Nepal ATMs and Money Exchange Tips

Cash is still king across most of Nepal. Getting your NPR efficiently makes the rest of your trip smoother.

Overview

ATMs from Standard Chartered, NIC Asia, Himalayan Bank, and Global IME are the most reliable for international cards. Most dispense NPR 10,000 to NPR 35,000 per transaction with fees of NPR 300 to NPR 500 per withdrawal plus your home bank's international fees. Thamel and Pokhara lakeside have ATMs on every other corner. Beyond major towns, ATMs thin out quickly -- Namche Bazaar is the last reliable ATM on the EBC route. Money exchange offices in Thamel offer USD/EUR/GBP exchange at competitive rates -- slightly better than banks for cash. Always count your notes before leaving the exchange counter. Exchanging money on the street with unofficial dealers is illegal and risky.

FAQ

Do Nepal ATMs accept all Visa and Mastercard cards? Most do, but a small number of older machines reject certain foreign cards. Try a different ATM or bank if your card is declined -- it is usually a machine issue, not a card problem.

What is the best currency to bring to Nepal? USD is universally accepted at exchange offices and gives the best rates. EUR and GBP are also widely exchangeable. Indian Rupees are accepted in border areas.