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Travellers' cheques are no longer accepted in Nepal, so please do not bring these as your currency. However, ATM facilities are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large towns, so a Visa, or other internationally-recognized credit/debit card, would be useful. Larger shops accept payment by credit/debit card, although they still sometimes make a small charge for this. A money belt is strongly recommended for carrying your passport, money and air tickets, and it should be worn at all times when travelling. It is always very useful to have a few US$1 and US$5 notes to hand, especially if your journey to and from Nepal involves a stop-over in transit, as this is the most convenient form of cash for buying refreshments. The Nepalese unit of currency is the Nepal Rupee: the rate of exchange fluctuates, so you should familiarise yourself with this. It is unnecessary to change money at the airport on arrival in Kathmandu, and we recommend that you wait until you reach your hotel or an ATM/ bank counter before doing so, as the money changing counter at the airport can be very crowded indeed, and does not always offer the premium rate of exchange. There are many recognized bank counters/ATMs near to your accommodation, and the hotel will also be pleased to assist you in changing your money. Wherever you change your money, it is essential that you get an exchange receipt, which may be asked for at the airport on departure. Clients regularly ask us how much money to take on trek, because once you are on the trail there will be no possibility of accessing cash. The answer is difficult, as it depends on so many things, such as how many chocolate bars, cups of tea, bottles of beer, and glasses of wine (yes, you can buy wine now on some treks!!) you expect to consume. You should also remember that things cost more as you progress up the trail, but on average a Snicker bar would cost £1/1.50, a cup of tea 50p-£1, bottle/can of beer £2.00-£3.00, and a glass of wine about £4 (the further away from Kathmandu, the higher the cost!). It also depends on whether you are likely to be tempted by the many small local handicraft and souvenir stalls along the way on some treks - even very inexpensive items will soon eat into your hoard of rupees. If you know you will be subject to this kind of temptation, then estimate how much you spend each day in Kathmandu, and base your needs on this. You can always bring your money back to the capital, after your trek, where you will undoubtedly find ways of spending it before you leave that shoppers’ paradise! Try to get some of your money in small rupee denominations before going trekking, as you will probably need this for tipping, and large notes may be difficult to change in the hills.
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