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Weather & climate
Weather in Nepal
Nepal
24°
Light drizzle
Mon
15°
24°
Tue
15°
24°
Wed
16°
24°
Thu
15°
25°
Fri
17°
26°
Sat
17°
26°
Sun
18°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Nepal
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Nepal for up to 90 days, which can be extended online to a total of 150 days in one year.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your date of entry into Nepal.
You can apply online for a visa on arrival up to 15 days in advance and then collect and pay for it at the airport, preferably with US dollars as card payments may require a cash backup.
At border control, you may need to show travel insurance covering healthcare costs and confirmation of your first night's accommodation, such as a hotel booking.
You must have a certificate proving you have had a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Good to know:
When leaving Nepal, you must convert all your Nepali currency before departure and may need to show the certified customs declaration for any cash or travellers cheques you declared on arrival.
You can carry up to 50 grams of gold ornaments and 100 grams of silver ornaments into Nepal, but bringing in undeclared gold or silver can result in fines, imprisonment, or confiscation.
Safety in Nepal
Tips when travelling
Nepal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Watch out for pickpockets and bag-snatchers, particularly in tourist areas and on transport.
Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers and do not leave your drink unattended to avoid drink spiking.
Carry your passport with you at all times and leave a copy in a safe place.
Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in temples and remove your shoes before entering holy places.
Never buy, sell, or carry any souvenirs made from wild animals or their parts as it is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Bonus tips:
Use a reputable trekking agency or guide and ensure you have the correct permits and a TIMS card for trekking.
Do not travel on overcrowded or overloaded buses and avoid night bus journeys due to the high risk of accidents.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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%
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
10 GB for 1200 NPR (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Nepal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M
UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
100
Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Save 100 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Nepal
Country code
+977
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.
Languages in Nepal
UK Embassy
British Embassy Kathmandu
British Embassy, Lainchaur Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Nepal
Beaches in Nepal
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land borders. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance through the Nepalese embassy or consulate.
The best time to visit Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and dry, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, while winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in the mountains.
Much of Nepal has recovered from the 2015 earthquake, and popular trekking routes and tourist areas have been rebuilt. However, it's important to stay informed about current conditions and potential risks, especially if you plan to trek in remote areas. Check travel advisories and consult with local guides.
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing for warmer months, and warm layers for cooler months and higher altitudes. Sturdy hiking boots are essential if you plan to trek. Other useful items include a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a headlamp or flashlight.
Nepal is a culturally rich country, so it's important to respect local customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering temples and homes. Avoid public displays of affection. Use your right hand when eating and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Nepal. Drink bottled water, boiled water, or use a water purifier. Be cautious of ice in drinks, as it may be made from tap water.
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, and hotels in Kathmandu and other major cities. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Be aware of common scams targeting tourists, such as overcharging for goods and services, fake trekking permits, and unsolicited offers of assistance. Always negotiate prices beforehand and only book tours and treks through reputable agencies. Keep your valuables safe and be wary of strangers offering help.
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.