NEPAL

CURRENCY:

Nepalese Rupee - NPR, Symbol Rs

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

COIN: 50, 25 and 10 paisa.

Note: all but Indian foreign visitors will be asked to pay for hotel bills, treks and airline tickets in local currency.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

N/A

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

The main credit card to be accepted here is American Express. Visa and MasterCard may be accepted in tourist areas. ATM machines are available.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

You will need to obtain a foreign exchange encashment receipt when changing currencies and keep this at all times - it will aid your trip. Foreign exchange services are available at banks and licensed offices.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

These are accepted at larger hotels and banks, but for trekking it is advised to take cash.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0900-1530 in Kathmandu. Sun-Thurs 1000-1500 , Friday till 1200 elsewhere.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

The import of local and Indian currency is prohibited to foreign visitors.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Nepal is officially called the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and is situated in South Asia. It is the world's youngest republic. The world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, is located in Nepal, as are seven other of the world's highest mountains. There is a strong Buddhist tradition in Nepal. The capital is Kathmandu and the official language is Nepali.

POPULATION:

Around 30 million.

ECONOMY:

Elements of the Nepal economy include agriculture - the largest proportion of the workforce is employed in this sector. Tourism is a large industry in theory, but political situations have hindered growth.