Nepal Visa and Money

This page will provide you with information on visa and money issues.

MENU

• Getting Visa to Nepal
• About Nepali Money
• Current Exchange Rate
• Nepali Banks, ATM and Taxes
• VAT and Tourism Tax
• Trip Cost Estimation
• How much would a Nepali Rupee buy?
• Related Content
• Useful Resource

Nepal Visa Information

Visa can easily be obtained from the Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate office located in your region. If you have left your home country and/or you don't have time to visit the Embassy,  you can obtain visa from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu or from any other entry point in Nepal. Make sure to bring a few sets of your passport size photos. Visa fees are inexpensive.

Immigration Offices in Nepal

One can apply for tourist visa upon arrival in any of the following immigration offices located in the country. List of offices with telephone numbers:

Visa Fees and Requirements

• The fee for a Single Entry Tourist Visa to Nepal for 60 days is US $60 or equivalent foreign currency
• Additional $50 grants Multiple Entry Visas
• Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum of 150 days. Visa extension free for 30 days is US $ 30
• To apply for visa, you will also need a valid passport, and two passport size photos
• Business Visa fee is US$ 100 for one year with multiple re-entry and US$ 250 for five years with multiple re-entry.

Contact for Department of Immigration

Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone 977-1-4223590 | 4222453 | 4223681 | 4221996 | 4224757
Fax 977-1-4223127 Email deptimi@ntc.net.np Website: http://www.immi.gov.np/

About Nepali Money

Nepalese Rupees (in short Rs or NRS ), Traveler's Cheque, Visa Card , Master  Card and other international cards are accepted in Nepal. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. Travelers' cheques are also accepted at banks, hotels and prominent shopping centers. Nepalese money notes have interesting sizes and colors, View Images of Nepali Currency

Exchange Rates

Your country's currency will not be accepted in business transactions in Nepal.
Hence your money will have to be exchanged with Nepalese Rupees. The rate of exchange varies from day to day and is decided by the Central bank of Nepal. The following table only gives you an idea about how much your money might be worth in Nepal. If your currency is not listed in the table, try this useful currency converter tool

Exchange Rates as of March 3 2009 Source: Nepal Rastra Bank

Visit the website of Nepal Rastra Bank for latest exchange rates.

Foreign Currency can be exchanged at any bank or at exchange centers for a nominal service charge. Several dedicated exchange counters are located in Thamel streets, some of which are open till late mid-night. Remember, it is illegal to exchange currency with uncertified agent such as a person.

Denomination of Nepalese Rupees are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 1000, the most popular is 1000 and 100. When traveling away from the cities keep the changes. Changing a 1000 note can be burden some in remote areas where business trading is minimal. So carry lots of notes of tens, and hundreds.

Banks and ATM

ATM machines are open 24 hours, accepting international as well as local cards are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Banks can also offer American Express Traveler's cheques and currency exchange services. Most banks are open from 9a.m. to 5p.m.

VAT and Tourism Tax

You will be required to pay value added tax (VAT) and Tourism tax on your invoice where applicable. (e.g. hotel bills, restaurants, etc. VAT is 10%, and Tourism Tax is 2% of the total bill

How much to carry for your trip ?

This greatly depends on what you wish to do in Nepal and on your choice for accommodation and dining. Use the following estimation to create your budget.  Where you eat, shop, stay, and the level of comfort and luxury you choose will determine your final cost.

Related Content

• Websites - Banks and Finance - a list of Banks and Finance Companies in Nepal

Useful Resource

• Immigration Department Nepal - about Tourist Visa Types and Fees
• Nepal Rastra Bank - latest foreign currency exchange rates

Planning your Trip

• Going In
• Visa and Money
• Accommodation
• Activities

Destinations

• Kathmandu
• Patan
• Bhaktapur
• Pokhara
• Gorkha
• Janakpur
• Tansen
• Butwal
• Bhairahawa
• Lumbini
• Chitwan
• Hetauda
• Dharan
• Biratnagar
• Birgunj
• Nepalgunj
• Other Destinations

Activities

• Trekking
• Jungle Safari
• River Rafting
• Mountain Flight
• Air Ballooning
• Mountain Biking
• Paragliding
• Bungy Jump
• Elephant Polo
• Horseback Riding
• Dinning and Night Life
• Shopping
• Business
• Student Exchange

Travel Tips and Notes

• Nepal FAQ
• Real Nepal Facts
• Festivals of Nepal
• 101 Things To Do in Nepal
• Mount Everest Facts
• Heritage Sites
• Religious Sites
• Nepalese Customs
• Nepalese Food
• Nepali Calendar
• Trekking Tips
• Important Phone Numbers
• Phone Area Codes
• Photo Gallery Links
• Map of Nepal
• 7 Days in Nepal
• Learn Nepali
• Currency Converter
• Message Forum

Games and Extras

• Locate  temples
• Spot the peaks
• Nepal Q & A test