WHAT CURRENCY TO TAKE WHILE TREKKING IN NEPAL

With Eight of the top ten highest Summits in the world and some of the most beautiful landscapes. Nepal has attracted trekkers from all around the world. Trekking in Nepal is one of the most unique experiences of Asia & is the most affordable & adventurous trekking destination.

Trekking is the most popular activity in Nepal and travellers will be bombarded on the streets of Kathmandu and the trekking hub, Pokhara, with guides, organised tours and gear for sale or rent. The huge variety of options allows for people of many ages and capabilities to attempt a trek in the country.

Nepal is known globally for its picturesque mountains. Especially known to most is the mighty Mount Everest, and a lot of people travel from all over to capture a glimpse of the world’s tallest peak. For those that love adventure, the best way to explore this country is on your own two feet, by trekking in Nepal.

While trekking in Nepal, it’ll be the best option to spend local currency. You can easily convert your currency into the local currency through money exchanges, as per daily exchange rates.

THE LOCAL CURRENCY

Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs. 500,Rs. 1000 note in Nepal

Nepal’s official currency is Nepali rupee (Rs) which is different from other currency in Asia like Indian rupee, Pakistan rupee etc. The Nepali rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paisa (p). There are coins for denominations of one, two, five and 10 rupees, but is used less and banknotes in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. 1,00,000 NRR is called 1 lakh and 1,00,00,000 NRR is called 1 crore.

MONEY EXCHANGES

The currency of Nepal is universally recognized and can be converted in any currency. They can be converted at money exchange counters and commercial banks. There are lots of money-exchange counters and banks in Nepal. This includes both Governments affiliated and private operated ones.

You can find money-exchangers in every corner of big cities such as Kathmandu & Pokhara. But almost impossible in rural areas or on treks. So, It is recommended you exchange your currency in Kathmandu as the counters here will offer you better rates. All currencies of the world are accepted here. Money-exchange centres outside of Kathmandu may not accept other currencies.

If you are not comfortable using money exchange counters, opt for the Government-affiliated ones. Nepal Rastra Bank at Thirdham Sadak at Baluwatar or Nepal Bank at New Road are two big Government banks that provide you with local currencies. However, private exchange counters will give you slightly better rates.

ATM

ATMs are available throughout Nepal. Mostly ATMs can be found in abundance in Kathmandu & Pokhara. Actually, You can also find ATM lounge in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Thamel. Standard Chartered Bank has 24-hour ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Other banks, such as Himalaya Bank and Nabil Bank( International Bank related), have ATMs and are present in most reasonable sized towns, but some don’t accept foreign bank cards.

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WIRE SERVICE

You can also wire money to Nepal. It is not possible to send money out of the country through money wire services or bank transfers. Wire services are available throughout the major cities of Nepal. Kathmandu is the preferred option with the most available and functioning centres. Western Union is the most popular option for this service. Other popular options include MoneyGram, Nepal Remit International.

CREDIT CARD

All major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, American Express are accepted in Nepal. Most of the ATM booths have small signs informing you of the cards they accept. It is quite simple. Major credit cards are widely accepted at midrange and better hotels, restaurants and fancy shops in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara only. When using credit cards, you must be aware that chip and pin services are not fully active in Nepal and don’t bend your card. Nepal still uses carbon copy machines.

Be sure to interact with your trekking company before heading towards the trek. You need realistic ideas of how much things are going to cost. So, it’ll be helpful to you. You require a permit for any treks within the country. Some of the restricted region treks requires special permits which will add to your cash requirement. This can be arranged through your travel agency. The tea houses trek cost less than luxurious trek.

The daily expenses you will encounter on your trek are your accommodations, meals and snacks. These expenses will again depend on the lodges you stay. For snacks and first aid kit, it is recommended that you get them in Kathmandu. As you trek towards the higher regions, the cost for medicines, snacks, bottled water, food will increase.

Some Tips to consider before using ATM’s, credit cards, wire services and money exchange centres

• Kathmandu is a preferred destination for any of these services because of the availability, a number of choices and functionality of the services.
• Before using ATM, credit cards or wire services in Nepal, let your bank know of your travels to Nepal as some banks cancel your cards for uninformed international use.
• If you have time, look out for the best exchange rates.
• There is a limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw from the ATM. This limit ranges from NPR 15,000 to NPR 25,000 depending on the bank.
• There are charges that you encounter after every transaction while using ATM or credit cards.
• Be aware of additional charges while paying for services in restaurants, spas, hotels. You could be spending a lot more than you planned to.
• Ask the commission rates, international fees before using wire services. This can depend on the service providers. Hence, you can make a better decision once you are aware of these rates and fees.
• Avoid hotels and airports for converting money. They have a lower rate of exchange and have additional charges.

FINALLY,

Paying for things in cash is the best option in Nepal. While using Atm, credit card or wire service, you’ll get charged. Most places in the tourist’s areas of Kathmandu & Pokhara take credit card but expect to a 3-5% charge for the credit card processing fee.

Don’t leave your personal belonging including your credit card unattended, it is better to be safer.

If you want to know about any cost detail like Annapurna Base Camp, Mount Everest Base camp etc. then you can freely contact us.