Uber launches in Nepal, eyes tourism market and digital economy growth

Uber has officially entered the Nepali market, expanding its presence to the Himalayan nation as its 11th territory in the Asia-Pacific region. The app-based cab platform announced its debut, bringing its services to Nepal more than a decade after its entry into the broader South Asian market.

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We will bring our best global technology to Nepal, and we are really excited with the early trend seeing over two thousand drivers signing up.

Initially, Uber is offering three distinct services: Uber Bike, a motorcycle option for navigating busy city traffic; Uber Go, an affordable choice for everyday four-wheeled travel; and Uber Comfort, a premium service for passengers seeking a more comfortable experience. The company is optimistic about its prospects, with over two thousand drivers having already signed up.

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Nepal is attracting many tourists every year. Those are the tourists who come from the market where Uber operates today, like the USA, India, we have the unique advantage there. With the core local product, we think the motorbike product will be the largest one, we know the motorbike product very well, we got huge global motorbike product in Brazil, in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh. We really felt like we can compete with the international competitors and the local competitors in Nepal.

Dominic Taylor, Regional General Manager for Rides in Asia Pacific, expressed excitement about bringing Uber's global technology to Nepal. He highlighted the potential to serve tourists from markets where Uber already operates, such as the USA and India. Taylor also noted the significant potential of the motorbike product, drawing parallels to Uber's success with similar services in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

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Uber's decision to launch here is a vote of confidence in Nepal's trajectory -- and in the Nepali people.

The US Embassy in Nepal welcomed Uber's launch, with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Chelan Bliss calling it an important milestone for Nepal's digital economy. Bliss stated that Uber's decision to launch in Nepal is a "vote of confidence" in the country's trajectory and its people. The embassy views such US company investments as crucial for expanding consumer choice, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities in Nepal.

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As Nepal continues to embrace digital transformation, US companies like Uber are helping expand consumer choice, support innovation, and create new economic opportunities for Nepal. The United States is proud to support Nepal's digital growth and the expansion of US business engagement in Nepal. Congratulations to the entire Uber team on this exciting milestone!