Being well-prepared requires essential information about visa requirements, foreign currency exchange, and credit card use before visiting Nepal. In addition to easy country entry visa rules, this knowledge provides financial control for travel through cities and rural Nepalese territory. A basic understanding of visa rules, local currency use, and credit cards enables travelers to enjoy their Nepalese journey with reduced logistical stress points.

Visa Information

• Visa on Arrival allows most visitors to obtain tourist visas through entry points, including Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and Sunauli or Kakarbhitta overland ports.
• Visa costs for tourists depend on their stay duration and range as follows:
  • 15 days: $25
  • 30 days: $40
  • 90 days: $100
• To acquire a visa for Nepal, visitors must provide a valid passport for at least six months, a filled-out visa application form, and one passport photo.
• Online users can start their visa application process through the Department of Immigration website before visiting, which streamlines the entry process upon arrival.

Foreign Currency

• The currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). US dollars and euros are the best currency choices while traveling in Nepal because they have broad exchange abilities.
• The cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara and all major tourist destinations maintain numerous currency exchange facilities. Banks and authorized money changers offer competitive rates. Street money changers should be avoided because their level of professionalism is uncertain.
• The principal cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara provide access to their ATMs. ATMs might be scarce when exploring rural trekking locations, necessitating travelers to bring adequate money for their trekking duration.
• The suggested cash requirement depends on your trek duration, where US Dollars or Euros will cover all expenses during your stay. Without counting food and accommodations, you will need $300 to $500 for a 10-day trek.

Credit Card Use

• The primary credit card providers, Visa and MasterCard, operate throughout urban regions, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and main trekking destinations. Hotels, restaurants, and standard shops throughout Nepal will take payment through credit cards.
• Credit cards remain practical within urban centers but are less accepted in remote trekking destinations like Langtang, Manaslu, and Everest Base Camp. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring sufficient cash, as you will need it for your entire trekking journey.
• There are a small number of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Kathmandu and Pokhara that provide Nepalese Rupee withdrawals. The withdrawal limits and associated fees for these services are high. To prevent international transaction problems, you can tell your bank about your travel plans.

Tips for Trekking

• Uphill resorts and guesthouses along trekking paths near remote areas operate solely on cash payments, so keep an adequate amount of Nepalese Rupees or USD.
• Use backup cards simultaneously with your primary credit cards because lost or rejected cards may need a secondary option.
• Notify your financial institution about traveling to Nepal. This will prevent them from blocking your payment methods due to potential fraudulent activities.