£1 NPR 200.84
Today
8:40 am
+5h from you
Weather in Nepal
Nepal
25°
Slight rain showers
Fri
16
25
Sat
15
22
Sun
16
22
Mon
16
26
Tue
17
26
SPF level in Nepal
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Nepal
Tipping in Nepal
Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas, as a sign of appreciation for good service. While not always expected, it is usually appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants already include a service charge.
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common, especially for longer journeys or helpful drivers.
Hotel Porter
50-100 NPR per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 NPR per day, left in the room, is a kind gesture for good service.
Tour Guide
200-500 NPR per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour and the size of the group. More for trekking guides.
Safety in Nepal
Tips for British travellers
Nepal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Watch out for pickpockets and bag-snatchers in popular tourist areas like Thamel and Sanepa in Kathmandu.
Be cautious about drink spiking and do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas, as assaults and robberies are more likely in the evening.
Always carry your passport with you as identification and leave a copy in a safe place.
It is illegal to buy or sell any wildlife products without a permit, and doing so can result in a fine or prison sentence.
Bonus tips:
Bus travel is often on overcrowded, poorly maintained vehicles, so use tourist buses which usually offer a higher standard of comfort and safety.
Carry enough cash for emergencies, especially in remote areas where ATMs and card payments may not be available.
Driving in Nepal
UK driving licenses are generally accepted for a short period. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
N/A (Nepal has very few motorways)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h (generally, but can vary and is often not signposted)
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
100
Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Save 100 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Nepal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Nepal is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. Plug types C, D, and M are used. Travelers from the UK will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in tourist areas. However, cash is still king, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. Always confirm if card payment is accepted before making a purchase.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Nepal
ATMs are available in larger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but less common in rural areas. It's best to withdraw enough cash in the cities before travelling to more remote regions.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to get cash in Nepal. Ensure you have a four-digit PIN; some ATMs may not accept longer PINs. It's advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile contracts. Check with your mobile provider before travelling to Nepal regarding roaming charges. Roaming charges can be very high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 1200 NPR (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Ncell, Nepal Telecom (NTC)
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary greatly. Don't always expect the fastest speeds.
Average speed
15 Mbps
WiFi is fairly widespread in tourist areas, but speeds can be slow and unreliable. A local SIM card with a data package may be a better option for reliable internet access, especially if travelling outside of major cities.
Health & vaccinations in Nepal
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Medical facilities in Nepal can be limited, especially in rural areas. Check that your insurance covers trekking at high altitudes if you plan to trek.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially from street vendors. Altitude sickness is a risk when trekking at high altitudes, so acclimatise gradually.
Calling Nepal
Country code
+977
00 977 [area code] [local number]
To call the British Embassy in Kathmandu from the UK, dial 00 977 1 4237100.
To call Nepal from the UK, dial the exit code (00), then the country code (977), followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local number. Mobile numbers do not have area codes.
UK Embassy in Nepal
British Embassy Kathmandu
British Embassy, Lainchaur Kathmandu, Nepal
Airports in Nepal
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.