Nepal's national currency is the Nepalese Rupee, denoted NPR, or रू. It comes in banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. All banknotes feature two sides: one printed in Nepali and depicting Mount Everest, the other in English and showcasing an emblematic animal of the country, such as the yak, snow leopard or elephant.

Currency Exchange and ATM Withdrawals

The exchange rate remains relatively stable, typically ranging between 110 and 120 NPR per €1. If you have a substantial amount of money to exchange on site, our English-speaking team can guide you toward a location with more favourable rates than the airport or your hotel.

ATM machines can be found throughout Kathmandu, Pokhara, and major cities. We recommend always using bank-operated machines to avoid unpleasant surprises.

It's also worth noting that a fee of 500 NPR will be charged for each international withdrawal, so it's better to make larger withdrawals of 10,000 NPR or more to avoid extra charges.

There's no need to exchange your euros before arriving in Nepal, unless you plan to take a taxi into the city centre. In that case, exchanging around ten euros directly at the airport will be sufficient.

Avoid paying by card whenever possible: each transaction incurs between 3.5% and 4% in fees depending on the bank, added on top of your bill total.

Budget on the Ground

As Nepal is a relatively low-income country, you'll enjoy a very comfortable purchasing power as a visitor from Europe. However, be cautious about buying imported products from Europe or electronics. These items, targeting the wealthier classes, travellers and expatriates, are often more expensive than in Europe.

At a tourist restaurant of excellent quality, expect to spend between €8 and €12 per person. In more local restaurants, the bill typically comes to around €5, and at small local canteens, a dish will cost you between €1 and €3. Do watch out for sugary or alcoholic beverages, which can quickly increase your bill.

Fixed prices are uncommon in Kathmandu, especially in small shops. Local merchants often set prices far too high, particularly for tourists. Don't hesitate to negotiate if you're interested in an item. Offer a much lower price—around 50% to 60% of the asking price for clothing, and halve the price for souvenirs at minimum. Stay calm, keep smiling, and don't hesitate to walk out of the shop if you're not satisfied.