The unit of the Nepalese Currency is the Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa.Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1 Rs. 2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, and Rs. 1000 denominationsCoins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 paisa and Rs. 1 and 2 denominations.
Foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency. However other payments must always be made in Nepalese currency which can be bought at the foreign currency exchange Counter at the airport. The foreign exchange counters of different banks also open at different locations in the city. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. Tourists are advised to obtain and retain the foreign exchange encashment receipts in order to reconvert unused Nepali currency back into foreign currency, to a maximum of 15% of the total money exchanged, at the time of departure. Visitors are required to fill in a currency declaration form at the port of entry. Tourists other than Indian nationals are not allowed to import or export Indian currency.
The rate of exchange of foreign currencies is determined by the Nepal Rastra Bank and is announced in the press daily. [The rate of exchange of some of the major currencies are The Kathmandu Post.]
Kathmandu banks are open between 10.00 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. from Sunday to Thursday and between 10.00 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. on Fridays. They are closed on Saturdays and other holidays. There is a foreign exchange counter at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Some major banks that deal with foreign exchange and traveller's checks and banks that are located at the city center are as follows: