How to Start a Shopify Store in Nepal: Complete Guide (2026)

Starting an ecommerce business in Nepal is more accessible than ever in 2026. With internet penetration at an all-time high and digital wallets becoming a household norm, the timing is perfect. Shopify, being the world’s leading ecommerce platform, is an excellent choice for Nepalese entrepreneurs due to its ease of use and scalability.

However, running a global platform like Shopify in the local Nepalese context comes with unique challenges—specifically regarding payment gateways and logistics. This guide covers everything you need to know to launch successfully.

1. Why Shopify for Nepal?

While platforms like WordPress (WooCommerce) are popular, Shopify offers distinct advantages for Nepalese businesses:

• No Technical Headache: You don’t need to worry about hosting, SSL certificates, or server maintenance.
• Mobile First: Most Nepalese users shop on mobile. Shopify themes are mobile-optimized by default.
• Speed: Shopify stores are hosted on a global CDN, ensuring they load fast even on slower connections.

2. Understanding the Costs (in NPR)

Before you start, it’s crucial to budget correctly. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)	Estimated Cost (NPR)	Frequency
Shopify Basic Plan	$25/mo	~Rs. 3,300/mo	Monthly
Domain Name (.com)	$15/yr	~Rs. 2,000/yr	Yearly
Domain Name (.com.np)	Free	Free	One-time (Registration)
Premium Theme (Optional)	$180 - $350	~Rs. 24,000+	One-time
Apps (Optional)	$10 - $50/mo	~Rs. 1,300+/mo	Monthly

Note: Exchange rates vary. Shopify bills in USD, so you will need a dollar card (available from most commercial banks in Nepal) to pay your subscription.

3. The Biggest Challenge: Payment Gateways in Nepal

Shopify Payments (Shopify’s own gateway) is not available in Nepal. This means you cannot directly accept credit cards without a third-party provider. Here are your options:

Option A: Manual Payment Methods (Most Popular)

For local businesses, “Cash on Delivery” (COD) is widely trusted.

1. Go to Settings > Payments.
2. Scroll to Manual payment methods.
3. Select Cash on Delivery (COD).
4. You can also add a “Bank Transfer” or “eSewa/Khalti Transfer” option here. Instruct customers to send money to your number/account and upload a screenshot.

Option B: Integrating Digital Wallets (eSewa, Khalti, Fonepay)

Direct integration (where the user pays on the checkout page) requires a bit more work.

• Third-Party Apps: Several Nepalese developers have created private apps to integrate eSewa and Khalti.
• Payment Aggregators: Some international gateways supported by Shopify allow usage in Nepal, but settlements can be tricky.
• Custom Integration: Agencies like Agam Tech can build custom checkout extensions to link local wallets securely.

4. Logistics: Shipping Your Products

Unlike the US or Europe, automated shipping label generation is rare in Nepal. You will likely work with local courier services.

Top Logistic Partners in Nepal

• Nepal Can Move (NCM): Extensive reach and reliable COD handling.
• Upaya City Cargo: Great for same-day delivery within Kathmandu Valley.
• Pathao Parcel: Good for quick, on-demand deliveries.

How to Manage Shipping on Shopify

Since live carrier rates won’t work for local couriers:

1. Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Set up Flat Rates (e.g., Rs. 100 for Inside Valley, Rs. 200 for Outside Valley).
3. Set up Free Shipping for orders over a certain amount (e.g., Free shipping over Rs. 3000).

5. Legal Requirements

To run a legitimate online business in Nepal:

1. Company Registration: Register your business at the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) or Department of Commerce.
2. PAN/VAT: You must obtain a PAN card. If you are dealing with taxable goods or cross a turnover threshold, VAT registration is mandatory.
3. Bank Account: Open a corporate bank account to handle transactions and link your dollar card for Shopify payments.

6. Pro Tips for Success in Nepal

• Trust Signals: Nepalese customers are wary of scams. Display your phone number, physical address (if any), and policies clearly.
• Facebook & Instagram: Run ads on social media driving traffic to your Shopify store. The pixel integration in Shopify is powerful for tracking conversions.
• Order Confirmation: Since COD is common, call customers to confirm orders before dispatching to reduce returns.

How Agam Tech Can Help

Setting up a store is just the beginning. At Agam Tech, we help Nepalese businesses:

• Develop custom Shopify themes that resonate with local buyers.
• Integrate local payment solutions.
• Optimize your store for speed and SEO.

Ready to start your digital journey? Contact us for a free consultation.