Money in Nepal: How to Prepare for Currency Exchange and ATMs in Nepal (2024)
Are you looking for information on currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal?
You’ve come to the right place! I live in Nepal and here is everything you need to know about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.
The currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. It is a closed currency and you will not be able to buy it before coming to Nepal.
Once you get to Nepal, there are many currency exchange shops where you can exchange money or use ATMs to withdraw Nepali Rupees.
Money in Nepal
The currency used in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). The current exchange rate between USD and NPR is approximately: 1 USD = 131 NPR.
It is not possible to buy Nepali Rupees abroad so you will have to exchange or withdraw Nepali Rupees after arriving in Nepal.
Nepali Rupee is a closed currency and there is a rule that people cannot take Nepali Rupees outside of Nepal. The maximum amount of Nepali Rupees that one can take out of Nepal is Rs. 5,000 (approximately 40 USD). This rule is for both foreigners and Nepali.
How to Prepare for Currency Exchange in Nepal
Currency Exchange in Nepal
Can I Exchange Money in Thamel?
Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu and there are many currency exchange shops there.
All major currencies are accepted and you will get a better exchange rate in Thamel than at the airport.
Can I Exchange Money at the Kathmandu Airport?
Yes, you can. Most people first enter Nepal at the Kathmandu Airport (officially called as the Tribhuvan International Airport).
The Kathmandu Airport is the first place where you will have the option to exchange money to Nepali Rupees.
There is higher commission rate at the Kathmandu Airport but if you need some cash straight away, it is an option to exchange just a small amount of cash, and then exchange the rest in Thamel.
How to Prepare for ATMs in Nepal
ATMs in Nepal
There are lots of ATMS in Kathmandu and withdrawing money is as easy as anywhere else. Most travellers stay in Thamel and it is full of ATMs.
ATMs in Nepal accept both Mastercard and Visa cards.
ATM Lounges
There are individual ATMs but in Thamel you will also find ATM lounges where around 5-6 major banks’ ATM booths are in one lounge.
Withdrawal Limit
Each bank has a withdrawal limit and you will not be able to withdraw too much cash in one go.
So far, I have found that Nabil Bank and Siddharta Bank has the highest withdrawal limit at Rs. 35,000 (USD 260) per each withdrawal.
Withdrawal Fee
All the ATMs charge between Rs. 500-700 for each withdrawal. As there is a withdrawal limit of Rs. 35,000, the withdrawal fees can add up quickly.
If you are from the USA, make sure to get a Charles Schwab debit card before starting your travels. With a Charles Schwabb debit card, you will be able to get a refund for withdrawal fees.
Travel Cards
Travel cards like Wise and Revolut are multi-currency cards that you can use just like any other bank card.
You can top it up with various currencies (depending on your destination) and pay with it in shops, hotels or restaurants.
Digital Payment Apps in Nepal
In recent years, digital payment apps became increasingly popular in Nepal. Apps such as eSewa and Fonepay are the most popular in Nepal and accepted widely in shops, restaurants and hotels.
I usually recommend eSewa and Fonepay only to those that are staying in Nepal long-term.
The good thing about eSewa that you can also use the eSewa mobile app to book bus ticket online in Nepal. If you stay in Nepal long-term, check out my guide on how to set up eSewa and buy bus tickets online.
Money While Trekking in Nepal
The trekking routes go through remote villages and you have to take enough money with you to last you for your whole trek.
In some places like Namche Bazaar or Lukla there is supposed to be an ATM but sometimes they can be out of cash. It is better to take more money with you, then to run low on cash during your trek.
FAQ: Currency Exchange and ATMs in Nepal
Can we withdraw money from an ATM in Nepal?
Yes, you can. There are many ATMs across cities and towns in Nepal. You will easily find many ATMs in places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Janakpur, Tansen and other bigger towns.
If you go on a trek or to the countryside, it is good to withdraw a sufficient amount of cash to last you for the trip. In remote areas, you will not be able to find ATMs in Nepal.
Where do I exchange currency in Nepal?
You can either exchange money at the Kathamndu Airport or once you get to Thamel.
Most travellers stay in Thamel in Kathmandu and it is full of currency exchange shops.
The currency exchange rate is worse at the airport and you get better prices if you exchange money in Thamel. You can exchange a small amount of money to Nepalese Rupees at the airport just to have some cash and then you can exchange the rest in Thamel.
How much is 1 USD in Nepal?
1 USD is approximately Rs. 131 as of June 2024.
What is money called in Nepal?
The currency in Nepal is called the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). In short, it is also just written as ‘Rs.’.
Conclusion
If you are coming to Nepal and wondering about currency exchange and ATMs, don’t worry, it can be done easily in Nepal.
In general, there are many ATMs in Kathmandu where you will be able to withdraw money.
Most people stay in Thamel in Kathmandu and there are many money exchange shops there. There is also a currency exchange desk at the Kathmandu Airport, but the rates are better in Thamel.
Plan Your Trip to Nepal
Book your flight to Nepal: Check out Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to find the best flights deals!
Book Your Accommodation for Nepal: Are you looking for accommodation? Booking.com has everything from budget to luxury accommodation. For the cheapest places, check out Hostelworld.com.
Book Tours and Activities for Nepal: GetYourGuide and Viator have a vast number of tours and day trip activities all around the world. Check out their website and book your activity!
Get Travel Insurance for Nepal: It is always good to be on the safe side when travelling. SafetyWing is one of the most affordable international travel insurance and you can book it even after you have already started your trip.
Get Your Travel Cards: Whenever I am abroad, I always use travel cards Wise and Revolut. They have multiple currencies available, you can use it in shops and restaurants. The great thing is that they have the best exchange rates!
Looking for other tips to make travel easier? Check out my complete list of travel resources that have been my go-to companies when abroad or planning a trip.
Nepal Quick Guide
1. Can I get a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal?
Yes, almost all nationalities can get a ‘Visa-on-Arrival’ once landing at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu (Check eligibility here). Getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal is quick and easy. Read here my full guide on getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal.
2. Should I get a Nepali SIM card?
Yes, once you arrive in Nepal, it is recommended to get a Nepali SIM card. SIM cards in Nepal are cheap and easy to get. There are daily, weekly or monthly data plans – all at an affordable cost. For more information, check here how to get a SIM card in Nepal.
3. Are there some useful mobile apps I can use in Nepal?
Yes, there are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Nepal, including taxi apps, offline maps for trekking, booking accommodation and travel cards. Check out my list of the most useful mobile apps to have in Nepal.
4. Can I exchange money in Nepal? What about ATMs?
Yes! Thamel (where most tourists stay) has many money exchange shops as well as ATMs. There is also a currency exchange shop at the airport but the rates are better in Thamel. Read here all about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.
5. Is it safe to travel by bus in Nepal?
Yes (but travel by a tourist bus): I would say road travel in Nepal is generally dangerous due to the road conditions. The roads are narrow and go through mountainous areas. The tourist buses in Nepal have the best safety, so if possible, make sure to book tourist buses when travelling in Nepal. Overall, the roads might look dangerous but the drivers are used to the road conditions in Nepal so the tourist buses are a safe choice. Here is everything you need to know about bus travel in Nepal.
6. Can I book bus tickets online in Nepal?
Yes, it is possible to book bus tickets online in Nepal however, I recommend it for those staying in Nepal for 3+ months. It is not possible to book bus tickets online using an international bank card but only through registering on a Nepali digital payment app eSewa. If you are staying long-term in Nepal, read here my step-by-step guide on how to book bus tickets online using eSewa.
7. Do they speak English in Nepal?
You might wonder “Do they speak English in Nepal?” It depends on where in Nepal you are. In big cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) or trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest) that have many tourists, you will easily get by speaking English. If you are in remote Nepal where not many tourists go, people usually will have little or no English. Here is a quick list of useful Nepali phrases to know while travelling in Nepal.
