding destinations or regions. Underneath, a table with zones and rates can be found as well.
- Zone 1 – China & Hong Kong
- Zone 2 – United States & Canada
- Zone 3 – India
- Zone 4 – Europe & Russia
- Zone 5 – Asia
- Zone 6 – Middle East
- Zone 7 – SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Countries except for India
- Zone 8 – Australia
Notes:
1. All prices are in NPR per minute or text with the relevant taxes included
2. L. Out. Call stands for Local Outgoing Call
3. Out. Call ROW stands for Outgoing Call to Rest of the World
4. Inc. Call stands for Incoming Call
5. Incoming SMS are free of charge
6. The tables may be best viewed in landscape mode or desktop view (when on mobile)
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Zone 1 | 90 | 50 | 53 | 544 | 397 |
Zone 2 | 59 | 44 | 31 | 38 | 397 |
Zone 3 | 30 | 30 | 14 | 244 | 397 |
Zone 4 | 90 | 80 | 111 | 344 | 397 |
Zone 5 | 135 | 135 | 90 | 34 | 397 |
Zone 6 | 70 | 50 | 55 | 30 | 397 |
Zone 7 | 107 | 95 | 42 | 38 | 397 |
Zone 8 | 119 | 119 | 20 | 28 | 397 |
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 1 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 90 | 50 | 53 | 54 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- China – China Mobile & China Unicom
- Hong Kong – HKT & China Mobile
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 2 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 59 | 44 | 31 | 38 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- United States – T-Mobile & AT&T
- Canada – Bell, Telus & Rogers
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 3 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 30 | 30 | 14 | 24 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- India – Bharti Airtel, Idea & Vodafone
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 4 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 90 | 80 | 111 | 34 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- France – Orange
- Belgium – Proximus
- United Kingdom – 3 UK & Jersey Telecom
- Netherlands – KPN & T-Mobile
- Denmark – TDC/YouSee & Telenor
- Germany – Telekom Deutschland
- Poland – T-Mobile
- Switzerland – Sunrise &Swisscom
- Italy – WIND, 3 Italy & TIM
- Uzbekistan – Unitel
- New Zealand – 2 degrees
- Norway – Telenor
- Sweden – Telenor
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 5 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 135 | 135 | 90 | 34 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- Malaysia – DIGI
- Philippines – SMART
- South Korea – SK Telecom & KT
- Japan – NTT Docomo & Softbank
- Thailand – AIS & dtac
- Myanmar – MPT
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 6 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 70 | 50 | 55 | 30 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- United Arab Emirates – Etisalat & Du
- Qatar – Ooredoo (Qtel)
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 7 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 107 | 95 | 42 | 38 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- Sri Lanka – Mobitel
- Bangladesh – Banglalink & Grameen Phone Bangladesh
NTC Postpaid Discounted International Roaming Zone 8 rates & destinations
Action | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS | Out. Call ROW |
Price | 119 | 119 | 20 | 28 | 397 |
Destinations & operator(s):
- Australia – Telstra
NTC Postpaid Standard International Roaming tariffs
NTC Postpaid subscribers can roam in the following destinations. However, the rates differ per country and per operator.
Notes:
1. All prices are in NPR per minute or text with the relevant taxes included
2. L. Out. Call stands for Local Outgoing Call
3. Out. Call ROW stands for Outgoing Call to Rest of the World
4. Inc. Call stands for Incoming Call
5. Incoming SMS are free of charge
6. Rates may fluctuate due to the NPR/USD exchange rate
7. Tables may be best viewed in landscape mode or desktop view (when on mobile)
Destinations A-M
Destination | Operator | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS |
Afghanistan | Afghan Wireless | 494.19 | 98.84 | 136.75 | 82.36 |
Afghanistan | TDCA | 362.41 | 98.84 | 136.75 | 82.36 |
Albania | Vodafone | 374.60 | 63.53 | 97.66 | 30.93 |
Armenia | MTS | 404.34 | 74.88 | 97.66 | 37.44 |
Australia | Optus | 413.67 | 67.77 | 97.66 | 44.20 |
Australia | Vodafone | 286.74 | 67.55 | 113.30 | 43.97 |
Austria | A1 | 485.61 | 139.35 | 97.66 | 63.34 |
Bahrain | VIVA | 497.85 | 127.45 | 97.66 | 71.69 |
Bangladesh | Aktel | 430.54 | 108.50 | 162.88 | 43.05 |
Belarus | MTS | 534.88 | 35.19 | 97.66 | 21.11 |
Belgium | Orange | 501.45 | 158.35 | 97.66 | 37.83 |
Belgium | Base | 439.87 | 89.73 | 97.66 | 21.82 |
Bhutan | B-Mobile | 228.32 | 138.38 | 192.77 | 34.59 |
Bhutan | TashiCell | 149.75 | 74.88 | 129.26 | 74.88 |
Cambodia | Cellcard | 282.31 | 69.19 | 166.85 | 41.18 |
Canada | Videotron | 299.51 | 133.28 | 230.94 | 37.44 |
Czech Republic | Vodafone | 690.85 | 69.08 | 97.66 | 34.54 |
Denmark | Telia | 354.63 | 64.07 | 97.66 | 47.28 |
Egypt | Vodafone | 615.81 | 87.97 | 97.66 | 52.78 |
El Salvador: Buying Guide”>El Salvador | CTE | 344.43 | 74.88 | 172.54 | 29.95 |
Estonia | Elisa | 316.70 | 105.57 | 97.66 | 32.55 |
Finland | Telia | 263.92 | 59.82 | 97.66 | 28.15 |
France | Free Mobile | 527.84 | 87.97 | 97.66 | 42.23 |
France | SFR | 263.92 | 124.92 | 176.84 | 42.23 |
Georgia | MagtiCom | 449.26 | 89.85 | 97.66 | 29.95 |
Germany | O2 | 350.13 | 174.19 | 97.66 | 52.78 |
Germany | Vodafone | 287.50 | 155.54 | 97.66 | 29.91 |
Ghana | Vodafone | 114.86 | 58.70 | 97.66 | 16.47 |
Greece | Vodafone | 290.31 | 70.38 | 97.66 | 43.99 |
Hong Kong | SmarTone | 226.23 | 44.10 | 141.76 | 57.52 |
Hungary | Vodafone | 283.18 | 58.41 | 97.66 | 27.44 |
Iceland | Vodafone | 211.14 | 65.10 | 97.66 | 38.71 |
India | BSNL West Bengal | 323.82 | 92.52 | 204.73 | 46.26 |
India | MTNL Mumbai India | 228.98 | 113.34 | 227.86 | 46.26 |
Iraq | Korek Telecom | 314.48 | 59.90 | 127.61 | 29.95 |
Isle of Man | Manx Telecom | 297.63 | 297.63 | 97.66 | 19.84 |
Israel | Cellcom | 715.76 | 186.40 | 97.66 | 131.72 |
Israel | Pelephone | 630.76 | 122.65 | 97.66 | 78.85 |
Italy | Vodafone | 351.89 | 105.57 | 97.66 | 43.99 |
Kenya | Airtel | 594.52 | 67.39 | 97.66 | 50.92 |
Latvia | Bite | 325.50 | 38.71 | 97.66 | 22.87 |
Lebanon | MIC | 185.96 | 149.34 | 97.66 | 41.18 |
Lithuania | Tele2 | 413.48 | 191.78 | 97.66 | 29.91 |
Lithuania | UAB Bite | 510.25 | 95.01 | 97.66 | 40.47 |
Luxembourg | Orange | 501.45 | 158.35 | 97.66 | 37.83 |
Macau | CTM | 297.82 | 53.98 | 151.64 | 55.84 |
Macau | 3 Hong Kong | 292.23 | 48.40 | 97.66 | 55.84 |
Malaysia | Maxis | 544.63 | 72.62 | 170.28 | 78.06 |
Malaysia | U Mobile | 250.17 | 38.49 | 136.15 | 41.75 |
Maldives | Dhiraagu | 351.92 | 40.43 | 121.78 | 59.90 |
Maldives | Ooredoo | 344.43 | 44.93 | 136.75 | 67.39 |
Malta | GO | 512.01 | 102.05 | 97.66 | 40.47 |
Malta | Vodafone | 524.32 | 82.70 | 97.66 | 36.95 |
Mauritius | Cellplus | 270.25 | 50.32 | 198.63 | 50.52 |
Mexico | TELCEL | 409.88 | 124.75 | 222.41 | 44.55 |
Destinations N-F
Destination | Operator | Call to Nepal | L. Out. Call | Inc. Call | SMS |
Netherlands | Vodafone | 492.65 | 105.57 | 97.66 | 45.75 |
New Zealand | Spark | 399.83 | 61.51 | 97.66 | 46.13 |
New Zealand | Vodafone | 502.36 | 153.78 | 97.66 | 51.26 |
Norway | Telia | 254.67 | 63.67 | 97.66 | 30.01 |
Oman | Ooredoo | 524.24 | 150.73 | 97.66 | 58.42 |
Pakistan | CMPak | 101.80 | 59.38 | 84.93 | 25.45 |
Pakistan | Ufone | 156.03 | 89.48 | 96.91 | 41.93 |
Papua New Guinea | Digicel | 329.46 | 82.36 | 97.66 | 57.66 |
Philippines | Globe | 440.28 | 41.93 | 139.59 | 34.44 |
Portugal | MEO | 439.87 | 52.78 | 97.66 | 47.51 |
Portugal | Vodafone | 351.89 | 105.57 | 97.66 | 43.99 |
Puerto Rico | Claro | 307.00 | 89.85 | 187.51 | 59.90 |
Qatar | Vodafone | 349.70 | 133.71 | 97.66 | 51.43 |
Romania | Vodafone | 387.08 | 43.99 | 97.66 | 26.39 |
Russian Federation | MegaFon | 973.40 | 599.02 | 397.17 | 67.39 |
Russian Federation | MTS | 967.71 | 193.54 | 97.66 | 79.18 |
Russian Federation | T2 Mobile | 576.55 | 127.29 | 157.56 | 14.98 |
Saudi Arabia | Mobily | 315.08 | 139.77 | 97.66 | 63.90 |
Saudi Arabia | Zain | 479.21 | 139.77 | 217.46 | 63.90 |
Sierra Leone | Africell Lintel | 285.30 | 62.73 | 97.66 | 30.35 |
Singapore | M1 | 319.46 | 94.65 | 192.31 | 59.16 |
Singapore | StarHub | 272.35 | 66.35 | 164.01 | 38.70 |
Slovenia | A1 | 536.64 | 118.06 | 97.66 | 64.40 |
Slovenia | Telekom Slovenije | 457.46 | 96.77 | 97.66 | 43.99 |
South Africa | Vodacom | 211.14 | 61.58 | 116.13 | 17.59 |
Spain | Vodafone Espana | 362.45 | 102.05 | 97.66 | 52.78 |
Sri Lanka | Dialog Axiata | 378.36 | 57.38 | 111.77 | 41.24 |
Sri Lanka | Etisalat | 335.45 | 50.32 | 104.70 | 16.77 |
Sweden | Tele2 | 380.05 | 96.59 | 97.66 | 40.64 |
Sweden | Telia | 380.05 | 105.57 | 97.66 | 45.75 |
Taiwan | Chunghwa | 435.77 | 71.32 | 168.98 | 39.94 |
Taiwan | Taiwan Mobile | 461.30 | 78.63 | 176.29 | 41.94 |
Tajikistan | Tacom | 521.29 | 67.15 | 150.67 | 26.51 |
Tanzania | Vodacom | 449.26 | 112.32 | 97.66 | 58.40 |
Thailand | True Move H | 260.68 | 96.04 | 193.70 | 54.88 |
Tunisia | Tunisie Telecom | 614.76 | 316.10 | 274.24 | 87.20 |
Turkey | Turkcell | 1056.74 | 176.12 | 97.66 | 67.93 |
Turkey | Vodafone | 880.61 | 155.99 | 97.66 | 62.90 |
United Arab Emirates | Thuraya | 449.26 | 449.26 | 172.54 | 149.75 |
United Kingdom | O2 | 396.83 | 99.21 | 97.66 | 49.60 |
United Kingdom | T-Mobile | 962.32 | 105.16 | 97.66 | 59.53 |
United Kingdom | Vodafone. | 416.68 | 99.21 | 97.66 | 49.60 |
Uzbekistan | UMS | 269.56 | 59.90 | 120.12 | 44.93 |
Vietnam | Viettel | 247.09 | 74.13 | 171.79 | 41.18 |
NTC data roam destinations
Destination | NPR/MB | Service Type |
Australia | 10 | Postpaid |
China | 10 | Postpaid & Prepaid |
India | 10 | Postpaid & Prepaid |
Canada | 24 | Postpaid |
Qatar | 24 | Postpaid |
United Arab Emirates | 24 | Postpaid |
United States | 24 | Postpaid |
Japan | 40 | Postpaid |
Korea | 40 | Postpaid |
Malaysia | 40 | Postpaid |
Singapore | 40 | Postpaid |
Switzerland | 40 | Postpaid |
Thailand | 40 | Postpaid |
United Kingdom | 40 | Postpaid |
Can I roam on planes with NTC?
In-flight roaming is not possible with NTC.
Can I roam on cruise ships with NTC?
Maritime roaming is not available with NTC.
Is roaming with NTC worth it?
Depending on the roaming zone, roaming with NTC can be an expensive experience. If you want to call back to Nepal while being in a standard rate destination, your call could cost up to रू 1056.74/min (calling from Turkey). Even receiving a phone call in the Russian Federation on MegaFon would cost you a whopping रू 397.17/min. That is money you could better spend on experiences while traveling.
Calling to the other destinations from your visiting destinations is only available for postpaid subscribers who are roaming in one of the 8 discounted roaming zones.
In other words, calling someone in destination C when visiting destination B that is not Nepal (A) can only be done if you are a postpaid subscriber and are in a destination that is in the discounted tariff zones.
For example, you can call someone in Bangladesh (C) if you are visiting Switzerland (B). You cannot, however, call someone in Bhutan (C) if you are in Cambodia (C).
I would not recommend calling anyone in C destinations when visiting a B destination, as you will pay a flat rate of रू 397/min, which is expensive.
In fact, I would discourage calling at all, especially if you are in a standard tariff destination, as it will be an expensive experience. Calling in a discounted rate destination could be worth it if you do it in moderation. Keep the calls short if you have to make or pick up a call.
You would be better off using an internet-based application like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Skype to call someone as long as you are connected to a WIFI network.
Data roaming with NTC would not even work unless you are in India, which is charged at रू 10/MB. When I wrote that line, data roaming was available in India only. Now, they have expended their data roam destinations to 14, which is awesome. China, India, and Australia are the cheap destinations ( रू 10/MB, but it can go up to रू 40/MB).
This sounds cheap, but it can add up quickly if you forget to turn mobile data off when you are not using it or are accidentally watching five YouTube videos on 1080P quality.
In short, I would discourage NTC customers from roaming with NTC and encourage them to get a local SIM card or international SIM card like OneSimCard, SimOptions, Surfroam, BNESIM, or SimCorner instead of you need to stay connected while traveling. If not, connect to WIFI hotspots to use data or to use a voice or messaging app to keep in touch with your friends and family back home.