Yes, you can absolutely use NTC in India through its Namaste Prepaid Roaming Service. Nepal Telecom (NTC) extends its network coverage to India, allowing you to stay connected with your NTC number while traveling across the border.
Understanding NTC's Namaste Prepaid Roaming Service
NTC's Namaste Prepaid Roaming Service is specifically designed for its prepaid subscribers who travel internationally. This service ensures that you can continue to use your NTC SIM card for essential communication needs, including making and receiving calls, sending and receiving SMS, and accessing mobile data services in partner countries like India.
Key benefits of utilizing this service include:
- Seamless Connectivity: Maintain your existing NTC phone number, eliminating the need to inform contacts of a temporary number change.
- Convenience: Avoid the hassle of purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival, especially for shorter trips.
- Familiarity: Continue using your familiar NTC services and account management.
Where Else Can You Use Namaste Prepaid Roaming?
Beyond India, NTC's Namaste Prepaid Roaming Service is also available in several other popular international destinations. This means your NTC SIM card can keep you connected in multiple countries globally.
Here's a list of countries where Namaste Prepaid Roaming Service is currently available:
| Country | Roaming Service Availability |
|---|---|
| India | Yes |
| China | Yes |
| UAE | Yes |
| Thailand | Yes |
| Malaysia | Yes |
| Australia | Yes |
Activating NTC Roaming for Your India Trip
To ensure you can successfully use your NTC SIM in India, it is crucial to activate the international roaming service before you depart from Nepal. While specific activation steps may vary slightly over time, here are the general guidelines:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your NTC prepaid SIM is eligible for international roaming.
- Activate Service: You can typically activate the service by dialing a specific USSD code (e.g.,
*1415*7#for international roaming activation) or by visiting an NTC customer service center. - Sufficient Balance: Top up your NTC balance sufficiently to cover potential roaming charges. International roaming rates can be higher than domestic rates.
- Network Selection: Upon arriving in India, your phone should automatically connect to an NTC partner network. If it doesn't, you can manually select an available network from your phone's mobile network settings.
For the most accurate and up-to-date activation instructions and tariff details, always refer to the official Nepal Telecom International Roaming page.
Practical Tips for International Roaming
To make your international roaming experience smooth and cost-effective, consider these practical tips:
- Monitor Usage: Keep a close eye on your data and call usage to prevent unexpected high bills. Many phones have built-in usage tracking features.
- Wi-Fi Prioritization: Utilize free or paid Wi-Fi networks whenever available for data-intensive tasks, video calls, and app updates to conserve your roaming data.
- International Data Packages: Inquire with NTC if they offer any special international roaming data packages for India. These packages can often provide better value than standard pay-as-you-go rates.
- VoIP Applications: Use popular Voice over IP (VoIP) applications like WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger for calls and messages over Wi-Fi to significantly reduce communication costs.
- Customer Support: Note down NTC's customer service number and the international dialing code before you travel, in case you need assistance while abroad.
