Money, Currency and Cards in Nepal
Local Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
General Advice
Most travellers travel with either US$, Euros of £sterling cash, with $ being preferred. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Money Exchange
Travellers’ cheques should be avoided as they are difficult to change, especially so outside the major towns of Kathmandu and Pokhara. ATMs are to be found in Kathmandu and Pokhara and money can be changed at banks and money changers in most centres. Most travellers travel with either US$, Euros of £sterling cash, with $ being the most preferred.
ATM Availability
ATMs are to be found in Kathmandu and Pokhara and most accept cards bearing the internationally recognise Cirrus logo. For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Credit Cards
Widely accepted in shops, hotels and larger restaurants in the capital and Pokhara. Credit cards are not used as much as in the West in smaller hotels and shops, except for large purchasers. You can also check the Visa, MasterCard or American Express locator pages.
Travellers Cheques
Not recommended
Other Information
Nepalese Rupee (NPR). NPR1 = 100 paisa.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 1000 rupees. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.
