Kathmandu Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +5.45.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used.Money: The official currency is Nepali Rupee (NPR), which is divided into 100 paisa. As change can be a problem it is recommended that visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars and it is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. Both Euro and US dollar travellers cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be cashed easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies. Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist places and in the major cities; all receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.

Language: Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport and visa

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport and visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and visa.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport and visa.

Passport/Visa Note: Tourist visas can be issued on arrival. A 60-day visa costs US$30 and a 150-day/multiple-entry visa costs US$80. Tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops in Chitwan; visitors intending to trek or visit other areas should obtain a permit from the Central Immigration Office. Embassy or Consulate in US: Royal Nepalese Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 667 4550.

Embassy or Consulate in UK: Royal Nepalese Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7229 1594/6231.

Embassy or Consulate in Canada: Embassy or Consulate in Australia: Royal Nepalese Embassy, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3705 5558.

Embassy or Consulate in South Africa: Royal Nepalese Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for South Africa): +20 (0)2 361 6590.

US Embassy or Consulate: United States Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 1179.

UK Embassy or Consulate: British Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 0583.

Canadian Embassy or Consulate: Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (11) 4178-2000.

Australian Embassy or Consulate: Australian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 4371 678. South African Embassy or Consulate: South African High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (0)11 2614 9411.

Health:

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rabies and typhoid are recommended. Travellers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind; purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Stomach upsets are likely to be the most common cause of illness in travellers to Nepal; food in tourist restaurants or 'Western' food should be treated with caution as it is often reheated or left to stand out, and drinks or salads can contain ice or have ingredients washed in dirty water. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation.

Tipping:

Restaurants and hotels may add 10% to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10% tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated. Safety: On 1 February 2005 the king dismissed the government, assuming direct control of the country. In April 2006 he finally agreed to give up his power following weeks of violent protests by political parties and the Maoists. The Maoists extended their truce in a bid to support peace talks between themselves and the government, and on 21 November 2006 reached agreements on major issues in the peace process negotiations; an interim government was formed on 1 April 2007. Both sides have agreed to a UN monitored permanent ceasefire, however, the security situation is still uncertain and anyone travelling to Nepal, and particularly to Kathmandu, should be aware that the situation could change rapidly. Violent incidents, including bombings, have continued in 2007 despite the cease-fire. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, as there is still a high risk of violence. Further rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place in the run up to the elections planned for November 2007. Due to previous bomb attacks and shootings in public places, including the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lukla, as well as on popular trekking routes, visitors are warned to be particularly vigilant; foreign tourists have been involved in several incidents. Foreigners have been the target of recent attacks in the Thamel district of Kathmandu, and are advised to be cautious after dark and to stay in a group if in the area at night. There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides. Foreigners were seriously injured in two attacks in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just outside Kathmandu in October 2005 and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area and to travel in a group.

Customs:

Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreigners. In the tourist areas there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but away from these places foreigners should be sensitive to local customs. Never accept or offer anything, or eat with the left hand. Do not eat from someone else's plate or offer food from one's own. Women should dress conservatively and cover as much as possible. Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Business:

The Nepalese are warm and friendly, and business tends to be conducted with a combination of formality and sincerity. Much time is given to small talk and socialising. Handshakes are fairly common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a namaste - a traditional greeting of a small bow accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should return the greeting. Dress tends to be formal and conservative, with suits and ties the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used; the elderly in particular are treated with great respect and the word 'gi' is added after the name as a polite form. Punctuality is important, although it may take some time to get down to business, and negotiation can be a long process. English is widely spoken and understood, though discussions in Nepali may occur between Nepalese themselves within a meeting. Business hours are usually 9.30am or 10am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday (closing at 4pm in winter). Saturday is a holiday.

Communications:

The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Kathmandu and (0)41 for Pokhara. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns, but this does not extend to the summit of Mount Everest! In the main tourist centres of Kathmandu and Pokhara there are Internet cafes on every corner.

Duty free:

Travellers to Nepal do not have to pay duty on 100 cigarettes or the equivalent in other tobacco products; 1 litre of alcohol; and perfume for personal use. It is illegal to export goods which are over 100 years old.