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Nepal Nepal Currency Guide

The currency of Nepal and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Nepalese Rupee

NPR

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Nepal before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Nepal

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the center of the Kathmandu Valley. Home to about 3.2 million people, it serves as the central hub for traveling around Nepal.

Pokhara

Pokhara lies about 200 km west of Kathmandu, Nepal, and is known for its beautiful scenery centered around Phewa Lake. It's a relaxing place to stay while visiting sights such as Barahi Temple and the Shanti Stupa.

Lalitpur

Lalitpur lies in the southwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley, dotted with cultural heritage such as Buddhist temples and an old royal palace. Traditional handicrafts also thrive here, making it a great place to visit alongside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Patan Durbar Square.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a city in the Kathmandu Valley, 13 km east of Kathmandu, with a long history as Nepal's capital until the late 15th century. It's a wonderful place to wander its streets and soak in the atmosphere of an old royal capital.

Biratnagar

Biratnagar is a city in southeastern Nepal, serving as the center of Morang District in Koshi Province. With a relatively large population, it stands out as a significant city in southeastern Nepal.