All foreign nationals except those people
from India need visas. Single entry visas are issued for up to 30 days.
However, they can be extended for up to 3 months. Trekking permits on
the other hand are needed if you plan on hiking in the Himalayas. These
permits can be obtained from immigration offices in Katmandu.
The time zone is GMT/UTC plus five hours and 45 minutes. Electricity is
220 volts. Weights and measures are in the metric system. The currency
is the Nepalese Rupee. In early 1997 the exchange rate was one US dollar
equaled approximately 55 Nepalese Rupees.
The prices in Nepal are quite inexpensive compared to the United States.
A budget meal in Nepal costs about $2 to $3. A restaurant meal is
between $7 and $10. A budget room costs between $5 to $15, while a mid
range hotel room will run you between $15 to $35. It is possible to live
on about $15 US dollars a day in Nepal if you live on Nepalese food and
inexpensive lodging. Living expenses are a bit cheaper on the trail for
an independent trek. You can expect to spend between $10 to $15 a day on
the trail.
There are three exchange rates in Nepal: 1. the rate set by the the
government's bank, 2. the slightly more favorable rate set by private
banks, and 3. the rate set by the black market shops. It is recommended
to exchange a good deal of foreign currency into Nepalese rupees in
Katmandu, before you go on a trek in the Himalayas. The exchange rates
are much more favorable in Katmandu versus some of the small towns along
the trails. You also want smaller bills, because it is easier to pay for
lodging and the porters, who often cannot change large bills. We were
able to get very reasonable exchange rates, because our guide knew of a
shop that gives good rates. He brought all of us there, and because of
the volume of money being exchanged, the rate was substantially better.
Nepalese have many cultural taboos. One is that a persons feet are
considered to be the most unclean part of a persons body and should
never be pointed at anyone. Never sit down on a table or eating area. I
was politely reminded of that on the trek by one of our porters who came
over and whispered in my ear. Always eat and hand over objects with your
right hand. Using your left hand is considered ritually impure because
that is the hand that is used after defecating.
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