Nepal's currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), pegged to the Indian Rupee at a fixed rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR. The easiest way to get NPR is from ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which accept international Visa and Mastercard debit cards and dispense up to NPR 35,000 per transaction. Money exchange counters are available at the airport and throughout tourist areas, but ATMs consistently offer better rates. Credit cards are accepted at mid-range and above hotels, restaurants, and shops, though many smaller businesses remain cash-only. Here is the complete guide to managing your money in Nepal.
What Is the Nepal Rupee and What Are Current Exchange Rates?
The Nepali Rupee (NPR, symbol Rs. or रू) comes in banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000, and coins of 1, 2, 5, and 10. For everyday transactions, you will primarily use NPR 100, 500, and 1,000 notes.
Current approximate exchange rates (February 2026):
| Currency | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | 133–136 NPR |
| 1 EUR | 142–146 NPR |
| 1 GBP | 168–172 NPR |
| 1 AUD | 85–88 NPR |
| 1 CAD | 95–98 NPR |
| 1 INR | 1.60 NPR (fixed) |
| 1 CNY | 18–19 NPR |
The INR-NPR peg: The Nepal Rastra Bank (central bank) maintains a fixed exchange rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR. This means Indian tourists can calculate prices instantly: divide NPR by 1.6 (or roughly multiply by 0.625) to get the INR equivalent. A NPR 500 meal costs approximately INR 310.
Currency restrictions:
- You cannot take NPR out of Nepal (officially). Exchange unused NPR back before departure.
- There is no limit on foreign currency you can bring in, but amounts over USD 5,000 must be declared at customs.
- Indian currency notes of Rs. 500 (new pink) and Rs. 2,000 denomination are not legal tender in Nepal and will not be accepted anywhere. Carry Rs. 100 and Rs. 200 notes.
Where Should You Exchange Money in Nepal?
Money exchange is straightforward, but rates and fees vary significantly by location:
Best to worst exchange rates (typical ranking):
- ATM withdrawals — Best rate (your bank's wholesale rate minus ATM fee)
- Authorised money changers in the city — Competitive rates, negotiate for large amounts
- Airport exchange counter — Slightly worse rate but convenient for immediate NPR needs
- Hotel front desk — 3-5% worse than market rate. Convenient but costly.
- Border crossing money changers — Variable, sometimes good for INR, risky for other currencies
Kathmandu exchange locations:
- Thamel: Dozens of licensed money changers along the main streets. Rates are posted on boards. Compare 2-3 shops before exchanging. The shops near the intersection of J.P. Road and Thamel Marg tend to offer the best rates.
- New Road: Slightly better rates than Thamel (fewer tourist-focused operations).
- Airport: Two exchange counters in the arrivals hall. Rate is 1-2% worse than the city. Exchange only what you need for the taxi and first night (NPR 2,000-3,000), then get better rates later.
Documents needed: Passport for exchange amounts over NPR 10,000. Some shops exchange small amounts without ID.
Pro tip: Do not exchange all your money at once. Exchange NPR 5,000-10,000 at a time and use ATMs for the rest. This reduces your risk if cash is lost or stolen.
How Reliable Are ATMs in Nepal?
ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and most major towns. They are the best way to get NPR.
Key facts about Nepal ATMs:
- Withdrawal limits: NPR 25,000-35,000 per transaction (varies by bank and card issuer)
- ATM fees: NPR 400-500 per transaction charged by the Nepali bank. Your home bank may charge an additional fee.
- Networks: Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard. Some accept UnionPay and JCB.
- Availability: Banks cluster on main streets. Thamel has 10+ ATMs within walking distance. Lakeside Pokhara has 5-6.
- Reliability: ATMs occasionally run out of cash on weekends, festival days, and during bandhs. Carry backup cash.
Best ATMs for tourists:
| Bank | Max Withdrawal | Fee (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nabil Bank | 35,000 | 400 | Most reliable, widest network |
| NIC Asia Bank | 35,000 | 500 | Common in tourist areas |
| Global IME Bank | 30,000 | 400 | Good availability |
| Himalayan Bank | 25,000 | 500 | Older machines, sometimes unreliable |
| Standard Chartered | 35,000 | 500 | Best for international cards |
ATM strategy to minimise fees:
- Withdraw the maximum amount per transaction to reduce the number of fees
- Use a travel-friendly bank card from home that reimburses ATM fees (Charles Schwab, Wise, Revolut, etc.)
- Carry a backup card from a different bank/network in case one does not work
- Always choose "Continue without conversion" if the ATM offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — this is a scam that adds 3-7% markup
ATMs outside cities: Available in district headquarters and larger towns, but unreliable in small villages and trekking routes. There are no ATMs on the Everest Base Camp trek above Namche Bazaar, on the Annapurna Circuit above Besisahar, or in remote areas like Upper Mustang. Carry sufficient cash for your entire trek.
Are Credit and Debit Cards Widely Accepted?
Card acceptance is growing but remains limited to mid-range and above establishments:
Where cards ARE accepted:
- Hotels rated 3-star and above
- Upscale restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Trekking agencies and tour operators
- Larger handicraft and clothing shops
- Airlines and travel agencies
- Some supermarkets (Bhatbhateni, Salesberry)
Where cards are NOT accepted:
- Budget guesthouses (most)
- Local restaurants and street food
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Pathao is cash-only)
- Local buses and public transport
- Small shops and markets
- Trekking tea houses and lodges
- Rural areas entirely
Accepted card types: Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. Amex and Discover have very limited acceptance. Contactless/tap payments are rare — expect chip and PIN.
Surcharges: Some merchants add a 2-4% surcharge for card payments. This is technically against card network rules but widely practised. Ask before paying by card.
Our recommendation: Carry enough cash for daily expenses and keep cards as backup for hotels, flights, and emergencies. A 70% cash / 30% card split works well for most travellers.
Can You Use UPI or Mobile Payments in Nepal?
Indian UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) does not work directly in Nepal. However, the payments landscape is evolving:
What does NOT work:
- Indian UPI apps cannot scan Nepali QR codes
- Nepali digital wallets (eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay) cannot be linked to foreign bank accounts
- Apple Pay and Google Pay contactless payments are not supported
What DOES work:
- INR payments through BookGarum: When booking hotels through BookGarum, Indian tourists can pay via Razorpay (UPI, credit card, netbanking) in Indian Rupees. The hotel receives NPR — you pay in INR at a fair exchange rate with zero hassle.
- International credit/debit cards: At establishments that accept them (see above)
- Wise/Revolut cards: These work at ATMs and card-accepting merchants with competitive exchange rates
- Cash: Remains king in Nepal for most transactions
Nepali digital wallets (for reference):
- eSewa: Nepal's largest mobile wallet. Widely accepted. Requires a Nepali bank account.
- Khalti: Second largest. Good for online payments within Nepal.
- IME Pay: Growing, especially for remittances.
- These are useful only if you have a Nepali bank account, which tourists typically do not.
How Much Cash Should You Carry and How Should You Manage It?
Cash planning by trip type:
| Trip Type | Recommended Cash |
|---|---|
| City only (5-7 days) | NPR 30,000-50,000 (+ card backup) |
| City + Chitwan (10 days) | NPR 40,000-70,000 |
| City + short trek (14 days) | NPR 50,000-80,000 |
| EBC / Annapurna Circuit (21 days) | NPR 80,000-120,000 for trek portion |
Cash management safety tips:
- Split your cash: Keep daily spending money (NPR 3,000-5,000) in your pocket or daypack. Keep the rest in your hotel safe or a money belt under your clothes.
- Carry mixed denominations: NPR 100 and 500 notes for daily transactions. NPR 1,000 notes are sometimes hard to break at small shops.
- Keep emergency USD: USD 100-200 in cash, stored separately from your NPR. USD is universally exchangeable in Nepal.
- Avoid carrying large amounts: Withdraw from ATMs as needed rather than carrying your entire trip budget.
- Count your change: Always count change at shops and restaurants. Short-changing is not common but does happen.
- Reject damaged notes: Nepali shopkeepers will not accept torn, taped, or heavily worn banknotes. Check notes when receiving change and at the ATM.
For trekking: Withdraw all the cash you need for the trek in Kathmandu or Pokhara before heading to the trailhead. Tea houses, permit offices, and lodges on the trail accept only cash. Budget NPR 3,000-5,000 per day for accommodation, food, and incidentals on popular treks.
What Should Indian Tourists Know About Money in Nepal?
Indian tourists have unique advantages and pitfalls when it comes to money in Nepal:
Advantages:
- The fixed 1 INR = 1.6 NPR rate means no exchange rate risk
- INR (small notes) are accepted at many border towns and by some Kathmandu vendors
- No need to exchange money formally — many shops in tourist areas accept INR directly
- Mental arithmetic is simple: divide NPR by 1.6
Critical pitfalls:
- Rs. 500 (new pink note) and Rs. 2,000 notes are NOT accepted. This is a Nepal Rastra Bank regulation. Carry only Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 notes.
- INR 100 notes are the most useful denomination in Nepal. You can use them directly at many shops.
- Exchange counters at the border offer fair rates for INR to NPR (the rate is fixed, so there is little room for manipulation). However, check for commission fees.
- Indian credit/debit cards work at Nepali ATMs — they dispense NPR at a competitive rate
Our recommendation for Indian tourists:
- Carry INR 10,000-15,000 in Rs. 100 and Rs. 200 notes
- Exchange INR to NPR at the border or Kathmandu exchange shops
- Use your Indian debit card at Nepali ATMs for additional NPR
- Book hotels on BookGarum and pay via Razorpay in INR — no cash exchange needed for accommodation
Search and book Nepal hotels with transparent NPR pricing on BookGarum →
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