Staying connected with family in Nepal is one of the most important — and sometimes most expensive — parts of living abroad. But it doesn't have to cost much at all. Here are all your options from free to cheap, so you can call home whenever you want.
Free options (best for smartphones)
- →WhatsApp — free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The most popular choice among Nepalis in Australia. Works on any smartphone. Best quality when both you and family have good internet
- →Viber — free calls to other Viber users. Very popular in Nepal. Good video quality and works on slower connections
- →IMO — widely used in rural Nepal where internet is slower. Good for areas with limited bandwidth
- →Facebook Messenger — free video calls, works well if family is already on Facebook
- →FaceTime — free for iPhone to iPhone calls. Less common in Nepal but works perfectly
Tip: WhatsApp and Viber calls are free but use your data or Wi-Fi. On a $25/month Aldi Mobile plan (20GB), you could make over 100 hours of WhatsApp calls. Much cheaper than any calling card.
Cheap paid options (for landlines or no-smartphone users)
- →Lebara Mobile SIM — their $30/month plan includes unlimited calls to Nepal mobile and landlines. Best if you call regularly from your own phone
- →Lycamobile — international calling SIM, check current Nepal rates on their website
- →Matrix calling cards — available at Nepali grocery shops in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney. Around $10–$20 for several hours of calls to Nepal landlines
- →Prepaid calling cards — sold at most Nepali and Indian grocery shops across Australia. Look for cards labelled 'International' with Nepal rates listed
Time difference — when to call Nepal from Australia
- →Perth (AWST) to Nepal: Nepal is 3 hours 15 minutes behind Perth. 8:00 AM Perth = 4:45 AM Nepal
- →Sydney/Melbourne (AEST) to Nepal: Nepal is 4 hours 45 minutes behind. 8:00 AM Sydney = 3:15 AM Nepal
- →Best time to call: 7:00–9:00 PM Australian time = early afternoon Nepal time. Both sides are usually free
- →Nepal does not observe daylight saving — the offset changes when Australia switches in April and October
A quick formula: Nepal time = Australian Eastern time minus 4 hours 45 minutes. Or save the World Clock widget on your phone with Kathmandu added.
What if family has poor internet in Nepal?
For family in rural Nepal with unreliable internet, IMO works best on low bandwidth. WhatsApp audio calls use less data than video — try switching to audio-only if the connection is poor. As a last resort, calling cards to landlines or NTC numbers are reliable even without internet.
Nepal calling codes
- →Nepal country code: +977
- →Kathmandu area code: 01 (dial +977-1-XXXXXXX for Kathmandu landlines)
- →Nepali mobile numbers: start with 97, 98 (e.g. +977-98XXXXXXXX)
- →Ncell numbers: start with 980, 981, 982
- →NTC numbers: start with 984, 985, 986
Find Nepali shops near you — many sell calling cards
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