The capital
Kathmandu
Language
The official language is Nepali. In addition to it, many indigenous people use Parbatiya, Gorkhali, Khaskura, Maytili and 30 more local languages and dialects. In tourist centers, large cities, business districts and the commercial area, English is popular. See liuxers for Nepal customs and traditions.
Time
Local time is ahead of Moscow by 1 hour 45 minutes.
Accommodation
ATNepal has a huge number of hotels. In the capital of the country, they practically correspond to European standards.
Electricity
Voltage – 220 V, 50 Hz. Many small towns have no electricity at all, and hotels in these areas use diesel generators or solar panels.
Money
Currency unitNepal is the Nepalese rupee. It is equal to 100 paise. Banknotes are in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupee, as well as coins of 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupee and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 paise. Coins are practically not used.
Of the foreign currencies, the Indian rupee is in use, although others are often used.
You can pay by credit card in hotels and shops in major cities. Traveler’s checks are also accepted at banks, travel agencies and shops in major cities.
Banks and exchange offices
You can exchange currency at the airport, as well as at exchange offices and banks in cities. You can exchange currency only at official exchange points. Banks are open on Friday from 10 am to 12.30 pm, on other days – from 10 am to 2.30 pm. Saturday and public holidays are days off. The exchange rate is published every day in newspapers.
The shops
Shops are located throughout the country, especially for tourists in Kathmandu. Similar shops are also found in hotels.
Clear store opening hoursNepal is not, but almost all of them are closed on public holidays.
Shopping
Large shops and small shops are full of gold and silver jewelry, Tibetan carpets, wood and metal products, clothes and typical Nepalese souvenirs. In the small village shops, for example in Thimi, you can find artfully made pottery. If you bought an antique item, you can take it out with a special permit from the Department of Archeology.
Useful phones and communication
Telephone system inNepal is rather poorly developed. Payphones are available only in major cities of the country. You can call abroad only from a hotel or from public telephone offices, which are open on weekdays from 9 to 14. Recently, devices have begun to appear in large cities from which you can also call to another country, but there are still very few of them.
To call from Russia to Nepal you need to dial 8 – 10 – 977 (codeNepal a) – area code – subscriber number.
To call to Russia, you need to dial 007 – area code – subscriber number.
Major city codes
Kathmandu – 1
Biratnagar – 21
Bhakatpur – 1
Useful numbers
Police – 100
Tourist Police – 220-18
Department of Tourism – 247-041
Transport
For driving within the city, it is best to use a taxi or local transport – tuk-tuk. It is a three-wheeled motorcycle with sidecars for passengers. It is better to negotiate the price right away.
You can only travel between cities by bus, as there are almost no railways in the country. Almost all buses in the country are old and do not run very often, so it is best to buy tickets a few days before the trip.
Tips
Tipping is acceptable, but not required. For example, in restaurants, when you are given change, you can show the waiter a sign – shake your head negatively or point your hand at the money. This gesture will imply that you liked the service and the waiter can keep the change.
Taxi drivers, porters and porters can also be given a few coins as a thank you. This is enough to express my gratitude for the services.
Security
Nepal is a very safe country. Stealing is not accepted here, but things still need to be looked after – according to local norms, things left just like that become nobody’s.
In any city other than Kathmandu, the water is very often polluted, so you should only drink bottled water.
Dairy products and milk itself are best boiled before drinking. Vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed.
Health
Almost throughout the area of Nepal “mountain sickness” is common. It is associated with low oxygen content at altitudes and often manifests itself during ascents. Therefore, you should be very careful during outdoor activities – acclimatization is required.
