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?
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
