Kathmandu Money

When changing money there exchange rate and commission vary from place to place, so it pays to shop around. Often the rates given at hotels are especially low, so you should check this. Prices quoted in this book are in US dollars.

In Thamel, you can change money at Nepal Grindlays Bank at their branches on Chhetrapati in Thamel, south of the Kathmandu Guest House and on the Thamel end of Kantipath (accepts MasterCard and Visa and gives Nepali rupees or travelers cheques). It is open Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 3.30 pm and up to 1 pm on Friday. Himalayan Bank, Sanchaya Kosh Building, Tridevi Marg (daily except Saturday 8 am to 8 pm).
In the Freak Street is Nepal Bank (221-185; fax 222-381), near New Road offer good rates (need your purchase receipt for travelers cheques (daily 7 am to 7 pm). Also, Himalayan Bank, by Bishal Bazaar on New Road (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm).

The Nepal Indo-Suez Bank (228-229; fax 226-349), on Durbar Marg is efficient. Rastriya Banijya Bank in the Central Immigration office on Tridevi Marg. Nepal Arab Bank (227-181; fax 226-905), Kantipath. Citibank (228-884) has an office at the Yak & Yeti Hotel.

Places that give cash advances on Visa, MasterCard and Amex credit cards are Nepal Grindlays, Himalayan Bank, and Alpine Travel Service, JP School Rd, Durbar Marg and Bishal Bazaar, New Rd.

There are several legal money changers in the Thamel and Freak Street areas and they are usually open longer than the banks. Their rates vary, so it pays to shop around.

Western Union office is represented by Sita World Travel (418-363), up the road across from the Three Goddess Temple in Thamel.

American Express is represented by Yeti Travels, Hotel Mayalu, Jamal Tole, just off Durbar Marg, PO Box 76 (Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm, Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm). There is an American Express office in front of the Hotel Mayalu, around the corned from the south end of Durbar Marg, on the road to Kantipath.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides