Emergency cash?

Hi Asok,

I always kept US$100 in small denominations for emergencies hidden in my backpack or boots.

Thankfully never had a situation which called for it !

B

Hard currency $, € works best - Indian rupees do well in Nepal too. In emergencies : there is a market for cellphones, ipod's etc.

Note about ATM's :: ATM's in Nepal can be unreliable. The banknotes fold easily and get stuck in the machine - no payout - only a receipt the transaction is canceled. Bank had deducted the amount already. Had it now 3 times in Pokhara and 2 times in Kathmandu. ATM is out of order after, no worries, get your money back in 2-3 weeks from your own bank.

Any major currency or travellers cheques will do at moneychangers which you will find in all the main towns including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche. For spernding elsewhere if other cash runs out US$ are probably your best bet as locals will be most familiar with them and the exchange rate. I had no problems with the ATMs though.

Thanks for the info.

Arno - was it any particular bank ATMs you had problems with?

A wise move; to have a contingency plan in place.

Do keep in mind that if you have only cash $ with you, and you get robbed, luggage stolen, etc, then no insurance company will offer you any form of compensation for the loss of the money.

It's always worth while, having a few US$100 T/C's tucked away for the proverbial rainy day.

Cheers
Zoltan

pl do not carry 500 Rupees or 1,000 Rupees denominated Indian Currency Rupee Notes, since the local police and army people will confiscate them.