Information

Nepal Tourism Board Information Centers:

Counters are located in Katmandu near Bhrikuti Mandap and at the Tribhuvan International airport and at towns of Pokhara, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Janakpur and Kakarbhitta.

Currency Exchange:

It is illegal to exchange foreign currency with individuals and organization other than the authorized dealers (banks, hotels and licensed money changers).

In order one needs to change surplus rupees at the time of departure from Nepal, one needs to save his/her encashment receipts, which he/she has to produce for the exchange. A bank located at the airport departure lounge helps in this process. Credit cards like Master, Visa and American Express are accepted. Convertible currencies are Dollar - US, Australian, Hong Kong, Canadian, Singapore, Franc-Swiss, French, Belgium, Kroner- Danish, Swedish, Sterling Pound, Netherlands Guilder, Euro, Japanese Yen, Italian Lira, Australian Shilling.

Tourist Visa:

A visa is necessary to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. A single entry visa for 60 days can be obtained from any Royal Nepal Embassy or Consulate upon payment of US$ 30. One can also get a visa at the point of entry upon arrival. Visitors who require single, multiple re-entry visas can get them by paying an additional US$ 25, 40 and 60 respectively. For extension of visas, the Department of Immigration charges US$ 50 for each additional month. Visitors who re-enter the country within 150 days of leaving during the same visa year can get an entry visa upon payment of US$ 50 for 30 days. No charge for children under 10 years.

Customs:

Besides personal belongings, foreign visitors are allowed to bring in duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 2 bottles or 12 cans of beer or one bottle of distilled liquor. There are limitations on importing certain items such as cameras, videos and electronic goods and restrictions on exporting certain items. Objects of archaeological or historical value may not be exported and should not be purchased. All metal statues and antique paintings, carpets and other objects must be checked by the Department of Archeology before being sent or carried out.

Airport Tax:

Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 900 if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1100.00 to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 165.

Banks:

Banks are open between 09.30 am to 02.30 pm from Monday to Friday. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and other holidays in the Katmandu Valley. In other places banks are closed on Saturdays and government holidays.

Hospitals and drug stores:

The hospitals, drug houses, dispensaries and pharmaceutical shops of Katmandu sell all kinds of medicines including those imported from overseas. The major general hospitals and private clinics are available in Katmandu Valley.