Managing money in Nepal is easy once you know a few basics. The local currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR), cash is king outside the cities, ATMs are plentiful in Kathmandu and Pokhara but scarce in the mountains, and cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops but rarely on trekking trails. Planning how much cash to carry, knowing the tipping customs and understanding typical prices will help you travel smoothly and avoid running short in the mountains.
This guide covers everything we tell our own guests before they arrive: currency, exchange, ATMs, cards, trekking cash, tipping, bargaining and realistic daily budgets.
Quick answer: Nepal uses the Nepali rupee (NPR), roughly 130–140 NPR to 1 US dollar (rates change). Use ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which typically dispense up to NPR 25,000–35,000 per withdrawal with a fee. Cards work in larger hotels and shops, but treks are cash-only, so withdraw enough before leaving the city. A trekking budget of about US$25–50 per day on the trail (teahouse costs) is typical, plus tips of around 10–15% of the trip cost for guides and porters.
Nepal money at a glance
| Topic | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Currency | Nepali rupee (NPR, Rs), 100 paisa |
| Notes | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 rupees (coins rarely used) |
| Exchange rate | About 130–140 NPR per US$ (varies) |
| ATMs | Common in cities and large towns; few or none on treks |
| Card payments | Accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops; surcharges common |
| Indian rupees | Widely used near the border; restrictions on some large notes |
| Tipping | Expected for guides, porters and drivers; appreciated in restaurants |
The Nepali rupee
Nepali banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees, featuring images of Mount Everest, wildlife such as rhinos and tigers, and cultural symbols. Coins exist but are rarely used. The rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee at a fixed rate of 1.6 NPR to 1 INR, so its value against other currencies moves in line with the Indian rupee. Small notes are extremely useful for teahouse snacks, taxis, temple donations and tips, while 1,000 rupee notes can be hard to break in villages, so ask for smaller notes when you change money.
ATMs in Nepal
ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and larger towns, accepting Visa and Mastercard, and increasingly other international cards. Most machines dispense between NPR 10,000 and 35,000 per transaction, with a local fee of around NPR 500 per withdrawal on top of any charges from your home bank. Because of the relatively low limit, you may need several withdrawals to get enough cash for a long trek, so plan ahead. Standard Chartered, Nabil, Everest, Global IME, NIC Asia and other major banks have reliable machines.
A few tips: use ATMs attached to banks or in secure locations, avoid machines that look tampered with, withdraw during banking hours in case the machine keeps your card, tell your bank before you travel so your card is not blocked, and bring at least two cards from different banks in case one fails. On the trails, a small number of ATMs exist in places such as Namche Bazaar, Lukla and Jomsom, but they are unreliable, often out of cash or not accepting foreign cards, so never depend on them.
Card payments and digital wallets
Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, upscale restaurants, supermarkets, trekking gear shops, airlines and travel agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many businesses add a surcharge of 3–4% for card payments, and some card machines only work intermittently. Contactless payments are becoming more common in cities. Local digital wallets such as eSewa and Khalti, and QR code payments, are hugely popular among Nepalis but are generally tied to Nepali bank accounts, so they are not practical for most visitors. On trekking routes, in villages and in small shops, cash is the only option.
When paying larger bills, such as a trek or tour, many agencies accept bank transfers or card payments online. If paying by card in person, check the amount in rupees before entering your PIN and decline any offer of dynamic currency conversion, which usually gives a worse rate.
How much cash to carry on a trek
Once you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara for a trek, you are entering a cash economy. Teahouses and lodges only accept Nepali rupees in cash, and prices rise with altitude because everything is carried in by porters, mules or helicopters. You need enough cash for all meals and drinks, accommodation (if not included in your package), hot showers, device charging, Wi-Fi cards, snacks, souvenirs, tips and emergencies.
| Trekking expense | Approximate cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teahouse room | 500–2,500 per night | Often cheap if you eat at the lodge |
| Dal bhat | 600–1,500 | Price rises with altitude |
| Breakfast | 500–1,200 | Porridge, eggs, bread, pancakes |
| Tea / coffee (cup) | 100–500 | Pots are better value in groups |
| Bottled water | 100–500 | Use purification instead |
| Hot shower | 300–800 | Gas or solar heated |
| Device charging | 200–700 per device | Higher at altitude |
| Wi-Fi | 500–1,500 per day or card | Everest Link cards in Khumbu |
For an independent trekker paying for their own food and lodging, a daily budget of about US$25–50 on popular routes is realistic, rising towards the higher end in the Everest region and at high camps. If your food and lodging are included in a package, budget roughly US$10–20 per day for drinks, snacks, showers and charging. On top of that, set aside money for tips and an emergency reserve. We recommend withdrawing all your trekking cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara, dividing it between two or three places in your luggage, and carrying a small amount of US dollars as a backup.
Tipping in Nepal
Tipping is not compulsory in Nepal, but it is an expected and important part of income for guides, porters and drivers, whose wages are modest. Tips are usually given at the end of a trek or tour, ideally in person with a word of thanks, often in an envelope.
| Who | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Trekking guide | Around 10–15% of trip cost, or a daily amount agreed with your agency |
| Porter | Slightly less than the guide per day, shared fairly |
| Driver (day tour) | A few hundred rupees per day |
| City guide (half-day) | Around NPR 500–1,000 |
| Restaurants | Around 10% if service charge not included |
| Hotel staff | Small tips for porters and housekeeping |
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge and 13% VAT to the bill; check before adding more. On treks, groups usually pool tips and hand them to each member of the team individually. Tips in Nepali rupees are the most practical, although US dollars are also appreciated. Take a look at our guide to hiring a guide and porter.
Bargaining
Bargaining is normal and expected in markets, souvenir shops, handicraft stalls and with taxi drivers in Nepal, but it should be done in a friendly, respectful spirit. Start by asking the price, offer a lower figure, and meet somewhere in between. Smile, be patient and remember that a small amount to you may be significant to the seller. Prices are fixed in supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, most hotels and teahouses, where bargaining is inappropriate. In teahouses on trekking routes, menu prices are often set by local committees, so accept them.
Daily budgets for Nepal
| Style | Daily budget (city) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$25–40 | Guesthouses, local food, public buses |
| Mid-range | US$50–120 | Comfortable hotels, tourist restaurants, private transport |
| Luxury | US$150+ | Boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides and vehicles |
Organised treks and tours with guides, porters, permits, transport and accommodation cost more but include most expenses. Take a look at our guides to Everest Base Camp cost and Nepal trekking costs.
Indian rupees in Nepal
Because of close ties with India, Indian rupees are widely accepted in Nepal, especially in border towns, Kathmandu and Pokhara. The exchange rate is fixed at 1 INR = 1.6 NPR, although shops may round it. There have been restrictions on bringing and using larger Indian notes, and rules have changed over time, so Indian travellers should check the current limits before travelling. Smaller Indian notes are generally accepted without issue. Indian cards work at many Nepali ATMs.
Safety and security tips
- Split your cash: keep money in two or three places, such as a money belt, daypack and main bag.
- Use hotel safes: leave spare cash, cards and passports in safes where available.
- Be discreet: avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
- Count your change: honest mistakes happen; check your change and notes.
- Beware of skimmers: cover the keypad and use reputable ATMs.
- Keep emergency funds: carry a reserve of US dollars and a backup card for emergencies.
- Record card details: note your bank's emergency numbers in case of loss or theft.
Money for emergencies
On a trek, emergencies such as flight cancellations, extra nights in the mountains, illness or helicopter evacuations can be costly. Travel insurance should cover evacuation and medical costs, but you may need to pay some expenses upfront and claim later. Keep an emergency reserve of US$200–300 in cash or a credit card with a high limit, and know how to contact your insurer. For longer or remote treks, carry more. For the details, read our travel insurance guide.
Exchanging money
You can exchange major currencies such as US dollars, euros, pounds, Australian dollars and others at banks and licensed money exchange counters in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other tourist centres. Rates in Thamel and Lakeside are competitive and usually better than at the airport. Bring clean, undamaged notes; torn or marked notes may be refused. Keep your exchange receipts, as they may be needed to change unused rupees back into foreign currency when you leave. Avoid changing money on the street with unlicensed changers.
Typical prices in Nepal
Knowing what things cost helps you budget and spot inflated prices. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, a cup of milk tea in a local teashop costs very little, while a cappuccino in a tourist café costs several times more. A plate of momos in a local restaurant is inexpensive, and a full dal bhat set in a local eatery is one of the best-value meals in the world. In tourist restaurants in Thamel or Lakeside, a main course such as pasta, curry or a burger costs more, but still far less than in Europe or North America. A large local beer is moderately priced, while imported wine is expensive because of high import duties.
Transport is also good value. Short taxi rides within Kathmandu cost a few hundred rupees, though you should agree the fare before getting in or use a ride-hailing app such as Pathao or InDrive, which show a fixed price upfront. Tourist buses between Kathmandu and Pokhara or Chitwan are affordable, while domestic flights, such as to Pokhara or Lukla, are the biggest transport expense and are usually priced in US dollars for foreigners. Entrance fees to heritage sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath range from a modest amount to a considerably larger fee for Bhaktapur, and are charged at a higher rate for foreigners than for locals and SAARC nationals.
Prices on trekking routes rise with altitude and remoteness. A dal bhat that costs a few hundred rupees in Kathmandu might cost three or four times as much at Gorak Shep near Everest Base Camp, because every sack of rice and every gas canister has been carried up on someone's back or flown in by helicopter. Once you understand that, the prices seem fair.
Paying for treks and tours
Most trekking agencies, including ours, ask for a deposit when you book and the balance before or on arrival. Payment methods usually include international bank transfer, online card payment and, in some cases, cash on arrival. Bank transfers can incur fees from both your bank and the receiving bank, and exchange rates may be less favourable, so compare the options. Card payments online are convenient and offer some consumer protection, although a card surcharge may apply. If you pay the balance in cash on arrival, bring clean US dollar notes, as agencies may not accept old, torn or marked notes. Always get a receipt and a written confirmation of what is included, such as permits, domestic flights, accommodation, meals, guide and porter wages and insurance for staff.
When comparing trek prices, look carefully at what is included. A cheaper package may leave out meals, domestic flights or permits, which can add hundreds of dollars. Guides and porters should be paid fairly, insured and properly equipped; very cheap trips sometimes cut costs at the expense of staff welfare.
Sending and receiving money
If you run short of funds while in Nepal, there are several ways to receive money. International money transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram have many agents in Kathmandu, Pokhara and larger towns, and funds can usually be collected the same day with your passport. Online transfer services may also send money to Nepali bank accounts or to cash pick-up points. Banks can arrange international transfers, but these can take several days. Your home bank can also increase your card limits or send a replacement card by courier, though delivery to Nepal may take time. It is always better to carry a backup card and some emergency cash so you are not dependent on these options.
Money tips for specific regions
Everest region: withdraw all your cash in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla. Namche Bazaar has ATMs, but they frequently run out of money or reject foreign cards, and fees are high. Prices are the highest in Nepal because of the altitude and reliance on porters and flights. A few lodges accept cards with large surcharges. Annapurna region: Pokhara has plenty of ATMs; withdraw there before your trek. Jomsom and Besisahar have ATMs, but do not rely on them. Langtang and Manaslu: there are no reliable ATMs on these routes, so bring everything from Kathmandu. Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and Dolpo: bring all the cash you need, plus a reserve, as there are no banks. Chitwan and Bardia: Sauraha and nearby towns have ATMs, and most lodges accept cards.
Budget travel tips
- Eat dal bhat: it is nutritious, filling and often comes with free refills.
- Use water purification tablets or a filter instead of buying bottled water.
- Share taxis and use ride-hailing apps for fair prices in cities.
- Travel in the shoulder season for lower hotel rates.
- Book local buses and eat where Nepalis eat for authentic, cheap experiences.
- Carry a power bank to reduce paid charging on treks.
- Bring snacks from Kathmandu for treks; they are much cheaper there.
Taxes and service charges
Many restaurants and hotels in Nepal, especially in tourist areas, add a 10% service charge and 13% VAT to the bill, which can add more than 20% to the menu price. Menus usually state whether prices include tax, often with a small note at the bottom saying that tax and service charge are extra. Check before ordering if you are on a tight budget. Local eateries typically include taxes or do not charge them. In hotels, room rates quoted online may or may not include tax, so check when booking. The service charge is supposed to be shared among staff, but many travellers still leave a small extra tip for excellent service.
Changing money back when you leave
Nepali rupees are difficult to exchange outside Nepal, so spend or change them before you leave. Banks and licensed money changers can convert rupees back into foreign currency, usually requiring your original exchange receipts, and the amount you can reconvert may be limited to a percentage of what you exchanged. At Kathmandu airport there are exchange counters, but rates may be poorer and hours limited. Many travellers simply keep a small amount of rupees as a souvenir or for a future visit, and spend the rest on last-minute gifts, meals or tips for their guide.
A sample two-week budget
To give a concrete idea, here is how a mid-range traveller's two-week trip might look, excluding international flights. Three nights in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel with sightseeing and meals, a twelve-day guided teahouse trek with permits, guide, porter and domestic flights, followed by two nights in Pokhara. The trek package would be the largest expense, followed by accommodation and meals in the cities, extras on the trek such as drinks, showers and charging, tips for the trekking team, and souvenirs. Budget travellers who trek independently in less expensive regions can spend much less, while those staying in luxury lodges and taking helicopter flights can spend many times more. Tell us your budget and we will suggest the best way to make it go further.
Frequently overlooked costs
Some expenses catch travellers by surprise. Domestic flights often have baggage limits of 10–15 kg, with excess baggage charged per kilogram. Heritage site entrance fees add up if you visit several in the Kathmandu Valley. Trekking permits must be paid in rupees, and restricted-area permits in US dollars. Some lodges charge extra for hot water bottles, blankets, or a room if you eat elsewhere. Tips for trekking staff can amount to a noticeable sum on longer trips. Laundry, SIM cards and data, visa extensions, and airport taxis are further small costs. Finally, a spare day or two for weather delays, especially for Lukla flights, means extra nights in hotels and extra meals. Including a buffer of around 10–15% in your budget makes the trip less stressful and leaves room for unexpected treats, such as a scenic mountain flight or a celebratory dinner at the end of your trek.
Giving and donations
Many visitors want to help the communities they visit. Rather than handing money or sweets to children, which can encourage begging, consider donating to registered local organisations working in education, health or conservation, buying handicrafts directly from cooperatives, or leaving useful items with a school through your guide. Monasteries and temples welcome small donations, and it is customary to place a few rupees in donation boxes when visiting. Supporting local businesses such as family-run teahouses, homestays and cafés spreads the benefits of tourism widely.
The short version
Money in Nepal is simple if you plan ahead: withdraw enough rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your trek, carry small notes, use cards only in larger establishments, tip guides and porters generously and fairly, and bargain with a smile. With a little preparation, you will never be caught short in the mountains. Contact us for a detailed budget for your trip.