Before you go to Nepal

BEFORE YOU GO TO NEPAL 

Geographical Information   

• Location: Nepal is situated between 80 degrees 4’ and 88 degrees 12’ east longitude and 26 degrees 22’ north latitude
• Border: China in the North and India in the South, East, and West.
• Altitude: Minimum 70 m and Maximum 8848 m.
• Capital: Kathmandu
• Population: 27.8 Million (2013)
• Population Density: 194 per square kilometer
• Language: Nepali is the national language. However, different ethnic groups speak their mother languages, such as Newari, Gurung, Tamang, Maithili, Sherpa, and Tharu.

Time Zone

Nepali time is GMT/UTC plus 5 hours 45 minutes.

Country Code and Phone Code

Nepal's country code is 977. The area code for dialing Nepal is 977, Kathmandu's City Code is 1, and the number is (e.g., 977 1 4259098). The first three digits are the country code, the second is the area code, and the last digits are the telephone numbers. 

Currency

Nepalese rupees or rupee (RS) are the currency used in Nepal. The available currency notes are 1000, 500, 100,2, and 1. You can also find spare change of 1, 2, and 5 rupee coins: 50, 20, 10, 5.

Currency Exchange

Money can be exchanged at international airports, banks, and money-exchanging stations. You can find many money exchange counters around tourist areas. Exchange money only with authorized agencies because exchanging foreign currency with unauthorized individuals is illegal.

A common form of Greeting

The standard form of greeting is Namaste or Namaskar. It is a way of saying hello in Nepal. You can say the greeting in words or use a gesture. Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest.

Religion in Nepal

The major religions in Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism. The Muslim, Christian, and Jain followers are also in habit here. Despite many religions, you can find religious tolerance and harmony among them.

Electric Current

220 Volts / 50 cycles; all plugs are round European two-pin types.

Taking Photos

Usually, Nepalese people don’t mind being photographed, but you should ask their permission before capturing them.

Beggars

You will encounter many beggars around tourist areas and temples asking for money. Do not give them money; giving money will encourage them to beg further. Instead, you can donate to the school or a local organization looking after it.

Weekend

Saturday is a weekend holiday in Nepal. Most offices, banks, and stores will be closed on Saturday.

Business Hours

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Sunday to Friday

Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday 

Department Stores and Shops: 10:30 to 20:00, daily

Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday

Business Offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Sunday to Friday 

Customs

While traveling in Nepal, you are allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or a similar amount of tobacco products, and 1 liter of alcohol. Upon arrival in Nepal, the traveler should declare electronic goods such as cameras, phones, and recorders. It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take any religious objects like prayer stones, statues, temple ritual objects, etc., without a certificate from the Department of Archaeology.