Formalities of Nepal
Health
No international certificates of vaccination regarding Cholera, Typhoid, Yellow Fever or Japanese Encephalitis is demanded but recommended.
Malaria represents a little health risk between June and September in the low plains of Nepal, including Chitwan National Park, but not in the trekking areas. The treatment is not compulsory.
Lastly, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be developed at any altitude over 2000 metres if your body does not adjust with altitude. The early symptoms are headache, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite. To avoid that, your body needs acclimatization, so take your time. If not, the symptoms can lead to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Being in a hurry while trekking in high altitude can be deadly!
Clothing
It is advised to bring warm clothing while travelling from November to February and tropical wear from March to October. Apart from this, your clothes would be adapted to your activity, trekking or tour, safari or rafting...
Entering Nepal
The capital city of Kathmandu is linked by both air and road.
International flights link the Tribhuvan Airport of Kathmandu with Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai (India), Guangzhou and Lhasa (China), Hong-Kong, Dhaka (Bangladesh), Paro (Bhutan), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arabic Emirates), Doha (Qatar) and Bahrain.
By road, there are many entry points to Nepal but only seven are opened for foreigners. Six are on the Indian borderline: Kakarbhitta / Jhapa, Raxaul / Birgunj, Sunauli / Bhairahawa, Jamunaha / Nepalgunj, Mohana / Dhangadhi and Gadda Chauki / Mahendranagar. One is on the Chinese borderline: Kodari.
Currency
The Nepalese Rupee is the local currency. The denomination of currency notes available is 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are 1 and 2 currently in circulation.
The running rate of exchanges is US$ 1 = Rs 75 ; 1euro = Rs 100 and 1pound = 120.
All visitors should obtain a receipt for all currency exchange. Import of Indian currency by foreigners other than Indian citizens is strictly prohibited.
Customs
All luggages must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry on the Nepalese territory. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquor, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certificate from the Department of Archaeology.
Nepal Time
Nepal Time is UTC+5:45 and is one of the only two official time zones without an hour or half-hour offset from UTC.
