Nepal: Payment methods & tips

All continents Asia Nepal

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

Local currency / ISO Code

Nepal rupee NPR

Further Information

Import local currency
prohibited

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 2'000.00 and more must be declared

Export local currency
prohibited

Export foreign currency
limited to amounts imported and declared (minus exchange)

Credit cards

Die gängigen Kreditkarten werden in begrenztem Umfang akzeptiert. Für detaillierte Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an den Aussteller der betreffenden Karte.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

The Travel Mastercard card is accepted at major hotels and restaurant
ATM cash withdrawals outside bigger communities or cities may not be available.
Acceptance of credit cards is limited. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
Money is to be exchanged only at official points such as banks and exchange offices.
The declaration form must be kept until final departure.
No more than 10% of exchanged amounts can be reconverted.
Travelers must transact payment in hotels, with airlines, travel or trekking agencies in foreign currency.

Practical Information:

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter recommended

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival with visa (issued upon arrival at the airport Kathmandu; USD 30.00) for stays up to 2 months (may be extended on site).

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Lalitpur / Kathmandu, Jawalakhel, Ekanta Kuna, SDC-Compound
Tel. +977 1 554 92 25

Opening hours

Banks

9.30/10.00 - 14.30 h (Sun - Thu)
9.30/10.00 - 13.00 h (Fri)

Stores

10.00 - 19.00 h (daily)

Driving

Left-hand driving.
International driver's license required.
Minimum age for car rentals: 25 (varies by rental company).
Car rental with driver recommended.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Risk of malaria in certain areas.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

This country is in an active earthquake zone.
Hinduism is the most popular religion and may affect issues of a legal nature. Responsible for the death of a cow, for example, may be punishable by law (even if caused in an accident).

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Visitors are advised to observe elementary safety precautions and to inquire at local police stations about risks related to itinerary and time of travel.
Walking the streets after nightfall is not advised.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 4 h / + 3 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Nepali

Language capabilities

English

Capital

Kathmandu

Travel advice for Nepal.