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There are no ATMs on the trail — so how much cash do you carry, in what currency? Guide to money for Nepal trekking: ATMs, exchanging USD, denominations, and budgeting for teahouse extras and tips.
- There are no ATMs once you leave the trailhead and teahouses don't take cards — carry enough Nepali rupees (NPR) cash for the whole trek.
- Budget $25–40 per person per day (NPR ~3,500–5,500) for food, lodging, and extras; costs rise with altitude.
- Carry plenty of small notes — no one high up can change a large bill.
- Budget separately for end-of-trek tips: guide $8–12/day, porter $5–7/day.
Cash is king on the trail
The single most important money fact for Nepal trekking: there are no ATMs once you leave the trailhead, and teahouses don't take cards. You must carry enough Nepali rupees (NPR) in cash for your entire trek. Running out high up is a real problem.
Where to get cash
Withdraw or exchange in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start. ATMs are plentiful in both cities (with per-withdrawal limits and fees). You can also exchange USD, EUR, GBP and other major currencies at licensed money changers — often at better rates than ATMs. On the Everest trail, Namche Bazaar has ATMs (unreliable, high fees) as a last resort, but never count on them.
How much to carry
Budget per person per day on the trail: $25–40 (NPR ~3,500–5,500) for food, lodging, and extras like hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, and bottled drinks. Costs rise with altitude as everything is carried up by porter or mule. Add a buffer for emergencies, snacks, and the unexpected. For a 10-day trek, carry roughly $300–450 in NPR plus a reserve.
Denominations matter
Carry plenty of small notes (NPR 100, 500, 1,000). High in the mountains, no one can change a large note, and you'll need small denominations for showers, charging, and tips. Break big notes in the city before you trek.
Tips and extras to budget for
Beyond food and lodging, budget for: hot showers ($2–5), device charging ($2–4), Wi-Fi ($2–5), bottled/boiled water (cheaper to treat your own), snacks, and — importantly — end-of-trek tips for your guide ($8–12/day) and porter ($5–7/day), usually given in cash.
Keep it safe
Split your cash across a couple of secure places (money belt, daypack, locked duffel). Bring a small amount of USD as backup. Keep a card for the cities only.
The bottom line
Carry enough NPR cash in small denominations for your whole trek plus a buffer — there are no reliable ATMs once you're walking. Budget $25–40/day plus tips, and break large notes before you leave the city.
Frequently asked questions
Are there ATMs on Nepal trekking trails?
No reliable ones. Withdraw and exchange all your cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start. Namche Bazaar on the Everest trail has unreliable, high-fee ATMs as a last resort, but never count on them.
How much cash should I carry for a trek?
Budget $25–40 per person per day (NPR ~3,500–5,500) for food, lodging, and extras, with costs rising at altitude. For a 10-day trek, carry roughly $300–450 in NPR plus a reserve and your tips.
See the full breakdown in our Nepal trekking cost guide, sort your gear with the trekking packing list, or contact us to plan your trip.
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