💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Kathmandu: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for taxis and buses, and what to carry for temple visits and trekking permits. For Nepal-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Order NPR → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Kathmandu?
Yes. Kathmandu is heavily cash-dependent. Thamel, the main tourist district, has growing card acceptance at restaurants and hotels, but most of the city runs on cash. Trekking permits, gear shops, local eateries, taxis, and temple entry fees all require Nepalese rupees. Even in Thamel, many smaller shops and street vendors only take cash. Carry NPR 2,000–5,000 when exploring.
Where You Will Need Cash
Durbar Square entry fee (NPR 1,000 for foreigners). Trekking permits at the tourism office (NPR 3,000–5,000). Taxis (negotiate fare, cash only). Local restaurants and street food stalls. Trekking gear shops in Thamel (most prefer cash, some take cards for large purchases). Temple donations and offerings. Local buses (NPR 15–30).
Where Cards Work Fine
Mid-range and upscale hotels across the city. Tourist restaurants in Thamel and Lazimpat (Visa and Mastercard). Domestic airline offices and online bookings. Mountain flight operators (Everest scenic flights). Larger trekking agencies for package bookings. Supermarkets like Bhatbhateni and Salesberry. Card acceptance is improving but still limited to tourist-facing businesses.
Paying by Card in Kathmandu
Card acceptance in Kathmandu is limited compared to Southeast Asian capitals. Visa and Mastercard work at tourist-oriented businesses. Amex is rarely accepted. Contactless payments are uncommon outside international hotel chains. A 2–3% surcharge on card payments is common at restaurants and shops. The city is modernizing, but cash remains king for daily spending.
Thamel
Kathmandu's main tourist district. Hotels and guesthouses accept cards at all levels. Tourist restaurants (Fire and Ice, OR2K, Rosemary Kitchen) take Visa and Mastercard. Trekking gear shops are mixed: larger stores like North Face outlets accept cards, but smaller shops selling knock-off gear want cash. Money changers line the streets with competitive rates. Bars and cafes are hit-or-miss. Carry NPR 1,000–2,000 for a day in Thamel.
Durbar Square & Old City
The historic heart of Kathmandu. Durbar Square entry costs NPR 1,000 for foreigners (cash at the ticket booth). Street vendors selling souvenirs, prayer beads, and thangka paintings are cash-only. Small temples accept cash donations. Local eateries around Asan and Indra Chowk serve momos and dal bhat for NPR 100–300 (cash). The old bazaar areas around Ason Tole are entirely cash-based. Budget NPR 1,500–2,000.
Boudhanath
Home to one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. Entry fee is NPR 400 for foreigners (cash). Tourist cafes around the stupa circle take cards (Visa and Mastercard). Monastery shops selling singing bowls, prayer flags, and Buddhist art prefer cash. Rooftop restaurants with stupa views generally accept cards. Bring NPR 500–1,000 for shopping and snacks beyond the cafes.
Patan (Lalitpur)
Just across the Bagmati River, Patan has its own Durbar Square (NPR 1,000 entry, cash). Patan Museum (NPR 600, cash) is one of Nepal's finest. Metalwork and wood carving shops in the old city are cash-only. A few tourist restaurants near Patan Durbar Square accept cards. Mahabouddha Temple area has artisan shops (cash). Budget NPR 1,500–2,000 for a half-day visit.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
The iconic hilltop stupa west of the city. Entry fee is NPR 200 for foreigners (cash). Souvenir vendors along the steps are cash-only. Small cafes at the top sell drinks and snacks for cash. The monkeys are free entertainment. Views of the Kathmandu Valley are spectacular on clear days. Bring NPR 500 for entry, snacks, and souvenirs.
ATMs in Kathmandu
For Nepal-wide ATM advice, see the Nepal guide.
Look for these logos. Nepali bank ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard.
Nepal Bank
Nabil Bank
Standard CharteredATM Locations
Thamel: Multiple ATMs on the main streets, including Nabil Bank and Standard Chartered. Durbar Marg: Bank ATMs along Kathmandu's main commercial road. Boudhanath: ATMs near the main entrance to the stupa area. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM): ATMs in the arrivals hall (Nabil and Nepal Bank). Most ATMs have a withdrawal limit of NPR 10,000–35,000 per transaction. Request smaller notes when possible for easier change at shops.
⚠ ATM Reliability
Kathmandu ATMs can run out of cash, especially during festivals (Dashain, Tihar) and on weekends. Power outages can knock ATMs offline temporarily. Try ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone machines. Always carry a backup stash of cash. Nabil Bank and Standard Chartered ATMs are generally the most reliable for foreign cards. Always decline DCC at ATMs.
Trekking Permits & Gear Costs
Trekking Permits
Most treks require permits purchased in Kathmandu. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs NPR 3,000. The TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) costs NPR 2,000. Both require cash and passport-sized photos. Get them at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap or through a trekking agency (service fee applies). Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entry is NPR 3,000. Langtang National Park entry is NPR 3,000. Plan to spend NPR 5,000–8,000 on permits before you hit the trail.
Trekking Gear in Thamel
Thamel is packed with gear shops selling both genuine and knock-off trekking equipment. Fleece jackets run NPR 500–2,000. Down jackets (copies) cost NPR 1,500–4,000. Sleeping bags rent for NPR 50–100 per day. Trekking poles cost NPR 300–800. Bargaining is expected and you can usually get 20–40% off the asking price. Larger shops accept cards for purchases over NPR 3,000, but smaller stalls are cash-only.
Paying for Taxis, Buses & Transport
Taxis
Kathmandu taxis are cash only. Meters exist but drivers rarely use them. Negotiate the fare before getting in. Thamel to Boudhanath: NPR 300–400. Thamel to Patan Durbar Square: NPR 300–500. Thamel to Swayambhunath: NPR 200–300. Airport to Thamel: NPR 500–700 (pre-paid taxi counter at arrivals charges fixed rates). Keep NPR 100 and NPR 500 notes for fares.
Pathao (Ride-Hailing App)
Pathao is Nepal's ride-hailing app, similar to Grab or Uber. Available for motorbikes and cars in Kathmandu. Fares are lower than negotiated taxi prices. Card payment is sometimes available but unreliable. Most riders pay cash at the end of the trip. Download the app before you arrive. Motorbike rides across the city cost NPR 100–200, car rides NPR 200–400.
Local Buses
Kathmandu's local buses are extremely cheap at NPR 15–30 per ride (cash to the conductor). They are crowded and routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. Micro-buses (tempo) are slightly more comfortable at NPR 15–25. For Pokhara, tourist buses cost NPR 800–1,500 and depart from Sorakhutte or Kantipath (book at agencies in Thamel, cash or card). Luxury buses run NPR 1,500–2,500.
Airport Transfers
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is just 6 km from Thamel but traffic can make the trip 30–60 minutes. Pre-paid taxi: NPR 500–700 to Thamel (counter in arrivals, cash). Hotel pickup: many hotels offer free or NPR 500–1,000 transfers (arrange in advance). Pathao: available from the airport (cash). There is no airport bus or rail link.
Tipping in Kathmandu
The Nepal guide covers general norms. In Kathmandu: Restaurants: 10% is appreciated if service charge is not included. Cafes: round up or leave NPR 20–50. Taxi drivers: round up to the nearest NPR 50. Hotel porters: NPR 50–100 per bag. Trekking guides: NPR 500–1,000 per day (pay at the end of the trek). Trekking porters: NPR 300–500 per day. Always tip in cash (Nepalese rupees).
Prices in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is one of the most affordable capital cities in Asia. Local food is very cheap, and even tourist restaurants in Thamel are budget-friendly by Western standards. Trekking gear in Thamel is a fraction of the price you would pay at home, even for genuine brands.
| Item | Price (NPR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dal bhat (local restaurant) | NPR 200–400 | $1.50–3 |
| Momos (plate of 10) | NPR 100–250 | $0.75–1.85 |
| Masala tea | NPR 20–50 | $0.15–0.40 |
| Lunch at tourist restaurant | NPR 400–800 | $3–6 |
| Taxi across the city | NPR 200–500 | $1.50–3.70 |
| Trekking fleece jacket | NPR 500–2,000 | $3.70–14.80 |
| Mountain flight (Everest) | NPR 20,000–25,000 | $148–185 |
| Durbar Square entry | NPR 1,000 | $7.40 |
| Annapurna permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 | $22 |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 | $14.80 |
| Tourist bus to Pokhara | NPR 800–1,500 | $6–11 |
| Local bus ride | NPR 15–30 | $0.10–0.20 |
| Budget guesthouse (per night) | NPR 1,000–3,000 | $7.40–22 |
USD estimates based on approximately NPR 135 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Kathmandu
Bhaktapur (45 minutes by taxi)
A stunning medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry costs NPR 1,800 (about $13) for foreigners (cash at the gate, valid for a week with your passport). The 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and pottery squares are the highlights. Local restaurants serve juju dhau (king curd) for NPR 50–100. Most shops and eateries are cash-only. Taxi from Thamel costs NPR 800–1,200 one way, or take a local bus for NPR 30. Bring NPR 2,000–3,000.
Nagarkot (1.5 hours by taxi)
A hilltop village famous for sunrise views over the Himalayas, including Everest on clear days. No entry fee. Hotels and resorts accept cards. Local teahouses along hiking trails are cash-only. A popular option is to stay overnight and catch the sunrise. Taxi from Kathmandu costs NPR 2,000–3,000 one way. Local buses run to Bhaktapur, then a connecting bus to Nagarkot (NPR 50–80 total). Bring NPR 1,000–1,500 for meals and snacks.
Panauti & Dhulikhel (1–2 hours by bus)
Panauti is a quiet Newari town with ancient temples and almost no tourists. Dhulikhel offers Himalayan panoramas and a popular hiking trail connecting the two towns. No entry fees for either. Local buses from Kathmandu's Ratna Park cost NPR 50–100. Accommodation in Dhulikhel ranges from NPR 1,000 guesthouses to NPR 5,000 resorts (cards at resorts). Both towns are almost entirely cash-based for food and transport. Bring NPR 1,000–1,500.
Kathmandu Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thamel restaurants/hotels | ✅ Most accept | NPR 1,000–2,000 | Gear shops prefer cash |
| Durbar Square | ❌ Cash only | NPR 1,000 entry | Plus souvenirs, snacks |
| Boudhanath | ✅ Cafes take cards | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 400 entry, shops cash |
| Patan | ❌ Mostly cash | NPR 1,500–2,000 | NPR 1,000 entry, artisan shops |
| Swayambhunath | ❌ Cash only | NPR 500 | NPR 200 entry, vendors cash |
| Taxis / Pathao | ❌ Cash mostly | NPR 200–500 | Negotiate or use app |
| Bhaktapur day trip | ❌ Cash only | NPR 2,000–3,000 | NPR 1,800 entry, food cash |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Kathmandu?
Yes. Kathmandu is heavily cash-dependent. Thamel's tourist restaurants and hotels have growing card acceptance, but most of the city runs on cash. Trekking permits, gear shops, taxis, local restaurants, and temple entry fees all require Nepalese rupees. Carry NPR 2,000–5,000.
How much does Durbar Square cost for foreigners?
Kathmandu Durbar Square charges NPR 1,000 (about $7.40) for foreign visitors. Cash only at the ticket booth. The ticket is valid for the day. Keep your receipt as guards check at multiple entry points.
How do I get trekking permits?
Visit the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 3,000 and the TIMS card costs NPR 2,000. Both require cash and passport-sized photos. Some trekking agencies arrange permits for a service fee.
Is Kathmandu expensive?
Kathmandu is very affordable. Dal bhat costs NPR 200–400 ($1.50–3), momos NPR 100–250, and taxis NPR 200–500 across the city. Budget travelers can manage on $20–30 per day. Mid-range travelers should budget $50–80 per day.
Can I use US dollars in Kathmandu?
Some upscale hotels quote prices in USD, but everyday transactions use Nepalese rupees. Money changers in Thamel exchange USD at competitive rates. ATMs dispense NPR only. Always carry rupees for daily spending.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Tourist buses cost NPR 800–1,500 and take 6–7 hours (book at Thamel agencies). Luxury buses run NPR 1,500–2,500. Domestic flights take 25 minutes and cost $80–120 (card accepted online). Tourist buses depart from Sorakhutte or Kantipath.
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