The Reality of Being a Software Engineer in Nepal: Challenges Nobody Talks About
An honest look at the daily struggles of working as a software developer in Nepal - from load shedding and internet issues to payment challenges and the constant pressure to move abroad.
When I tell people I'm a software engineer working from Kathmandu, the reactions are usually one of two things: "Oh, so you're planning to go to Australia?" or "How do you even work with the internet there?"
Both questions are fair, honestly. Being a developer in Nepal comes with a unique set of challenges that our counterparts in San Francisco or Berlin never have to think about. But here's the thing—it's also incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Let me walk you through what it's really like.
The Infrastructure Problem
Internet: The Eternal Struggle
Let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, the internet in Nepal can be frustrating. On good days, my fiber connection works flawlessly. On bad days, I'm hotspotting from my phone while praying that the meeting doesn't require me to share my screen.
I've learned to always have a backup. My setup includes:
- Primary fiber connection (WorldLink)
- Secondary ISP as backup (Vianet)
- Mobile data with good 4G coverage
- A nearby cafe I can run to in emergencies
Is it ideal? No. Does it work? Most of the time, yes.
Load Shedding Memories
For those who don't know, Nepal used to have scheduled power cuts—sometimes 16+ hours a day. We'd literally plan our lives around the electricity schedule. I remember coding by candlelight during my college days, which sounds romantic until you realize your laptop battery is dying.
Thankfully, this has improved dramatically. We now have 24/7 electricity in most urban areas. But the trauma remains. I still have a UPS and an inverter, just in case. Old habits die hard.
The Payment Nightmare
This is where things get really frustrating. Nepal has strict foreign exchange regulations, which means:
- No PayPal for receiving payments. The most common payment method globally, and we can't use it properly.
- Limited options for international transfers. Wise (formerly TransferWise) works, but with limitations. Payoneer is the go-to for most of us.
- Bank hassles. Try explaining to a Nepali bank officer what "freelance software development income" means. I've had transactions flagged and frozen multiple times.
I've spent countless hours figuring out payment logistics that developers in other countries never think about. It's a hidden tax on our time and mental energy.
The Salary Gap
Let's be real. A senior developer in Nepal might earn NPR 150,000-200,000 per month (roughly $1,100-1,500 USD). The same role in the US pays $150,000+ per year. That's a 10x difference.
This creates an interesting dynamic:
- Local companies struggle to retain talent
- Developers who can work remotely for foreign companies do much better
- There's constant brain drain to abroad
I've chosen to stay and work remotely for international clients. It's the best of both worlds—international rates while living in a place I love, with a cost of living that makes those rates go much further.
The "Why Don't You Just Leave?" Pressure
Every Nepali developer faces this question, often from well-meaning family members. "Why are you still here? Go to Australia. Go to Canada. Your skills are wasted here."
It's a valid point. Emigrating would likely mean:
- Higher salary
- Better infrastructure
- More career opportunities
- A stronger passport
But staying means:
- Being close to family
- Lower cost of living
- No visa stress
- Contributing to the local tech ecosystem
- Morning tea with my grandmother
The last point might seem trivial, but it's not. Some things don't have a dollar value.
The Silver Linings
Despite everything, there are genuine advantages to being a developer in Nepal:
1. Cost of Living
My comfortable apartment in Kathmandu costs less than a parking spot in San Francisco. I can live well, save money, and still have disposable income for travel and hobbies.
2. Growing Tech Community
The Nepali tech scene is small but vibrant. Communities like JECC, various tech meetups, and online groups create a supportive environment. Everyone knows everyone, which has its pros and cons.
3. Time Zone Advantage
Nepal is GMT+5:45 (yes, that weird 45-minute offset). This actually works well for:
- Morning overlap with European clients
- Evening overlap with US clients
- Flexibility in scheduling
4. The Hustle Culture
Nepali developers are resourceful. We've learned to work around limitations, find creative solutions, and never take infrastructure for granted. This makes us adaptable and resilient—skills that translate well anywhere.
My Advice for Nepali Developers
If you're starting out or considering staying in Nepal, here's what I've learned:
- Invest in your infrastructure. Good internet, backup power, and a reliable workspace are non-negotiable investments.
- Build an international network. LinkedIn, Twitter, open source contributions—these open doors that local networking can't.
- Learn to work asynchronously. Time zone differences mean you won't always have real-time communication. Get comfortable with detailed written updates.
- Figure out payments early. Set up Payoneer, understand the banking requirements, and keep clean records.
- Don't feel guilty about staying. It's okay to love your country and want to build your life here. The grass isn't always greener.
Conclusion
Being a software engineer in Nepal isn't easy. The challenges are real and sometimes exhausting. But it's also a privilege to be part of a growing tech ecosystem, to prove that world-class work can come from Kathmandu, and to wake up every morning to the view of the Himalayas.
Is it for everyone? No. Is it worth it for me? Absolutely.