Bank & Money Exchange

Nepalese Rupee Exchange Rate is currently at USD $1.00 = .01 Np Rupee. 

For current rates view {Click Here for Updated exchange) Make sure not to confuse the Nepal Rupee with the Indian Rupee, they are different!

How to Get Rupees
When I first started planning my trip I was surprised (sort of) that AAA didn't provide any sort of service to Nepal, therefore I was going to have to get the Nepal currency, Rupees, when I arrived off the airplane in Kathmandu. 

To exchange your money you will need the following:

• Passport
• US Cash, Travelers Cheque, or Credit Card
• Save Your Foreign Exchange receipt

Banks

You can easily get Rupee's at banks in Kathamndu, Pokhara and other larger towns. Be aware of the bank hours. The best private banks according to Lonely Planet are Standard Chartered Bank and the Himalaya Bank Nepal.

Money Exchangers

Better rates, but higher commision. Better hours usually opened from 9am-7pm.

ATMs

Luckily there are plenty of places to exchange your money.  Kathmandu also has up-to-date ATM's, although cards that run on the Ciruss system sometimes won't work. (Learn more about Ciruss here.) As long as you have a Visa, American Express or Mastercard you will have no problem either getting cash or paying for hotel. Another suggestion that I would have is finding a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Just google it and you can read more about it. Please be aware that there are rolling blackouts (shedding) and this can mean that some of the atm's may not work, so don't ever be caught without cash. Check before you leave if your credit card will charge you large fees associated with pulling cash. Check it out with your credit card company prior to leaving.

Travellers Cheques

It seems as though this is still the safest and cheapest option. US dollars are the preferred way to exchange money. The are much safer than cash, but beware that you must be in Kathmandu to cash them.

Emergency Money & Transfers

For international transfers there are a few options which are quite easy. You will need your passport and any code for pick-up. Also note that usually the transfers will be in Nepal Rupees.

• Moneygram
• Moneygram is affiliated with Easylink, which has offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bodhnath and Butwal.
• Western Union
• Agents in Nepal include Nabil Bank, Sita World Travel and Yeti Travels.

Tips

• When shopping make sure to try to get your large bills to smaller ones.  Taxis and rickshaws only take small bills!  (Read more here about safety and where to store your bills)
• It is important to retain your exchange receipts in order to apply for visa extension and re-conversion of left-over Nepalese rupees when you leave Nepal.
• Learn more about tipping and other customs.

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