Money in Nepal: Cash, ATMs, Cards and Tipping

Nepal still runs largely on cash. Cards work in many hotels, larger restaurants and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but taxis, small cafés, markets and teahouses on the trails usually want Nepali rupees (NPR).

ATMs

• ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but scarce or absent on most trekking routes.
• Banks set their own limits for foreign cards — typically around NPR 20,000–40,000 per withdrawal.
• Each withdrawal usually carries a local fee (commonly several hundred rupees) on top of your own bank's charges, so take out larger amounts less often.
• If the ATM offers to convert to your home currency, choose to be charged in NPR — the ATM's conversion rate is usually worse.

Cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many tourist businesses in the cities. A card surcharge of a few percent is common, so ask before paying.

Exchanging money

Licensed money exchangers and banks operate at the airport and in tourist areas. Bring clean, undamaged notes and keep your receipts.

Cash for treks

Withdraw enough before you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara for drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and tips. Prices rise with altitude. Carry small notes — change can be hard to find on the trail.

Tipping

Tipping guides, porters and drivers at the end of a trek or tour is customary in Nepal, though always at your discretion. In restaurants, check whether a service charge is already on the bill.