Money matters

The local currency in Nepal is Nepali Rupee (NPR).

On the day of writing, you get 111 NPR for 1 USD ; or 127 NPR for 1 EUR.

Payments by MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, etc ; or online banking, app banking etc, are not commonly used in Nepal. The standard is to pay with cash money.
That’s why it is important always to carry enough cash money with you, especially when you go on trekking or visiting remote areas.

In bigger cities, there are ATM’s and money exchange stalls, but be aware that ATM’s can be temporary out of service when the power or network in the area is gone, and that is not a rarity in Nepal.

 

Tipping

Tipping is a local custom in the country and it is very much appreciated to follow this habit.  Tourists who don’t give tips, are seen as greedy and unfriendly.

A few guidelines (feel free to raise or lower the amount according to your feelings):
* guides (city, trek, jungle, ..) receive about €5 per day, which is a normal tip
* porters for luggage: on trekking approx €5 per day ; servants in a hotel who carry your bag to the room: NPR 50 to 100
* drivers: depending on the length and difficulty of the trip: between NPR 50 – 500
* cooks, waiters, cleaning staff, etc: depending on your feelings, length of stay and appreciation – NPR 50 to 500

In hotels and restaurants, a service charge of 10% will be included in the bill (sometimes included in the menu price, mostly added when paying).  Strictly spoken, giving a tip is not needed any more ; but still appreciated (small amount/ change money).

 

In touristic areas, there are people who will try to grab your bag to carry it, and beg for a tip later ; guides who offer their services when you are walking in a city ; salesman/women offering their goods ; etc.   Be clear and firm if you don’t want their services, but stay polite and friendly, as most Nepali people are that too 🙂