From Kathmandu to Global Clients: How I Built a Remote Software Career Without Leaving Nepal

Five years ago, I was working at a local software company in Kathmandu, earning NPR 45,000 a month. Today, I work with clients from the US, UK, and Europe, building products that serve millions of users—all without leaving Nepal.

This isn't a humble brag. It's proof that geography doesn't have to define your career anymore. Here's how I made the transition and what I learned along the way.

The Starting Point

I graduated from a college in Kathmandu that most people outside Nepal have never heard of. No fancy degree. No connections in Silicon Valley. Just a laptop, an internet connection, and a stubborn refusal to believe that good opportunities only exist abroad.

My first job paid barely enough to cover rent and food. The work was okay—building websites for local businesses—but I knew I was capable of more. The question was: how do I prove it to people who've never met me and live 10,000 kilometers away?

Breaking Into the International Market

Step 1: Build a Portfolio That Speaks

Nobody cares where you're from if your work is good. I spent my evenings and weekends building side projects—not for money, but to prove what I could do.

• I contributed to open source projects
• Built a few apps and put them on GitHub
• Created a personal website showcasing my work
• Wrote about what I learned (which eventually became this blog)

When a potential client Googles you, what do they find? Make sure it's impressive.

Step 2: Start on Platforms (But Don't Stay There)

I started on Upwork. Yes, the race-to-the-bottom freelancing platform. But here's the thing—it works if you use it correctly.

My strategy:

• Never compete on price. I charged above average from day one.
• Applied only to jobs where I was genuinely the best fit
• Wrote personalized proposals that showed I understood the problem
• Delivered exceptional work and asked for reviews

Within six months, I had a 100% job success score and enough reviews to stand out. Clients started reaching out to me instead of the other way around.

Step 3: Transition to Direct Clients

Platforms take 10-20% of your earnings. Once I had credibility, I started finding clients directly:

• LinkedIn (more effective than you'd think)
• Referrals from previous clients
• Cold emails to startups I admired
• Networking in online communities

Today, 90% of my work comes through referrals and repeat clients. The platform phase was a stepping stone, not the destination.

Managing Time Zones

Nepal is GMT+5:45. When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 8:45 PM here. This sounds problematic, but I've turned it into an advantage.

The Overlap Strategy

I structure my day to have overlap with both European and American clients:

6:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Morning overlap with Europe
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Deep work (no meetings)
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening overlap with US East Coast

This means my most productive hours are meeting-free. I do actual coding when others are asleep and save communication for the edges of the day.

Async Communication

I've become a master of asynchronous communication:

• Detailed written updates instead of "quick calls"
• Loom videos for explaining complex features
• Documentation that answers questions before they're asked
• Clear status updates at the end of each day

Most clients actually prefer this. It's more efficient than constant meetings.

The Credibility Challenge

Let's be honest: when clients see "Nepal" in my profile, some assume lower quality. I've had to work harder to prove myself. Here's how I overcome this bias:

1. Overdeliver Early

On every new project, I go above and beyond in the first few weeks. Faster than expected. More polished than required. This sets the tone and dissolves any doubts.

2. Communicate Professionally

My English is good, and I make sure my communication reflects that. Clear emails. No grammatical errors. Professional tone. It matters more than it should, but it does matter.

3. Be Proactive

I don't wait for instructions. I identify problems, suggest solutions, and take initiative. This shows I'm a partner, not just a code monkey.

4. Have a Strong Online Presence

My GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal website all tell a consistent story of competence. When someone Googles me, they find evidence of quality work.

The Financial Reality

Let me share some numbers (roughly, for privacy):

Year 1 (Local Job): NPR 45,000/month (~$340) Year 2 (Freelancing Start): NPR 100,000/month (~$750) Year 3 (Growing Client Base): NPR 250,000/month (~$1,900) Year 5 (Current): Significantly more, working with premium clients

The progression wasn't linear. There were months of uncertainty, clients who disappeared, projects that failed. But the trend is clear: international remote work pays significantly better than local employment.

And remember—the cost of living in Nepal means these earnings go much further than they would in the West.

What I've Sacrificed

It's not all upside. Here's what I've given up:

• Normal work hours: I sometimes take calls at 10 PM or 6 AM
• Team environment: Remote work can be lonely
• Career ladder: There's no promotion path when you're solo
• Stability: Freelance income is variable

These tradeoffs work for me. They might not work for everyone.

Advice for Nepali Developers Starting Out

Do This:

• Invest in English. Read, write, speak. It's your gateway to the global market.
• Build publicly. GitHub contributions, blog posts, open source—create evidence of your skills.
• Start before you're ready. You'll never feel qualified enough. Apply anyway.
• Charge what you're worth. Cheap rates attract bad clients. Price yourself confidently.
• Network online. Twitter tech communities, Discord servers, LinkedIn—your next client is already online.

Avoid This:

• Don't compete on price. There's always someone cheaper. Compete on quality.
• Don't hide where you're from. Be proud of it. The right clients don't care.
• Don't neglect local connections. The Nepali tech community is supportive. Use it.
• Don't burn out. Working across time zones is exhausting. Set boundaries.

The Bigger Picture

Every time a Nepali developer does great work for an international client, it makes it easier for the next one. We're collectively building Nepal's reputation in the global tech market.

I'm not special. I didn't have advantages others don't have. I just refused to accept that my location determined my ceiling.

If you're a developer in Nepal reading this and wondering if it's possible—it is. The path exists. You just have to walk it.

Start today. Start small. But start.