Nepal Currency Exchange Guide: Best Rates, ATMs & Money Tips

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is pegged to the Indian Rupee at a fixed rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR, making currency calculations straightforward for Indian visitors. For other currencies, the exchange rate floats daily — as of early 2026, approximately 1 USD = 133-136 NPR and 1 EUR = 142-146 NPR. The best exchange rates are found at licensed money changers in Thamel and New Road (Kathmandu), not at airport counters or hotels. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but nonexistent on trekking routes.

This guide covers everything you need to handle money efficiently in Nepal, from arrival to departure.

What Currency Does Nepal Use?

Nepal uses the Nepali Rupee (NPR), sometimes written as NRs or simply Rs. The currency code is NPR, and the symbol is रू.

Denominations in circulation:

• Notes: NPR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000.
• Coins: NPR 1, 2, 5, and 10 (coins are rarely used in practice — most transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 or 10 rupees).

Key exchange rates (approximate, early 2026):

The INR-NPR peg at 1:1.6 is fixed by bilateral agreement and has remained stable for decades. This means Indian travellers can calculate NPR prices by dividing by 1.6 — a NPR 1,600 hotel room equals INR 1,000.

Where Should You Exchange Money in Nepal?

Not all exchange options offer the same rates. Here is a ranking from best to worst:

1. Licensed money changers in Thamel and New Road (Best rates)

• Clustered along the main streets of Thamel and the New Road area in Kathmandu.
• Rates are typically 1-2% better than airport counters.
• No commission charged on major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, INR).
• Always compare rates at 2-3 shops — they display rates on boards outside.
• Passport required for exchange. You will receive a receipt (keep it for converting NPR back when departing).

2. ATM withdrawals (Good rates, convenience)

• ATMs are everywhere in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Exchange rate is set by your bank at the interbank rate plus a margin (typically 1-3%).
• Maximum withdrawal per transaction: NPR 10,000-35,000 depending on the bank and ATM network.
• ATM fees: NPR 500 per transaction charged by the Nepali bank, plus whatever your home bank charges for international withdrawals.
• Best strategy: Use an international bank account that reimburses ATM fees (e.g., Charles Schwab, Revolut, Wise).

3. Bank counters (Fair rates, slow)

• Banks offer decent rates but the process involves paperwork and queuing.
• Open Sunday-Friday (Nepal's weekend is Saturday). Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
• Standard Bank, Nabil Bank, and NIC Asia are commonly used by tourists.

4. Hotel reception exchange (Convenient, poor rates)

• Most tourist hotels offer currency exchange at reception.
• Rates are typically 3-5% worse than money changers.
• Convenient for small amounts when you need cash urgently.

5. Airport exchange counters (Worst rates)

• Exchange only what you need immediately at the airport (enough for a taxi and first meal — NPR 2,000-3,000 is sufficient).
• Rates are the poorest of all options, typically 4-6% below market rate.

How Do ATMs Work in Nepal?

ATMs are your primary source of cash outside of money changers. Here is what you need to know:

ATM networks:

• Global IME Bank, Nabil Bank, NIC Asia, Standard Chartered — Most reliable for international cards.
• Himalayan Bank, Nepal Investment Bank — Also widely compatible.
• SCT (Smart Choice Technologies) network ATMs accept most Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards.

Withdrawal limits:

• Most ATMs dispense a maximum of NPR 10,000-35,000 per transaction.
• You can make multiple transactions, but each incurs the NPR 500 local fee.
• Daily international card limits vary by your home bank (typically USD 300-500 equivalent).

ATM tips:

• Use ATMs attached to bank branches (more secure, refilled more frequently).
• Avoid standalone ATMs in isolated locations.
• The machine will ask "with conversion" or "without conversion" — always choose without conversion (also called "decline conversion" or "charge in local currency"). This avoids the unfavourable Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) rate.
• ATMs sometimes run out of cash, especially on weekends and festival days. Never let your wallet empty completely.
• Keep your transaction receipts — useful for expense tracking and if your bank queries a transaction.

Where there are NO ATMs:

• On any trekking route above the starting town.
• Namche Bazaar (Everest region) has a couple of ATMs, but they frequently run out of cash and connectivity is unreliable.
• Carry sufficient cash in NPR before starting any trek.

Are Credit and Debit Cards Accepted?

Card acceptance in Nepal is growing but remains inconsistent:

Where cards are accepted:

• Upscale hotels and resorts (Visa and Mastercard most common, Amex rare).
• Tourist restaurants in Thamel and Lakeside.
• Domestic airline counters and online bookings.
• Major supermarkets (Bhat-Bhateni, Salesberry).
• Some trekking and travel agencies.

Where cards are NOT accepted:

• Local restaurants, street food vendors, and small shops.
• Taxis and local transport.
• Teahouses on trekking routes.
• Government offices (visa extensions, permit fees).
• Most shops outside Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Card surcharges: Many merchants add a 2-4% surcharge for card payments to cover their processing fees. This is technically against card network rules but universally practised. If the surcharge is excessive, pay in cash instead.

Contactless payments: Tap-to-pay (NFC) is available at some modern terminals in Kathmandu, but penetration is still low. Do not rely on it.

How Does the INR-NPR Relationship Work for Indian Travellers?

Indian travellers have a unique advantage in Nepal:

The fixed peg:

• 1 INR = 1.6 NPR. This rate is set by the Nepal Rastra Bank and does not fluctuate with the market.
• To convert mentally: divide NPR by 1.6 (or multiply by 0.625) to get the INR equivalent.
• NPR 1,000 = INR 625. NPR 5,000 = INR 3,125.

Using INR in Nepal:

• INR notes of NPR 100 and below are widely accepted in border towns and some Kathmandu shops.
• INR 500 and 2,000 notes are NOT accepted in Nepal due to a long-standing Nepal Rastra Bank regulation.
• The best approach: Exchange INR for NPR at money changers in Thamel or at the border crossing. Rates are consistent due to the fixed peg.

Indian bank cards:

• Indian debit and credit cards work at Nepali ATMs and card terminals.
• RuPay cards have limited acceptance — stick to Visa or Mastercard.
• UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) does NOT work in Nepal.
• Carrying INR 500-denomination notes is pointless. Bring INR 100s or exchange to NPR.

When booking on BookGarum, Indian travellers can see prices in INR and pay via Razorpay, eliminating the need for currency conversion on accommodation costs.

Are Digital Payment Apps Used in Nepal?

Nepal has a growing digital payment ecosystem, though it is primarily designed for Nepali bank account holders:

Popular apps:

• eSewa — Nepal's largest digital wallet. Used for utility payments, online shopping, and some merchant payments. Requires a Nepali bank account or mobile number.
• Khalti — Similar to eSewa, widely used for payments and recharges.
• FonePay — QR code-based payment system used at many shops and restaurants.

Can tourists use these? Generally no. These apps require a Nepali bank account or Nepali mobile number with KYC verification linked to a Nepali ID. Tourists are limited to cash and international cards.

Exception: Some tourist-facing businesses accept QR code payments via their own merchant systems, but these are rare.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

For city-only trips (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan):

• Carry NPR 5,000-10,000 at any time.
• Supplement with ATM withdrawals as needed.
• Keep a card as backup for hotel payments and emergencies.

For trekking:

• Calculate your expected daily spend: NPR 2,500-5,000 per day covers accommodation, food, and extras at teahouses.
• Add NPR 2,000-5,000 for trekking permits and park fees (some checkpoints are cash only).
• Add your guide/porter tip amount.
• Bring 20% extra as buffer.
• Example for a 14-day Annapurna Circuit: NPR 50,000-80,000 in cash, carried in a money belt.

General safety tips:

• Split cash between multiple locations (money belt, daypack, main bag).
• Keep a hidden USD 100 note as ultimate emergency backup.
• Use hotel safes for excess cash (most mid-range and above hotels offer in-room safes or reception safes).

How Do You Convert NPR Back When Leaving Nepal?

You can convert unused NPR back to foreign currency at the airport or at Thamel money changers before your departure:

• Airport exchange: Available in the departure hall, before immigration. Rates are poor but convenient.
• Thamel money changers: Better rates. Bring your original exchange receipt — some changers require it for reconversion.
• Maximum reconversion: You can convert up to 15% of the total amount shown on your exchange receipts. Keep all receipts.
• INR reconversion: Straightforward at 1.6:1. Available at the border or Thamel changers.

Pro tip: Spend down your NPR before departing. Buy last-minute souvenirs, stock up on Nepali tea and spices, or treat yourself to a final great meal. NPR is very difficult to exchange outside Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use USD directly in Nepal? Some tourist businesses (upscale hotels, trekking agencies) quote and accept USD, but most transactions are in NPR. Always carry NPR for daily spending.

Are travellers' cheques accepted? Effectively no. Travellers' cheques are nearly obsolete globally and very few places in Nepal will cash them. Use cards and cash instead.

What is the best currency to bring to Nepal? USD is the most universally accepted and gets the best exchange rates. EUR and GBP are also fine. INR works perfectly due to the fixed peg. Other currencies are exchangeable at major money changers but may get slightly worse rates.

Is haggling normal in Nepal? At shops and markets, yes. At restaurants, hotels, and for services with stated prices, no. Tourist shops in Thamel expect haggling — start at 40-50% of the asking price and negotiate.

What if my card gets swallowed by an ATM? Contact the bank branch immediately (if attached). If the ATM is standalone, call the number displayed on the machine. Also call your home bank to block the card. This is why carrying backup cash and a second card is important.

Can I use cryptocurrency in Nepal? No. Cryptocurrency transactions are illegal in Nepal under Nepal Rastra Bank regulations. Do not attempt to use crypto for payments.

Smart Money, Smart Stays — Book on BookGarum

Getting your money sorted is step one. Step two is spending it wisely on great accommodation. Search verified hotels on BookGarum with transparent pricing in your preferred currency — whether that is NPR, INR, USD, or EUR. No hidden fees, no surprises at checkout. Compare properties, read genuine guest reviews, and book with confidence knowing exactly what you are paying.