Nepali Currency (Rupee)
- Currency Name: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Symbol: Rs. or NPR in English
- Subunits: 100 paisa = 1 rupee (though paisa coins are rarely used)
- Issued By: Nepal Rastra Bank (Central Bank of Nepal)
Banknotes & Coins
Current Banknotes in Circulation
| Denomination |
Color |
Featured Icons |
| Rs. 5 | Green | Mt. Everest, Yak |
| Rs. 10 | Brown | Rhino, Temple |
| Rs. 20 | Orange | Swayambhunath Stupa |
| Rs. 50 | Purple | Pashupatinath Temple |
| Rs. 100 | Blue | Mt. Machhapuchhre |
| Rs. 500 | Olive | Buddha's Birthplace (Lumbini) |
| Rs. 1000 | Pink | Parliament Building |
Coins (Less Commonly Used)
- Rs. 1, Rs. 2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10
- 25 & 50 paisa (mostly obsolete)
Exchange Rates (2024)
| Currency |
Approx. NPR Value |
| 1 USD | ~133 NPR |
| 1 EUR | ~145 NPR |
| 1 GBP | ~170 NPR |
| 1 INR | ~1.6 NPR (fixed) |
Note: Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted in Nepal, but Rs. 500 & Rs. 2000 INR notes are banned.
Where to Exchange Money?
Best Options
- Banks (Best rates, requires passport)
- Nepal Rastra Bank counters at Tribhuvan Airport
- Nabil, Himalayan, Everest Banks
- Licensed Money Changers (Faster, slightly lower rates)
- Thamel (Kathmandu) & Lakeside (Pokhara)
- ATMs (24/7 access but charges apply)
- Maximum withdrawal: Rs. 35,000 per transaction
- Fee: Rs. 400-500 per withdrawal
Places to Avoid
- Unlicensed street money changers
- Hotels (worst exchange rates)
Essential Tips for Handling Nepali Rupees
- Small Notes Rule: Keep Rs. 5, 10, 20 for temples, taxis & small shops
- Check Condition: Torn notes often get rejected
- Count Carefully: Some vendors may shortchange tourists
- Digital Payments: Major cities accept Khalti/eSewa (local apps)
Unique Features of Nepali Currency
- Bilingual: Nepali & English text
- Polymer Notes: Rs. 5 & Rs. 10 are plastic (last longer)
- Security Features: Watermarks, security threads, holograms
Budgeting Guide
| Expense |
Approx. Cost (NPR) |
| Budget meal | 200-400 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 500-1,000 |
| Taxi (short ride) | 300-500 |
| Teahouse trekking room | 500-1,000/night |
| Everest permit | 3,000 (TIMS) + 5,000 (Sagarmatha NP) |
Pro Tip: Always carry cash outside Kathmandu/Pokhara - 80% of Nepal is cash-only.