Currency (Nepal)

Local Currency

The monetary unit is the Nepalese Rupee (NPL). NPLs1 = 100 paisa, which come in coins. We recommend keeping a small supply of small denomination rupee notes handy. Exchange rates will always vary but to give you an indication approx AU$1 = NPLs86.94 and US$1 = NPLs85.14. Larger expenses (hotel bills, trekking permits, etc) are payable in USD only.

Here is a reference table of approximate exchange rate (for up-to-date exchange rates, please check xe.com before you travel):

Correct as of December 2023

We recommend that that you have access to more than one source of money while travelling – bring a combination of USD cash (or Indian rupees), and a credit /debit card in USDs - this will give you the most security and flexibility while travelling.

Exchanging foreign cash or travellers’ cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges and confusion, we advise you take cash in US Dollars. Banks are found in most towns in the Kathmandu Valley that exchange cash. Banks usually close at 2:30pm. Many hotels also offer currency exchange at similar rates. If you are travelling to remote areas, you should organise ahead, taking mainly NRs and some USDs. If you are travelling from India into Nepal through Kathmandu, you are not able to bring in 500 or 1000 INR notes. It is recommended to either change these into smaller denomination or to exchange into NRs, prior to departing for Nepal. You will need to present your passport to exchange any form of currency. You can bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into Nepal, but you must declare this on arrival except where mentioned above.

Keep some of your exchange receipts

You can exchange local currency (up to 10% of the amount of foreign currency you brought in) back into USDs when you are exiting Nepal at the downstairs airport exchange on presentation of your passport, airline ticket and some receipts.

Credit cards and ATMs

Taking one credit card is recommended in case of emergency and may be used for large purchases in most of your hotels & upmarket souvenir stores. Visa, MasterCard and Amex are the most widely accepted credit cards. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but we recommend that this is not relied upon.