Nepal Currency
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs.
Exchange rates
Refer to www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Accessing Money in Nepal
ATMs can be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara,Chitwan and Bhaktapur and in most major towns in Nepal. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park) and Bhaktapur and also in Namche Bazaar in the Everest region.
The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.
While travellers’ cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10{a08debacfe4c8da58fa5c202988af819c8d899375411b99e14c7e8d12c617020}) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers’ cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
Spending Money
Budgeting for Food and Drinks
Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara – Breakfast is included in all city hotels. There are many fine restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara and you should allow approx. US$6/US$8 for lunch and US$8/US$10 for dinner. Drinks extra.
As a guideline, the average prices for other items are listed below. Remember the higher you go the higher the price! Mineral water US$1.50 to US$3.50 Soft drinks US$2.50 to US$3.50 Beer – can US$3.00 to US$4.50 Beer – bottle US$4.00 to US$6.50 Snickers/chocolate bars US$1.50 to US$3.50 Biscuits US$1.00 to US$2.50