Travel guide · Nepal
Things to Know Before Visiting Nepal
Visa on arrival, cash culture, altitude, etiquette and buffer days — the first-timer essentials before you fly to Nepal.
Before you visit Nepal, know that it runs largely on cash, that mountain travel is slower and more weather-dependent than maps suggest, and that a tourist visa is easy to get on arrival. Nepal is welcoming and rewarding for independent travellers, but a handful of practical and cultural details will smooth your first days enormously. Here are the things worth knowing before you fly.
The short answer
Bring US-dollar cash for your visa and rupees for everything on the ground, build buffer days for unpredictable mountain weather, ascend slowly if you trek, and respect temple etiquette. Sort connectivity, money and your route in advance using the Nepal trip planning essentials hub, and you'll arrive ready to enjoy the country.
Money, ATMs and prices
Nepal is a cash-first country. Carry rupees in small denominations for buses, tea, temple fees and tips, and don't rely on cards outside big hotels and city supermarkets. ATMs are plentiful in Kathmandu and Pokhara but often cap withdrawals and charge per-transaction fees. Read changing money in Nepal before you go, and withdraw enough before heading into the hills, where machines vanish.
Arrival, transport and time
Most travellers land at Tribhuvan International Airport — our Kathmandu airport arrival guide covers immigration, taxis and your first SIM. Once moving, remember that distances are deceptive: a 200km road can take eight hours. Plan realistic days with getting around Nepal, and always leave buffer days around weather-dependent domestic flights to places like Lukla.
Altitude and health
Kathmandu's 1,400m is gentle, but treks and mountain flights gain height fast. Acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water, and learn the warning signs of altitude sickness. Never drink untreated tap water — use bottled, filtered or boiled water and a reusable bottle with purification to cut plastic waste.
Culture and etiquette
Nepalis are gracious hosts, and a little awareness goes a long way. Remove your shoes before entering homes and temples, dress modestly at religious sites such as Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, and always walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls. Use your right hand to give and receive, avoid touching anyone's head, and greet people with a simple namaste. During major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, expect shops and offices to close for several days.
When to go and staying safe
Autumn and spring bring the clearest skies; the monsoon disrupts roads and flights. Check the best time to visit Nepal before booking, and skim is Nepal safe for a balanced view on trekking, traffic and common-sense precautions. With visa, cash, connectivity and a flexible itinerary sorted, you'll spend your trip on the mountains and temples rather than on logistics.
Frequently asked questions
What should first-time visitors know about Nepal?+
Get a visa on arrival or apply online, carry plenty of cash in small notes, expect slow mountain roads, and build buffer days for weather. Dress modestly at temples, walk clockwise around stupas, and use your right hand for giving and eating. Tap water is not safe to drink untreated.
Do I need cash in Nepal or can I use cards?+
Nepal is largely a cash economy. Cards work in larger hotels, supermarkets and some Kathmandu and Pokhara restaurants, but buses, tea houses, small shops and temple fees all need rupees. ATMs are common in cities but scarce on treks, so withdraw before heading to the hills.
Is altitude a concern when visiting Nepal?+
It is if you trek or fly into high places. Kathmandu sits at a comfortable 1,400m, but treks and mountain flights climb fast. Ascend gradually, hydrate, and learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before going above 3,000m.
What are the main cultural etiquette rules in Nepal?+
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples, dress modestly at religious sites, walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls, and avoid touching people's heads or pointing your feet at shrines or people. A namaste greeting is always welcome.
