Nepal Travel Tips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO NEPAL

LANGUAGE

Nepal has 122 major languages with Nepali which is the official language, being spoken by 78% of the population either as a first or second language. The other 121 languages are all recognised as national languages and Maithili is the second most spoken language.

Transportation Signs

Airports: Nepalese

Taxis: Limited English

Buses: Limited English

Menus: Nepalese / English

APPS

Translation apps work more or less the same way, share the same basic features, and can be used offline if you download language packs.

Google Translate: Online and app (Android and iOS)

• Key feature: real-time speech and text image translation

Virtual Private Network

For an extra layer of security, you could set up a VPN (virtual private network) before your trip.

Facebook

Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Nepal

Getting Around

Ride hailing Apps:

Pathao and InDrive for local taxi prices. Pathao works well in Kathmandu Valley while InDrive is the better choice outside the valley.

CURRENCY

• The Nepalese Rupee is the official currency of Nepal

• Symbol रू or Rs

• ISO CODE NPR

• Subunit Paisa

• Conversion NZ$1 = रू 84.15  (October 2024)

• Central Bank The Nepal Rastra Bank is the Centra Bank of Nepal

Most major shops and restaurants in the larger centres accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

You can exchange foreign currency for Nepalese Rupees at banks, some larger hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are in international airports and most city centres. ATM’s are readily available in urban areas. Money exchangers do not exchange New Zealand Dollars and nor did the Bank I visited.

If trekking and going to remote areas, take local cash. 

Nepalese Rupees are available in: 

• Coins with values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 paisa (1 paisa = 1/100th of a rupee); 1, 2, 5, 10 NPR. 

• Bank Notes with values of NPR 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000. 

TIPPING

Tipping in Nepal is not obligatory however it is appreciated by the trekking guides and porters and makes a material difference to their income.

ELECTRONIC PLUGS AND TRAVEL ADAPTORS

Nepal Power Voltage is 220 to 240 Volts, 50 Hertz. Plug types D. Electric plugs with three round prongs. You can find any of the transformers, plug adapter and converters in Kathmandu and other major cities.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because New Zealand operates on a 230/240 supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on. Your adapter will need to fit the following plug types;

For Nepal there is one plug type, Type D

• Plug types D

• Type D electrical plug has three large round pins in a triangular pattern.

VISA

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into Nepal. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid Nepal Visa.

You do not need a visa to visit Nepal if you are from India. 

Most other tourists including those from New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and most other Western European countries are able to get a 15, 30 or 90 day visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Other travellers must get a Visa prior to arrival.

Even if you can get a visa on arrival, I recommend applying for your visa prior to leaving New Zealand which can be done quickly online here. It’ll speed up your arrival time at the airport and you’ll appreciate that after a long international flight.

Useful Documents To Have

• Passport

  Original passport or travel document of your country with at least three months remaining validity on the date of travel and at least two visa pages clear of any markings, the passport should be in good condition without any damage that could render it invalid.

• Travel itinerary

  Travel itinerary is a travel reservation to and from Nepal in your name, not a ticket, the itinerary should include your travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections, this document helps show your planned travel route and duration of stay.

• Proof of Funds

  Proof of enough money for your stay and to leave Nepal, such as personal bank statements, pay slips from your employer, or tax records, these documents help verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey.

HEALTH

Vaccines and Medications: 

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with Nepalese Customs on arrival.

Some medications that require Doctor's prescriptions in New Zealand are available over the counter in Nepal.

SAFETY

Before travelling, check the New Zealand Safe Travel site for official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas.

Staying Safe While Travelling in Nepal

• Always lock your accommodation and vehicle and keep windows secure when you're not around. 

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery. In practice due to the currency exchange in Nepal, you are likely to have large amounts of Nepalese Rupees. Be circumspect with how you handle the cash in public.

• Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation. Never leave valuables or important documents in parked vehicles. 

• Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or bus/railway stations. 

• If you're out at night, keep to well-lit places where other people are present. Don’t take shortcuts through parks or alleyways. Take a taxi or get a ride with someone you know.

Trekking
If you decide to trek in Nepal you should keep your family and friends regularly updated regarding your location and intended route. Notify them if you intend to enter an area with limited telephone or internet coverage, as unexplained breaks in usual communication patterns can cause concern. A Personal Location Beacon and Satellite Communication Device are highly recommended.

Altitude sickness is a risk in all trekking regions above 9000 feet (2700 metres). Trekking in Nepal should be done with a group using an experienced guide from a reputable company. Ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a danger to your safety.

Trekkers must go through an authorised trekking company and a licenced trekking guide. Trekkers cannot solo trek and you must comply with mandatory guide routes which are well maintained and monitored. Do not trek alone. Solo trekkers have been robbed and/or assaulted and female trekkers should be particularly vigilant due to the risk of sexual assault.  

Seismic Activity
Nepal is in an active seismic area and earthquakes are common. There is an ongoing possibility of further earthquakes, which increases the risk of avalanches and landslides. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

Road Travel
Travel on public buses and vans can be dangerous and there are frequent accidents resulting in fatalities, some of which involve foreign tourists. Poor road conditions, driving standards as well as overcrowded and under-maintained vehicles all contribute to the risk. It’s recommended you avoid travelling on overloaded or crowded vehicles and on overnight buses.

General Travel Advice for Nepal
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Nepal should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation by air, as well as cancelled flights. You should ensure that your insurance policy provides cover for all of the activities you intend undertaking while in Nepal, such as trekking, rafting and mountain climbing.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Nepal are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Scams
Like all countries in the world, scams take place in Nepal. Some specific to Nepal are;

• Holy man scam - applies Tika (red dot) to your forehead and then demands a huge tip.

• Milk powder, smiling baby and begging mum - asks you to buy milk powder for their baby which you do at a highly inflated price. They then return the powder to the shop and split the profit with the shop keeper.

• Airport taxi, city taxi, rickshaw, ride-share, buses - agree the fare before getting in

• Deceitful tour operators - ensure that they are registered with TAAN, the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal

It is important you take the same precautions to look after yourself and your possessions as you would at home.