Export : It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and Nepal's travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on Customs matters Contact the chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office
Airport Tax : Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay airport tax of Rs. 770. if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1130 to all international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 170.
We have tried our best to give you the latest information; however the taxes and custom laws are subjected to change by Government of Nepal. So, please kindly check them out when you are actually planning to visit Nepal. We should not be held responsible for any changes in taxes or customs laws, which are mentioned here.
Communication Services : The General post office is located near Dharahara (Sundhara) Tower and is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Stamps, aerogramme and postcards may be purchased from 9 am to 5 pm at the counters. Services like registration and insurance of mail and small packages, and exchange of IRCs are also available. Express Mail Service (EMS) is also available. Parcels can be sent and received through the Foreign Post Office next door. It is open from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Nepal Telecommunication Corporation Office located at Tripureswor provides ISD, STD, telex, fax, Mobile Phone and telegraph services. Private communication centers and hotels also provide ISD, STD, E-mail, Internet and fax services. The STD Code for Nepal is 977. Inquiries can be made at 197.
Newspapers and Magazines : The major newspapers in Katmandu are: The Rising Nepal (Daily) - English, The Katmandu Post (Daily) - English, Gorkhapatra (Daily) - Nepali, Kantipur (Daily) - Nepali. Besides a number of other local and international newspapers and magazines are also available in the book stalls.
Radio : Radio Nepal broadcasts different programs in both short wave and medium wave transmissions through three sessions in a day from 6 am to 11 pm. FM radio program also broadcasts pop music and other programs for entertainment. English news bulletins are broadcast daily between 8 am and 8 pm.
Television: Nepal Television transmits from 7 am to 9 pm and 6 pm to 10:30 pm. On Saturday special entertaining programs are transmitted from 12 noon to 5 pm.
Electricity : Many major towns in Nepal have electricity and the voltage available is 220 Volts and 50 cycles. Load shedding is main highlighted of Nepal. However, most of the major hotels have installed their own generators.
Foreign Currency / Credit Cards : Credit Cards like American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants. Remember to keep your Foreign Exchange Encashment, Receipt while making foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency into Nepalese rupees. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into foreign currency before leaving the country.
Major Banks, hotels and the exchange counters at Tribhuvan Airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency. US-Dollar-traveller checks can be purchased from American Express at Dubar Marg and other major banks in Katmandu. Banks in Katmandu are open 10 am to 3:30 pm. Sunday through Friday.
Exchange rates are published in English daily such as The Rising Nepal and The Katmandu Post. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1. Coins are found in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.
Trekking Permit : Trekking permit is essential for anywhere travel to Nepal
Some Dos and Some Don'ts : With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs, Nepal has numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her first visit to the country However, to enjoy your stay in the remarkable country of white Himalayas and sparkling rivers it is important to take into consideration the different cultural aspects of the country. Here is a list of things, which may be helpful to you.
- The form of greeting in Nepal is "Namaste" and is performed by joining the palms together.
- Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
- Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand being used for your eating to touch other's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish.
- Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
- Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
While traveling dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
- Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter.
- Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
- Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
- Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
- Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean "YES".
- Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
