Money & Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
1 Rupee = 100 Paisa (Paisa coins are practically no longer in circulation). Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 NPR. The 1,000 notes are relatively new and are sometimes not accepted in small shops or on the trek — always keep small notes (100s and 500s) ready.
Exchange rate (indicative 2025): 1 EUR ≈ 145 NPR / 1 USD ≈ 135 NPR / 1 CHF ≈ 150 NPR
The Nepalese Rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee (1 INR = 1.6 NPR fixed).
Withdrawing & Exchanging Money
- ATMs: Sufficiently available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and larger cities. Maximum withdrawal: usually 35,000–50,000 NPR per transaction (some allow 100,000 NPR). Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered, Himalayan Bank, and Global IME Bank are the most reliable. On the trek: NO ATMs above a certain altitude! The last ATMs can be found in Namche Bazaar (EBC) and Chame (Annapurna) — after that, only cash
- Fees: 500 NPR per withdrawal at most Nepalese banks + fees from your home bank. Tip: Use a travel credit card without foreign transaction fees (e.g., DKB, ING, Revolut)
- Exchange offices: In Thamel and at the airport. The rate at the airport is fair (hardly worse than in the city). In Thamel, compare 2–3 exchange offices — the rates vary slightly. Keep the exchange receipt! You need it for re-exchange upon departure (max. 15% of the exchanged amount)
- Credit cards: Accepted only in upscale hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trek and in small towns: CASH ONLY!
Achtung
Take enough cash on the trek! From Lukla (EBC) or Besisahar/Manang (Annapurna), there are NO ATMs. Plan for 25–40€/day on the trek. For a 14-day trek, you need at least 50,000–70,000 NPR in cash. Small notes are important — at 4,000 m, no one can change 1,000 notes! Distribute the money across different pockets and luggage (in case a backpack gets lost). And: Inform your bank BEFORE the trip about using your card in Nepal, otherwise it will be blocked for security reasons.
