Money in Nepal: How to Prepare for Currency Exchange and ATMs in Nepal

Are you looking for information on currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal?

You’ve come to the right place! I live in Nepal and there are many ATMs and currency exchange shops where you can withdraw or exchange money.

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. But don’t worry, once you are in Nepal, it is easy to withdraw or exchange money.

There are many ATMs in big cities (such as Kathmandu and Pokhara), so it is easy to withdraw money.

If you are looking for currency exchange shops, Thamel is the best place for it in Kathmandu, and there are also many currency exchange shops at Lakeside in Pokhara.

So, here is everything you need to know about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal!

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 = 133 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 have 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.

It is generally recommended to budget about USD 30/day when going on a trek in Nepal. The amount of money also varies depending on what you spend money on. If you want to grab beers while trekking, then it is better to budget a bit more.

FAQs: 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. 140 as of 2026.

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.