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 kilometre
• Language: Nepali is Nepal’s 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

The country code of Nepal is 977. Area code for dialling to Nepal: Country code: 977, Kathmandu City Code: 1, and Phone number (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

The Nepalese rupee (₹) is the currency used in Nepal. The currency notes are 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. You can also find spare change of 1, 2, and 5 rupee 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 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 to Nepal. You can tell 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. Muslims, Christians, and Jain followers also live here. Despite the many religions, religious tolerance and harmony exist among them.

Electric Current

220 Volts / 50Hz; 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 the tourist areas and temples asking for money. Please do not give them money; giving money will encourage them to continue begging. Instead, you can donate to the school or a local organization that is 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, 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 travelling in Nepal, you are allowed to bring cigarettes, cigars, or similar tobacco products, and 1 litre of alcohol. The traveller should declare electronic goods such as cameras, phones, and recorders upon arrival in Nepal. It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not remove any religious objects, such as prayer stones, statues, or temple ritual items, without obtaining a certificate from the Department of Archaeology.