Travel Tips - Nepal - The Details
Visas
All nationalities except Indians require a visa for Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues (30 minutes), but this is still the easiest way to go. You will need to provide one passport-sized photo and the following fees in US dollars only: single entry visa valid for 60 days - US$30, multiple entry visa valid for 150 days - US$80. Please note regulations and costs for visas change frequently so it's advisable to check the current rules with your nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Embassies
- Canadian Embassy: run by the Canadian Cooperation Office-Nepal
G.P.O. Box 4574, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Tel: (977) 1-4415193, Fax: (977) 1-4410422 - American Embassy:
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Tel: (977) 1-400-7200, Fax: (977) 1-400-7272 - UK Embassy:
PO Box 106, Lainchaur, Kathmandu
Tel: (977) 1-441-0583
Departure Tax
There is a roughly 1,800 Nepali Rupee departure tax (it changes frequently) - about $25US.
Money
The monetary unit in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). Banknotes are found in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000, while coins are found in 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa. ATMs are becoming more common but outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara are not available. It's easy to exchange cash and traveler's cheques in major centers. Be sure to have plenty of cash on-hand before leaving these cities.
Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted at major retailers but usually a 3-4% service fee is incurred.
Check current exchange rates with this handy currency converter.
