Adventure Friendship
Adventure Friendship

Money, Banks and ATMs

Managing money while traveling in the Himalayas is straightforward if you know the local currencies, banking facilities, and ATM availability. Here’s a complete guide for Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Currency

Nepal:

  • Official currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
  • Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 rupees
  • Coins: 1 and 2 rupee coins are less common but still in circulation
  • Notes feature English numerals and distinctive colors for easy recognition

Tibet:

  • Official currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / Renminbi)
  • Banknotes: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 RMB (1, 2, 5 Mao) and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 RMB

Bhutan:

  • Official currency: Ngultrum (Nu)
  • Banknotes: Nu 1, Nu 10, Nu 20, Nu 50, Nu 100, Nu 500, Nu 1000

Banks

  • Typical banking hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Some banks in larger cities have extended hours until 6–7 PM
  • In Nepal, Saturdays are public holidays, though some banks may open briefly
  • Major cities in all three countries have sufficient bank branches to handle deposits, withdrawals, and other services

ATMs

  • Widely available in major cities of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan
  • Less common in small towns or rural areas
  • Accept most international cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay
  • ATM withdrawals may include service fees, and foreign-issued cards may incur additional charges
  • Always carry local currency for smaller shops, markets, or rural areas

Credit Cards

  • Accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas
  • Surcharges of up to 4% may apply
  • Cash is preferred for smaller purchases and rural transactions

Currency Exchange

  • Nepal: Abundant exchange centers in major cities; easily exchange USD, GBP, EUR for NPR
  • Tibet & Bhutan: Available at international airports and local banks, though less widespread than in Nepal
  • Travelers should plan to carry enough local cash for smooth transactions, especially in remote areas

Key Points for Travelers

  • Carry local currency for small transactions; cash is still widely used
  • Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but cash is preferred elsewhere
  • ATMs may be limited in rural areas; plan ahead for withdrawals
  • Be aware of foreign card surcharges when using ATMs or paying with cards

This guide will help you navigate money, banking, and ATM access while exploring the unique landscapes and cultures of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.