Money and Currency in Nepal
Understanding money and currency in Nepal is important before you begin your trip. The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), which is the only legal tender accepted throughout the country. Whether you are paying for hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, or trekking services, prices are generally quoted in Nepalese Rupees.
Nepalese banknotes are available in denominations of Rs. 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000, while coins are used for smaller transactions. Carrying a mix of small and large notes is recommended because smaller denominations are useful for taxis, local markets, tea houses, and village shops where change may be limited.
International visitors can exchange major foreign currencies, including US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), Australian Dollars (AUD), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Japanese Yen (JPY), and Indian Rupees (INR), at licensed banks, authorized money exchange counters, and Tribhuvan International Airport. Although some hotels and trekking companies may display prices in US Dollars, payments within Nepal are generally made in Nepalese Rupees (NPR).
Payment Methods in Nepal
Cash is the most widely accepted payment method in Nepal, especially in rural areas and trekking regions. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger businesses in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, small shops, tea houses, local restaurants, and mountain lodges usually accept cash only.
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist destinations, but they are limited or unavailable in many trekking areas. It is recommended to withdraw enough cash before leaving urban areas. Nepal also has popular digital payment platforms such as eSewa, Khalti, and Fonepay QR, but these services are mainly designed for local users and are not commonly used by international tourists.
For the most convenient travel experience, carry a combination of Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and an international credit or debit card. This will allow you to pay easily in cities while ensuring you have enough cash for transportation, accommodation, meals, shopping, and trekking expenses in remote parts of Nepal.
