Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular trekking spots in the world. 10 of the world’s 14 highest mountains are in Nepal and there’s plenty to get stuck into when it comes to hiking and mountaineering.
It’s possible to attempt a number of treks without a guide but for most of us, we are looking for an organized tour to help us along the way. Working with a tour operator can enrich your experience; you’ll get a chance to meet fellow trekkers in your group along the way and your guides will help you learn more about the local culture. On top of that, it should also make trekking both easier and safer.
But before enjoying an organized trek, the less exciting matter of paying for your trek in Nepal is required. So, just how do you go about it? In this guide, we explain the different payment methods available to you in order to pay for a trek in Nepal.
What Currency is Used in Nepal?
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. The official currency code is NPR but you’ll commonly see it referenced as ‘Rs’, which is short for Rupee. Or, you may even come across the currency symbol रु
The Nepalese Rupee has been the official currency since 1932 and is used throughout the country.
A Nepalese Rupee subdivides into 100 paisa but it’s unlikely that you’ll ever actually transact in Paisa, with 99% of trade conducted in Rupee. Rupee notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Rupee coins are for 1,2 and 5 rupees.
Some tour operators and accommodation may also accept US dollars.
Payment Methods Around Nepal
In major cities, restaurants and hotels you should be able to pay via both cash and credit card. However, be aware that the merchant will likely add a 3-4% fee for card payments.
When trekking in rural villages, be prepared with cash. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to pay via credit card and you could be a few mountains away from the nearest city with an ATM!
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay your tip to the trekking guide in cash and, depending on whether permit fees have been covered by your operator, you might need a small bit of cash for this too.
How to Pay for a Trek in Nepal?
Chances are, you will be able to pay for your trek in one of three ways; cash, bank transfer or debit/credit card.
If you book a trek in advance, tour providers will want you to pay a deposit to hold your place. Usually, somewhere around 25% of the value of your trek will need to be paid ahead of arriving in Nepal.
Paying Your Deposit
Unless you’re already in Nepal, you’ll have to pay your deposit via bank transfer or credit/debit card payment.
Credit/Debit Card
Paying via credit or debit card is probably the most expensive option. The chances are you will have to pay a 3-4% processing fee to the tour operator, plus any additional costs which are charged by your card issuer for using a credit card internationally. This usually includes a foreign transaction fee (normally around 3%) and a foreign exchange markup (normally between 2.5-5%). These fees apply when you use your card abroad or pay for something online in another currency.
Nevertheless, using a credit card to book your tour is probably your safest option. You’ll be provided with a payment gateway on the operator’s website and your money will definitely reach the right place. What’s more, your credit card is the best way of combating fraud and will likely offer protection should something go wrong. Either through the chargeback scheme which is operated by the card networks (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) or specific credit card protection that you may get in the country your card is issued.
Take section 75 of the consumer credit act in the UK as an example. Purchases between £100 – £30,000 are covered under the scheme and oftentimes, you may only have to pay for the deposit of the trek by credit card to be covered for the full value of the trek should something go wrong.
If you shop around, you might find that some Nepalese trek operators apply no fee when you pay via credit card for your deposit but will then levy a 3-4% fee when you pay for the rest of the balance.
Bank Transfer
The other option you have to pay for your trek deposit is via bank transfer. Using a bank transfer as a payment method for travel is probably the cheapest option, but it depends on who you use to make the transfer. Mainstream banks will usually charge a payment fee (around $30) and apply a foreign exchange markup of 3-5% when converting to Nepalese Rupee. However, do some research and you’ll find dedicated money transfer specialists which will charge little to no payment fee and a foreign exchange markup around 0.5%.
Be aware, however, that there is no protection for paying via bank transfer. It’s like paying in cash. You won’t be covered if you’ve been scammed and could risk losing your money.
Only pay via bank transfer to reputable trek operators in Nepal. The bank details you have to pay should be clearly displayed on their website, or sent over in an official invoice. You’ll probably have to put a reference with your bank transfer so that the trek operator can see it was you who paid their account.
Be careful you’ve input the correct details to avoid money being sent to the wrong account. If this happens, there’s no guarantees you’ll get your money back.
Paying Your Balance
Upon arrival in Nepal, you’ll have to pay your balance before setting off on your trek. You’ll either be able to do this in cash, via card payment or via bank transfer.
Remember, even paying in cash will see you levied with various types of fees. The ATM is hitting you with fees, as well as your card issuer for withdrawing cash in a foreign currency (which could include a foreign transaction fee and foreign exchange markup). Taking this into account, it’s a similar cost to paying via card.
Paying via credit/debit card will see you levied with the same fees that you were hit with to pay for your deposit.
Paying via bank transfer is again probably going to be your cheapest option. However, it all depends on your card issuer or your bank account provider. It all depends on what type of credit card you have and who you bank with fees. Fees vary significantly from one provider to the next so it’s best to understand the fees applied specific to your providers. Some of the best travel credit cards are cheaper than bank transfer, and specialist wire transfer providers are significantly cheaper than making an international transfer with a bank.
Roundup – What’s the Best Way to Pay for Treks in Nepal?
Take into account both cost and safety when you decide how to pay for your trek in Nepal. Understand if you are afforded more protection for paying via credit card and the level of protection which is offered. It could be that you’re covered for the whole expense even if you just pay the deposit of your trek via credit card. In this instance, it would make sense to pay the deposit via credit card and then the remaining balance via bank transfer.
However, it all depends on what’s most important to you. It is important to understand the protections that are specific to the country in which your card is issued and to weigh this against the costs of paying by card or bank transfer. Reach out to your providers to get a full understanding of the true cost involved. If you’re working with a reliable and reputable tour operator you don’t want to be paying any unnecessary fees.
