Travel Tips
Nepal Credit Card Acceptance Guide
Credit card acceptance in Nepal is growing but still limited outside major cities. Here is where cards work, where they do not, and how to plan your cash needs.
Overview
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of establishments in Kathmandu and Pokhara — upscale hotels, major restaurants, airline offices, and some trekking agencies. However, Nepal remains predominantly a cash economy, particularly outside tourist centres and on trekking routes.
Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. American Express is accepted at fewer venues. Discover and other cards have very limited acceptance.
Key Tips
Always carry sufficient NPR cash, especially when leaving major cities. Tea houses, local restaurants, smaller guesthouses, and trekking permit offices are cash-only. Markets and street vendors never accept cards.
A surcharge of 3 to 4 percent on card transactions is standard practice in Nepal — many establishments pass on the payment processing fee to the customer. Some add this without informing you, so always ask before paying by card.
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Plan to withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before trekking. ATMs on trekking routes are scarce and often empty. Carry enough NPR to cover your entire trek plus emergency funds.
FAQ
Can I pay for trekking permits by card?
The TIMS card office and some national park permit counters accept cards. Others are cash only. It is safest to carry cash for all permit-related payments.
Do hotels in Kathmandu accept cards?
Most 3-star and above hotels accept Visa and Mastercard. Budget guesthouses are usually cash-only. Confirm with your hotel before arrival if you plan to settle your bill by card.
Are contactless payments available in Nepal?
Contactless card payments and mobile wallet services (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) are not widely supported in Nepal as of 2026. Physical card insertion with PIN is the standard method where cards are accepted.
