How much cash should I carry with me?

The amount of cash you should carry with you to Nepal depends on various factors, including your travel preferences, planned activities, and the duration of your stay. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how much cash to bring:

1. Travel Expenses: Consider your daily expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing. While major tourist destinations and cities have ATMs and accept credit cards, smaller towns and rural areas may have limited banking facilities. It’s wise to carry enough cash to cover your daily expenses, especially in remote regions.
2. Emergency Fund: Always have an emergency fund in cash that can cover unexpected expenses or situations where credit cards may not be accepted. This fund should be separate from your daily expenses and can be used for medical emergencies, alternative transportation, or other unforeseen circumstances.
3. Trekking Expenses: If you plan to go trekking or participate in adventure activities, consider the additional costs for permits, guides, and equipment rentals. Many trekking routes have limited access to banking facilities, so having sufficient cash is essential.
4. Souvenirs and Shopping: Nepal offers a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and unique items for shopping. If you enjoy shopping, allocate a separate budget for it.
5. Tips and Gratuities: In Nepal, it is customary to tip service providers like guides, porters, and hotel staff. Keep some cash for tipping based on your satisfaction with their services.
6. Currency Exchange: While you can exchange major currencies like US dollars and Euros at banks and authorized currency exchange counters, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in Nepalese rupees for smaller expenses and places where credit cards are not accepted.
7. Security: Avoid carrying excessive cash for security reasons. Use a money belt or pouch to keep your cash safe, and distribute it among different pockets to minimize the risk of loss.

It’s essential to strike a balance between carrying enough cash for your needs and minimizing the risk of carrying too much. Remember that you can withdraw cash from ATMs in major cities, but ATM availability may be limited in remote areas. Also, inform your bank about your travel plans to Nepal to avoid any issues with your cards.

As a general guideline, it’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards, and keep a record of your expenses to monitor your budget during your trip.