The short answer
Carry Nepali rupees for taxis and small fees, Indian rupees in small notes where accepted, and USD for visas if needed. Use legitimate exchange counters, not street changers.
Key facts
- Fees
- Visa, permit
- Small notes
- Taxis, tea
- USD
- Visas
- Avoid
- Street changers
How it works
- Check fee rulesCurrency accepted.
- Carry small notesChange is limited.
- Use official countersCheck rates.
- Keep receiptsFor exchange.
- Use ATMs in townAfter crossing.
What to carry
Carry Nepali rupees in small notes for taxis, tea and small fees, and Indian rupees in smaller denominations where accepted. If your visa needs foreign currency, check which currency and form of payment the counter accepts.
Use official exchange counters, keep receipts and exchange only what you need for the first day. Withdraw more at an ATM in town once you arrive.
Keeping money safe
Do not carry large sums at the border, and keep cash in more than one place. Be careful with unofficial changers and helpers, and count your change.
Cards are not reliable at the border itself, so carry some cash. Keep a record of what you spend and keep receipts for exchange and visa fees.
Insider tip
Exchange only what you need for the first day.
Avoid this
Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Related questions
Are ATMs at the border?
Often in the nearest town, not always at the crossing.
Can I pay by card?
Rarely at the border.
Plan your Nepal trip in 60 seconds
Answer four short questions. We show trips that fit, and a planner can send a route and price. Free, no payment.
Trips that match this guide
Keep reading
More guides to explore
- Border Towns and GatewaysWhich border crossing for which place, with onward routes.
- Nepal from IndiaID, routes, money, SIM, food and border-start tours.
- Mugling JunctionThe Prithvi Highway junction: times, food, rest stops and side trips.
- Distances and Travel TimesKathmandu to Pokhara, Trishuli, Kushma, Muktinath and more.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
