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 of Nepal. However different ethnic groups speak their own mother languages like Newari, Gurung, Tamang, Maithili, Sherpa, Tharu, etc.

Time Zone

Nepali time is GMT/UTC plus 5 hours 45 minutes

Country Code and Phone Code

The country code of Nepal is 977. Area code for dialing Nepal: Country code: 977, Kathmandu City Code: 1, and Phone number (e.g. 977 1 4259098 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) is the currency used in Nepal. The available currency notes are 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. You can also find the spare change of coins 1, 2, and 5 rupees coins.

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 it’s illegal to exchange foreign currency with unauthorized individuals.

A common form of Greeting

The common form of greeting is Namaste or Namaskar. It is a way of saying Hello in Nepal. You can say the greeting in words or well as do it using a gesture. Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest.

Religion in Nepal

The major religion in Nepal is Hinduism and Buddhism. The Muslim, Christian, and Jains 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

Normally Nepalese people don’t mind being photographed but it's better you ask their permission before capturing.

Beggars

You will encounter lots of beggars around tourist areas and temples asking for money. Do not give them money, giving money will encourage them for further begging so instead you can donate to the school or local organization who are looking after it.

Weekend

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

Business Hours

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday 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 about of tobacco products and 1 liter of alcohol. The traveler should declare electronic goods such as cameras, phones, and recorders upon their arrival in Nepal. 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.