---
title: "Money in Nepal: Cash, Cards, ATMs and Tipping"
canonical: "https://lokoon.com/guides/money-in-nepal"
author: "Lokoon"
published: "2026-11-15T04:42:16.141980+00:00"
modified: "2026-11-15T04:42:16.142138+00:00"
kind: "guide"
---

# Money in Nepal: Cash, Cards, ATMs and Tipping

> How to carry and spend money in a largely cash-based country, from city ATMs to mountain lodges, with notes on service charges and bargaining.

Nepal runs on cash to a degree that surprises visitors from countries where a phone tap pays for everything. Cards work in the better hotels and restaurants of the main cities, and digital payments are booming among residents, but once you leave the tourist hubs you will need rupee notes in your pocket.
The currency
The Nepali rupee, written NPR or Rs, comes in notes from 5 to 1,000 rupees. Coins exist but are seldom used. The rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee at a fixed rate, and floats against other currencies.
Carry a mix of denominations. The 1,000-rupee notes dispensed by ATMs are hard to change in small shops, taxis and village lodges. Break them at hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants whenever you can, and build up a supply of 100s and 500s.
Torn, taped or heavily worn notes are often refused. Check your change and decline damaged bills politely.
ATMs
Cash machines are plentiful in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large towns, and accept the major international card networks.
- Withdrawal limits per transaction vary by bank and are fairly low. Some banks allow considerably more than others, so it is worth trying a couple.

- A fee is charged by the local bank on each foreign-card withdrawal, in addition to whatever your own bank charges. Taking out the maximum each time reduces the number of fees.

- Choose to be charged in rupees, not your home currency, if the machine offers a conversion. The machine's rate is usually poor.

- Use machines attached to bank branches in daylight where possible, and shield your PIN.

- Machines run dry during long holidays, particularly the autumn festivals. Withdraw beforehand.

Tell your bank you are travelling so that your card is not blocked.
Changing money
Licensed money changers cluster in Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara, and there are counters at the airport. Rates are posted on boards and are competitive; commission is rarely charged. US dollars, euros, pounds and several Asian currencies are easily exchanged. Bring clean notes in good condition.
Keep exchange receipts. The rupee cannot easily be converted outside Nepal, so change leftover notes back before you leave or spend them.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at mid-range and upmarket hotels, larger restaurants, airlines, supermarkets and some shops in the cities. A surcharge of a few per cent is commonly added. American Express is less widely taken. Do not count on cards in smaller towns or anywhere on a trek.
Digital payments
Residents pay for almost everything by scanning a QR code with a mobile wallet linked to a local bank account. These systems are generally not open to short-term visitors, although arrangements exist for some foreign payment apps from neighbouring countries. Unless you know your app works in Nepal, plan to use cash.
On the trek
There are no ATMs on most trekking routes, and those that exist in a few large mountain villages are unreliable. Work out a daily budget for food, lodging, hot showers, charging, snacks and tips, multiply by the number of days, add a generous margin and carry it all in rupees from the city. Split it between your pack and your person. Prices rise steadily with altitude.
Service charge and tax
Bills at sit-down restaurants and hotels typically include a service charge of around ten per cent and value added tax of thirteen per cent. Menus may show prices before or after these, so the total can be higher than expected. The service charge is meant to be shared among staff.
Tipping
- Restaurants: where a service charge is included, no further tip is needed, though leaving small change is appreciated. Where it is not, about ten per cent is generous.

- Guides and porters: tipping at the end of a trek or tour is customary and matters to their income. Ask your agency for a guideline.

- Drivers: a tip for a full day or multi-day hire is normal.

- Hotel staff: a small note for porters and housekeeping.

- Taxis: not expected; round up if you like.

A realistic approach
Arrive with some US dollars for the visa and as a reserve, withdraw rupees from an ATM on your first day, break large notes whenever you can and carry more cash than you think you need whenever you leave a city. Nepal is an inexpensive place to travel, and a little planning ensures you can actually pay for it.

Source: https://lokoon.com/guides/money-in-nepal