Money (Nepal Travel Guide And Tips)
1 Nepalese Rupee (NRs) = 100 paisa. Notes are in denominations of NRs1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of NRs5, 2 and 1, and of 50, 25, 10 and 5 paisa.
It is illegal to exchange currency other than with authorised dealers. Obtain and keep Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipts when changing currency. Hotel bills must be paid in foreign currency.
American Express is widely accepted; MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies; travellers’ cheques at banks and major hotels (choose USD or GBP); cash only when trekking.
Social Conventions & Etiquette
The following are some local conventions it is advisable to adhere to: never step over the feet of a person – always walk round. Never offer or accept anything with the left hand, use the right or both hands.
It is rude to point at a person or statue with a finger (or even with a foot). Shoes and footwear should be removed when entering houses or shrines. Do not stand in front of a person who is eating as this means your feet will be next to his food: squat or sit by his side. Local Chorten & temples should be passed by in a clockwise direction. Small flat stones with inscriptions and supplications next to the Chorten should not be removed as souvenirs. Shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; the normal greeting is to press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture, give a slight bow and say ‘Namaste’ which means ‘respect the God within you’.
A gift given to a host or hostess will probably be laid aside unopened; to open a parcel in the presence of a guest is considered uncivil. Overt public displays of affection, especially near religious places, are inappropriate.