Money & Payments in Kathmandu (2026)

Kathmandu is effectively a cash-first city outside major tourist hotels. Withdraw maximum ATM limits (NPR 35,000) to minimize per-transaction fees.
Card surcharges (3–5%) are standard and legally passed to customer; ask for surcharge amount before completing payment.
Licensed money changers in Thamel offer better exchange rates than ATMs and banks. Verify 'Authorized by Nepal Rastra Bank' sign.
Avoid airport exchanges—rates are 5–10% worse than city rates. Change money in Thamel after arrival.
Tipping is increasingly normalized in Kathmandu's tourism sector but remains discretionary. Service workers' wages are modest and tips form meaningful income.
Handing money with left hand alone is culturally disrespectful; use right hand or both hands.
Split cash across multiple places (wallet, day bag, concealed pocket) to minimize loss if pickpocketed on crowded Kathmandu streets.
For treks or remote travel, withdraw all cash needed while in Kathmandu or Pokhara—ATMs become scarce and unreliable.
DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) ATM option is a scam—always choose to be charged in NPR for better rates.

ATM Fee: NPR 500
Flat fee per withdrawal. Range NPR 500–700 across banks; Citizens Bank and NIC Asia typically NPR 500–600; Nabil NPR 700; Global IME NPR 625.
Daily Limit: NPR 100,000
Availability: Widely available in Kathmandu, particularly in Thamel area; less common outside city center. ATMs generally reliable for major banks in tourist zones.
Monthly Limit: NPR 300,000
Accepted Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus. American Express and Discover not widely supported.
Recommended Banks: Standard Chartered, Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalaya Bank, Global IME (higher fee but reliable), NIC Asia (lower fees)
Per Transaction Limit: NPR 35,000
Some banks allow NPR 25,000; Nabil and Siddhartha up to NPR 35,000

Etiquette: Always use right hand or both hands when giving tips. Offering quietly and respectfully is preferred. Small denominations of Nepalese Rupees are most appropriate.
Taxi Drivers: Tipping not standard; rounding up fare to nearest NPR 50–100 is courteous if driver uses meter honestly.
Tour Guides City: NPR 1,523
General Principle: Tipping is not mandatory but is widely appreciated in tourism and hospitality sectors. Service workers often depend on tips as meaningful income supplement.
Currency Preference: Nepalese Rupees are preferred and most respectful. USD cash acceptable for trekking-related services but NPR better for local interactions.
Applicable In Kathmandu: Yes

Budget Restaurants: Tipping not expected; appreciated if left but not customary.
Upscale Restaurants: Many mid-range to upscale restaurants in Kathmandu automatically add 10% service charge to bill. Tipping beyond this is not required unless service was exceptional. For restaurants without service charge, tip 5–10% of bill.

Summary: Visa and Mastercard accepted in major tourist areas and establishments in Kathmandu; American Express has very limited acceptance. Card payments typically incur 3–5% surcharge.
Card Surcharge: NPR 3.00

Overview: Foreign residents can open bank accounts in Nepal with correct documentation, though the process involves bureaucracy. No confirmed recent information on specific procedures, timelines, or which banks most readily serve nomads.
General Setup Notes: Passport, visa, and proof of address typically required. Process varies by bank. Some international banks operate but are limited in number. Nepali banks may require higher minimum balances or specific documentation.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Kathmandu

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.