Welcome to Nepal 😊

Quick Facts About Nepal

Money and Finances

The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). The denominations of notes are 5s, 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s, 500s, and 1000s. The denominations of coins are 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in major cities and towns in Nepal but may not be as widespread in more rural areas. It is recommended to carry enough cash if traveling to remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Nepal, particularly outside of major cities. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops, but it is best to carry cash for most transactions. AMEX is not commonly accepted in the country.

Internet and Phones

In Nepal, the average internet speed for downloads and uploads is around 10 Mbps. There is no significant government interference in internet use, but sporadic outages may occur.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Nepal are Nepal Telecom and Ncell, with a few smaller providers also available. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around NPR 500 (USD 4.25) per month. There may be some issues with sim compatibility, so it is recommended to check compatibility before purchasing a sim card.

Dialling to Nepal

To call Nepal from another country, dial +977 followed by the local area code and phone number. Within Nepal, the area code is required for landline numbers, but not for mobile numbers.

Transport Around Nepal

Air Travel

Nepal has one major international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, located in Kathmandu. There are also several domestic airports scattered throughout the country.

Train Travel

Nepal primarily relies on buses and jeeps for inter-city transport. However, there is a limited train network in the southern part of the country, with journeys between major cities taking around 8-12 hours and tickets costing around NPR 300-700.

Metro / Local Trains

There is currently no metro system in Nepal.

Buses

Buses are the primary mode of transport for both inter-city and intra-city travel in Nepal. Bus fares vary depending on the distance and type of bus, with prices ranging from NPR 50-1500. Journey times can also vary greatly depending on the terrain and road conditions.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies like Uber and Ola are not available in Nepal. However, there are plenty of taxis and local ride-hailing services available in major cities.

Driving by Car

Driving in Nepal can be challenging due to narrow and winding roads, potholes, and unpredictable traffic. The speed limit is generally 50-60 km/h in urban areas and 80-90 km/h on highways. Nepal drives on the left side of the road.

Local Customs

In Nepal, tipping is not really part of the culture, but it is appreciated in tourist areas and for exceptional service. When greeting someone in Nepal, it is customary to put your palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as 'Namaste.' It is also common to address someone with the honorific title 'ji' after their first name. Nepali people generally value modesty and politeness, and it is important to not show anger or frustration in public. In terms of speaking with strangers, it is best to start with polite small talk. Men and women may address each other using the titles 'dai' (older brother), 'didi' (older sister), 'bhai' (younger brother), or 'bahini' (younger sister).

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Nepal is underdeveloped and resources are limited. Many areas lack proper medical facilities and equipment. In major cities, private hospitals and clinics offer better medical care, but they can be expensive. The cost of a visit to the doctor ranges from $10 to $50. It is recommended to have travel health insurance before visiting Nepal.

COVID Situation

Nepal has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent months, but the numbers have started to decline. As of September 2021, there have been over 800,000 cases and over 10,000 deaths. The government has implemented measures such as lockdowns, mandatory masks, and travel restrictions to control the spread of the virus.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a common health risk in Nepal, especially in the low-lying areas of the southern Terai region. Travelers are advised to take preventative medication and use insect repellent. Food poisoning is also a risk, as hygiene standards may not be up to Western standards. It is recommended to stick to bottled water and well-cooked food. Other common diseases in Nepal include dengue fever and typhoid fever.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Nepal, alcohol consumption is legal for those over the age of 18. However, public consumption or being drunk in public is considered a crime and can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Recreational Drugs

Nepal has strict drug laws and drug trafficking is punishable by the death penalty. Possession and use of soft drugs such as cannabis can also result in imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Nepal, pre-marital relationships are not widely accepted and can sometimes lead to social stigmatization. However, there are no laws criminalizing such relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Nepal and can be punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment. However, same-sex marriage has been legalized since 2008.

Firearms / Guns

Nepal has strict laws regarding firearms and possession requires licenses that can be difficult to obtain. Illegal possession of firearms can result in imprisonment and fines.