Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I know people who use them at grocery stores and restaurants that cater to foreigners without problems. I try to use only Nepali Rupees here. Some people get local bank accounts to make life easier. - Apr 2025
Cash is used 90% of the time. Some shops in the tourist areas now take credit cards, but we use them rarely and always with trepidation. - Jun 2024
Cash is used 95% of the time. For large purchases, credit cards are used and I'm noticing more and more places accept credit cards, but sometimes they add a fee. We use ATMs, they are safe, but I am sure some aren't. It's best to ask around to find out. We try to use Nabil bank ATMs most of the time. - Aug 2022
I don't recommend using cards because of the skimming. We use cash everywhere. There is an ATM at the American Club and the Embassy, and those are the only ones I use. - Aug 2019
Credit cards are accepted at some places and are becoming more widely accepted, but cash is still the norm. ATMs have a 10000 nrs. limit (approx. US$100), so you can find yourself using them frequently and if you have to pay an ATM fee with your bank it can really add up. - Aug 2015
Nepal is a cash based economy. There are ATMs in most of the touristy areas as well as at the Embassy. - Jul 2014
Stick to 'safe' ATMs at the Embassy or American Club. If you don't have access to those, use Standard Chartered or another international bank, not the local banks. - May 2014
I would not use them unless it was at one of the nice hotels. - Apr 2014
You can use ATMs here; I usually use the one at the Embassy. I typically don't use my credit card as some people have been scammed. It's easy enough to pay for things in cash. - Dec 2013
I can't because I haven't used mine in 1.5 years. Very few places will take a credit card. There are some ATM machines around, but you use them at your own risk. - Jun 2013
It's basically a cash society, but you can get money from the Embassy cashier (if you're here with the U.S. Mission) or a few ATMs in town (if you trust them.) - Jun 2011
BhatBateni Super Market is the ONLY place I used a CC.Have not used ATM's locally. This is a cash society. Keep 5,000 nrs for a weekly budget for your family - Sep 2010
Try not to as much as possible. - Jan 2010
Credit cards - don't do it. Numbers are stolen all the time. I haven't heard any issues with ATMs but check with your bank on fees. I hear USAA doesn't charge a fee. - May 2008
