Money and duty free for Nepal

Currency and Money

Currency information

Nepalese Rupee (NPR; symbol Rs) = 100 paisa. Notes are in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25 and 10 paisa.

Note:(a) Visitors should bear in mind that foreign visitors other than Indian nationals are required to pay their airline tickets, trekking permits and hotel bills in foreign currency. (b) Taking Nepalese currency outside the country is prohibited.

Credit cards

American Express is widely accepted, with MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATMs are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the mountains. Those embarking on treks should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.

ATM

American Express is widely accepted, with MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATMs are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the mountains. Those embarking on treks should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.

Travellers cheques

Travellers cheques are accepted at banks and major hotels. If trekking, it is important to bear in mind that cash is necessary. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours

Banks in the Kathmandu valley are open Sun-Thurs 0930-1530 and Fri 0930-1330. Licensed money changers are open 12 hours per day.

Currency restrictions

The import of US$5,000 or more, or the equivalent amount in any other currency, must be declared on arrival. The export of local and foreign currency must be declared.

Currency exchange

It is illegal to exchange currency with persons other than authorised dealers in foreign exchange (banks, hotels and licensed money changers). Visitors should obtain Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipts when changing currency and keep them, as these will help in many transactions, including getting visa extensions and trekking permits.

Nepal duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Nepal by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 20g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or wine or 12 cans of beer.
• Medicine not exceeding Rs10,000 in value.
• Canned food not exceeding Rs5,000 in value.
• Fresh fruit not exceeding Rs2,000 in value.

• Steel camera film15 pieces and movie camera film12 pieces.

All baggage must be declared on arrival and departure. Certain goods including cameras, videos and electronic goods may only be imported duty-free if they are exported on departure. They may not be left in Nepal. These items are:

Banned Imports

Prohibited items include narcotics, beef, hazardous ouzo dyes as specified by the Government of Nepal through publishing the notice in Nepal gazette time to time, high carbon disposing incandescent light bulbs, plastic bags less than 20 microns thick and goods prohibited/ banned by other existing laws.

Restricted items include firearms and ammunition, radio equipment and poppy seeds.

Banned Exports

Goods of historical, archaeological or religious importance, wild fauna, narcotics, firearms and ammunition, forest products like certain herbs and woods, industrial machinery, parts thereof and raw materials.