Nepal Flights and Travel Guide

Language

Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.

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Money

The official currency is Nepali Rupee (NPR), which is divided into 100 paisa. As change can be a problem it is recommended that visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in U.S. Dollars and it is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. Both Euro and U.S. dollar travelers checks are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be cashed easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies. Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist places and in the major cities; all receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.

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Communications

The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Kathmandu and (0)41 for Pokhara. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns, but this does not extend tothe summit of Mount Everest! In the main tourist centers of Kathmandu and Pokhara there are Internet cafes on every corner.

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Tipping

Restaurants and hotels may add 10 percent to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10 percent tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.

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Safety

On February 1, 2005, the king dismissed the government, assuming direct control of the country. On April 21, 2006, he finally agreed to give up his power following weeks of violent protests by political parties and the Maoists; Parliament has been reinstated. All bans and curfews have been lifted, but demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, as there is still a high risk of violence. Countrywide strikes (bandhs) are also occasionally called for by the Maoists, which can turn violent. These usually seriously affect road transport and many businesses, and visitors are advised to seek up-to-date information before traveling; tourists have been left temporarily stranded.

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Health

No immunization is required, but vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid are recommended. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveler's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used.

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