The government has started offering free SIM cards to foreign travelers entering Nepal through the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) as a gesture of hospitality.

Minister of Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai on Wednesday launched the service by providing free SIM cards to a foreign couple at the TIA. The scheme was jointly inaugurated by Nepal Telecom and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Under the scheme, tourists coming through TIA will be provided the SIM card with Rs 50 top-up. All SIM cards have been pre-activated by Nepal Telecom.

“We believe that such initiative would help promote Nepal as a safe destination which starts with good communication right from the airport,” said Sarad Pradhan, media consultant at NTB.

Along with the SIM card, tourists are also provided “I am in Nepal Now” selfie card with important contacts in Nepal.