Website & E-commerce

Choose a .com.np or .np domain via MOICS/NTC registry, or a global .com via GoDaddy, Namecheap. Cost: NPR 500–2,000/year. Keep it short and match your brand.

Choose Web Hosting

Nepal-based hosts: Nepal Link, Deerwalk, Web House Nepal (better speed, local support). International: SiteGround, Hostinger (cheaper, global CDN). Shared hosting: NPR 1,500–5,000/year. VPS for larger stores.

Build Your Website

No-code options: WordPress + WooCommerce (most popular in Nepal), Shopify (hosted, NPR ~2,500/month), Wix/Squarespace (simple). For custom work: hire a local developer (NPR 30,000–150,000 one-time).

Add a Payment Gateway

Integrate eSewa, Khalti, or ConnectIPS to accept digital payments. Require a verified PAN number and bank account. Setup: 3–7 days. See Payments tab for details.

Get an SSL Certificate

Mandatory for any site accepting payments. Free option: Let's Encrypt (auto via cPanel). Paid: from NPR 500/year. Customers see the 🔒 padlock — builds trust.

Test & Launch

Test checkout flow, mobile view, and page speed (use Google PageSpeed Insights). Submit sitemap to Google Search Console. Announce on social media.

🇳🇵 Nepal-specific tip: Register your domain under .np to signal local credibility. The MOICS portal (moics.gov.np) manages .np registrations. Many buyers in Nepal trust local domains over generic ones.

eSewa

Nepal's most widely used digital wallet. 7M+ users. Integrates with WooCommerce, custom APIs.

Fee	1.5–2% per txn
Setup	3–5 days
Min. balance	NPR 100
API docs	developer.esewa.com.np

✓ WooCommerce plugin ✓ REST API

Khalti

Developer-friendly gateway. Clean API, sandbox testing. Good for custom platforms.

Fee	2% per txn
Setup	3–7 days
SDK	iOS, Android, Web
API docs	docs.khalti.com

✓ Sandbox mode ✓ Mobile SDK

ConnectIPS

NCHL-operated inter-bank payment system. Highest trust; linked to real bank accounts.

Fee	NPR 2–20 flat
Setup	7–14 days
Coverage	All licensed banks
Operator	NCHL · nchl.com.np

✓ Bank-grade security Government backed

Other Payment Options

Gateway	Type	Fee	Best For
IME Pay	Wallet	1.5–2%	Remittance-linked customers
Fonepay	QR / P2P	1%	Physical retail + online
Prabhupay	Wallet	1.5%	Prabhu Bank customers
Cash on Delivery	COD	0%	Still preferred in rural areas
Bank Transfer (RTGS/SWIFT)	Bank	NPR 50–500	B2B, large orders

⚠️ Requirement: To integrate any payment gateway, your business must have a valid PAN number, a business bank account, and be registered with the Department of Industry or OCR. Foreign card payments (Visa/Mastercard) require additional NRB approval.

🏪 Nepal Marketplaces (Sell without building a site)

🛒

Daraz Nepal

Largest marketplace. 3M+ buyers. 5–8% commission. Requires trade licence.

🌐

SastoDeal

Electronics, general goods. B2B + B2C. Local payment integration.

🍎

HamroBazar

Classifieds + product listings. Free to list. Great for local/used items.

🌿

Artisanat Nepal

Handicrafts & organic products. Export-focused. Curated sellers.

📦

Gyapu / Muncha

Growing Kathmandu-based platforms. Lower commission. Easy onboarding.

🛠️ Build Your Own Store

Platform	Cost/Month	Skill Needed	Nepal Payments	Best For
WordPress + WooCommerce	Free + hosting (~NPR 500)	Medium	✓ Plugins	Full control, most flexible
Shopify	NPR ~2,600	Low	Via Stripe workaround	Quick setup, good design
Wix eCommerce	NPR ~2,000	Very Low	Limited	Simple catalogue sites
Custom (PHP/Laravel)	One-time NPR 50k–200k	Developer needed	✓ Full API	Unique requirements
OpenCart / PrestaShop	Free + hosting	Medium	✓ Extensions	Open source, extendable

💡 Recommendation for new SMEs: Start on Daraz or HamroBazar to test demand with zero setup cost. Once you have consistent sales, invest in your own WordPress/WooCommerce store for full control and higher margins.

🔑 Quick Wins

Google Business Profile

Register free at business.google.com. Shows your shop on Google Maps. Add photos, hours, and products. Takes 1 week to verify.

Use Nepali + English Keywords

Include both "Ilam Tea" and "इलाम चिया" on your product pages. Many Nepali users search in Devanagari.

Mobile-First Design

70%+ of Nepal's internet users browse on mobile. Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher. Test at search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly.

Submit to Google Search Console

Free tool to submit your sitemap, track search rankings, and fix indexing errors. Setup takes 30 minutes.

📊 Free SEO Tools

Google Search ConsoleFree

Google Analytics 4Free

Google PageSpeed InsightsFree

Ubersuggest (keyword research)Freemium

Yoast SEO (WordPress)Freemium

🎯 Target local searches:
Include district + product in titles:
"Organic Honey Kaski Nepal" or "Tea Export Ilam"

This competes against fewer pages and attracts buyers looking for Nepal-specific products.

✅ Required Registrations

PAN Registration (IRD)

Mandatory for all businesses. Free, 3–5 days. taxpayerportal.ird.gov.np

VAT Registration (if turnover > NPR 50L)

Collect 13% VAT on each sale. File monthly VAT returns via IRD portal.

Business Registration (OCR or CSIO)

Electronic Transaction Act 2063

Nepal's primary e-commerce law. Governs digital contracts, electronic signatures, cybercrime. Compliance = use SSL, clear refund policy, display business registration number.

📄 Your Website Must Display

✅Business name & registration number

✅PAN / VAT number

✅Physical address (not PO box)

✅Phone & email for customer support

✅Refund & return policy

✅Delivery timeframe & shipping cost

✅Privacy policy (if collecting user data)

⚠️ Consumer Protection Act 2075:
Online sellers must honor stated prices, descriptions, and delivery commitments. Misleading product images or fake reviews can result in fines up to NPR 100,000 and temporary business closure.

Setting Up Your Online Presence

Payment Gateways in Nepal

E-commerce Platforms & Marketplaces