By Syam, JesTiny Guide · Last checked: 30 October 2026

Kathmandu (KTM) Airport Money Advice For Indian Travellers

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the main international airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Almost all the airports on this site are completely different to Kathmandu airport, because the Nepali currency is tied to the Indian currency at a fixed rate. Indian currency is used in Nepal and the rules on what Indian currency you can bring have changed over the years.

For this page, we’ll start with the rules. These can be found using official and up to date references. We found no measured rate for any of the counters at KTM and couldn’t find any reliable information on which banks are offering currency exchange at KTM.

JesTiny is an editorial site. We do not do any currency exchange and no banks/ counters pay us to be listed.

Currency rate

Nepali currency (NPR) has been tied to the Indian currency (INR) since 1993 at a rate of 1.6. This means 100 Rupees becomes roughly 160 Nepali Rupees. However, banks and money changers will trade based on this rate meaning you’ll get slightly different rates.

This is an easy way to check if they’re offering you a good rate. Multiply your amount by 1.6 and if they’re offering you a lot lower than this, question why or try elsewhere.

There isn’t a fixed rate for any other currency such as US Dollars. Always compare their rate to the live mid-market rate on your phone. See our guide for more info on what this means.

What Indian currency can you take to Nepal?

Most Indian travellers get confused with this section.

• India – According to a circular released by the Reserve Bank of India on 20 March 2019 (A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 24), individuals can carry up to 25,000 Rupees in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series 200 and 500 Rupees Notes when travelling from India to Nepal or Bhutan. 100 Rupees and under notes are not included in this amount.
• Nepal – In July 2026, several Indian and Nepali news sources stated that Nepal Rastra Bank (Nepal’s central bank) released a notice stating Indian and Nepali Nationals can take Indian 200 and 500 Rupee Notes into and out of Nepal. They can carry up to a maximum of 25,000 Rupees per person. Only notes printed on or after 9 November 2016 are allowed. Old 500 and 1000 Rupee Notes are still not allowed. We couldn’t find this notice on the Nepal Rastra Bank website, so we’ve taken this from news sources. (Always double check before you travel.)

What does this mean?

You can take:

• New Series 200 and 500 Rupee Notes – Up to a maximum of 25,000 Rupees.
• 100 and Under – Not included in the 25,000 limit.
• Old 500 and 1000 Rupee Notes – You cannot take these. Leave them at home.
• 2000 Rupee Notes – Only 200 and 500 Rupees are mentioned in the RBI circular.

If taking a large amount of Indian currency, stick to 25,000 Rupees in 200/500 notes. Take the rest of your travel money in another form e.g card.

Where is currency exchange?

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, there are banks, ATMs and currency exchange available at the airport. Travel guides mention there are currency exchange counters in the arrivals and departures of the international terminal. However, they differ on how many there are and which banks.

As we couldn’t verify this from a reliable source we won’t mention which banks. Look for bank branded currency exchange counters in the arrivals area of the international terminal. In the departures area, there are currency exchange counters.

Can you exchange Indian Rupees at the counters?

We couldn’t verify this. Some travellers have said yes and others have said no. As you’re arriving from India, don’t assume you can exchange Indian currency at the airport. Have an alternative such as an international card or small amount of US Dollars.

Best and avoid

As we couldn’t find any measured rates for any of the counters, we won’t mention which is best.

Helpful tips:

• Indian Rupees – Use the 1.6 rate.
• US Dollars etc – Ask for the final amount of Nepali Rupees. Compare with the mid-market rate.
• If in doubt, only exchange as much as you’ll need for your first day. Compare when you get into the city. Count the notes and keep your receipt.

ATMs and cards

According to the airport profile there are ATMs. A news article mentions Everest Bank have an ATM. We couldn’t verify a full list of ATMs and where they are. (Always double check before you travel.)

When using an ATM or card in Nepal:

1. Choose Nepali Rupees instead of Indian Rupees wherever possible. Choosing your home currency is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion and is usually more expensive. See our DCC guide.
2. Know your card charges. Your Indian bank or forex card may have charges for each withdrawal. See our guide for more info on how these charges build up.
3. Double check the amount on screen.

Step by step

Before leaving India:

1. Make sure you have only new series 200/500 notes. Maximum 25,000 Rupees in total. Smaller notes can be taken. Don’t take any old 500/1000 notes or 2000 notes.
2. If taking over 5000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency, be prepared to declare to Nepal Customs. (Always double check.)
3. Pass through immigration and customs at the international terminal.
4. If you need Nepali currency immediately, look for a bank currency exchange or ATM in the arrivals area.
5. If you’re exchanging Indian currency, make sure the amount matches the 1.6 rate. If you’re exchanging dollars, compare the rate.
6. Count the notes and keep your receipt.

From the airport to Kathmandu

The airport is very close to the city. It takes roughly 20-40 mins to get to the main tourist area (Thamel) depending on traffic. We couldn’t find any official prices, so here are the prices from 2026. (Always double check.)

• Prepaid Taxi – There is a prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. The price to Thamel varies between roughly 700-1200 NPR. One guide mentions in early 2026 it costs around 900 NPR. Using the rate this would be roughly 560 Rupees.
• Taxi – Be wary as taxi drivers at the airport often ask for 2-3x the fair price. Agree a price beforehand.
• Ride Apps – There are conflicting opinions on Pathao and inDrive. One guide mentions you’ll need a Nepali SIM card and they’re not reliable for pickups from the airport. Another guide mentions they’re cheaper. Don’t plan on using these.

As it’s a prepaid taxi, make sure you have some Nepali currency or Indian currency (within the limits above). Ask if they’ll take Indian currency.

Cash, cards and UPI in Nepal

Indian travellers can use UPI in Nepal. NPCI International and Fonepay (a Nepali payment network) went live in March 2024. This means Indian travellers can scan the QR codes of Fonepay businesses using any UPI app. Over 100,000 Fonepay businesses across all 77 districts now accept UPI according to a Fonepay & NPCI International release. In August 2026, NPCI International stated there was an increase in Indian travellers using QR payments in Nepal. (Always double check.)

However, it’s still worth having some Nepali currency as you may need it for taxis, small shops and outside of the cities.

• ATM – There is a limit on how much you can withdraw. According to reports, there is a limit of 20,000 NPR per transaction due to a Nepal Rastra Bank circular. In 2026 guides mention there are charges for foreign cards. These vary between roughly 500-850 NPR depending on the bank. This charge is in addition to your own bank charges. It’s cheaper to do a few larger withdrawals. (Always double check.)
• Turn on international payments on your cards before leaving India. See our guide for more info on why. See our guide for examples of charges on Indian cards.
• DCC – If offered payment in Indian currency, choose Nepali. See our DCC guide.

Myths about currency at Kathmandu airport for Indians

Myth 1 – Indian 500 Rupees are banned.

For years 200/500 Rupees were banned. According to the RBI circular, new series 200/500 can be taken up to 25,000 Rupees. In July 2026, Nepal’s central bank are reported to have allowed them. Old 500 (pre 2016) are still not allowed.

Myth 2 – Indian currency is accepted everywhere so I don’t need Nepali currency.

We couldn’t verify how widely Indian currency is accepted in shops or if it’s accepted at the counters. Have some Nepali currency.

Myth 3 – I can get whatever rate for Indian currency.

It’s fixed at 1.6. A fair rate should be similar to this.

Myth 4 – I can pay in Indian currency on card machines.

This is Dynamic Currency Conversion and is usually more expensive. Choose Nepali.

Scams and mistakes with currency in Nepal

• Wrong Indian Notes – This is the most expensive mistake for Indians. Stick to new series 200/500 up to 25,000 Rupees. Smaller denominations can be taken.
• Airport Taxi – Be wary as taxi drivers often ask for 2-3x the fair price. Use the prepaid taxi to avoid this.

More info for Indian travellers

• EXCHANGE INDIAN CURRENCY – In July 2026, Kantipur reported that Nepal Rastra Bank have allowed banks, money changers, hotels, airlines and other authorised institutions to exchange up to 25,000 INR per person. We couldn’t verify if this is done at the counters. Have a backup.
• Forex Card, UPI & Cash – UPI can be used at Fonepay businesses. A forex card can be used at ATMs. Indian notes (within limits) can be taken.

Indian rules on paying for forex in cash, PAN, carrying rupees, exchanging rupees before you fly and declaring cash when you return are on our India money rules page.

Simple money plan for your first day

What we’d suggest:

1. Before travelling – Make sure you have the correct Indian notes (new series 200/500 only, up to 25,000). Turn on international payments on your cards. Make sure your UPI app works internationally.
2. At the airport – Get enough Nepali currency to pay for the taxi (around 700-1200 NPR to Thamel), SIM card and meal. Using the rate, this will only be a small amount of Indian currency.
3. Why not more? We couldn’t find any measured rates for the counters and you can pay lots of places using UPI.
4. Later – Use UPI where you see a Fonepay QR code. Withdraw larger amounts of cash when needed.

Leaving Nepal

• EXCHANGE BACK – There are currency exchange counters in the departures area. Travel guides mention you’ll need to have your receipts from when you exchanged in Nepal. You’ll only be able to exchange back some of your currency. How much varies between guides. Keep all your receipts from exchanging. Spend small amounts before you travel. See our guide for more info on what you can do with leftover currency.
• Indian Notes – Indian notes follow the same rules going in and out. New series 200/500 up to 25,000 total. Smaller denominations can be taken.
• Large Amounts – If you arrive with over 5000 USD in foreign currency you must declare it at customs. (Nepal Rastra Bank guidelines July 2026.)

FAQ

What is the exchange rate between Indian and Nepali currency?
Nepali currency is tied to Indian currency at a rate of 1.6. 100 Rupees = roughly 160 Nepali Rupees. This will vary slightly depending on if they’re buying/selling.

Can I take 500 Rupees to Nepal?
According to the RBI circular you can take up to 25,000 Rupees in new series 200/500. In July 2026, Nepal’s central bank are reported to have allowed them. You cannot take old 500 (pre 2016). (Always double check.)

Can I take 2000 Rupees to Nepal?
Only 200/500 are mentioned in the RBI circular. Don’t take 2000.

Is there a currency exchange at Kathmandu Airport?
Yes. According to the civil aviation authority of Nepal there are money exchange, banks & ATMs. We couldn’t verify which banks are offering.

Do I need to declare any cash at Kathmandu Airport?
Any foreign currency over 5000 USD or equivalent must be declared to Nepal Customs. (Always double check.)

Sources and how we checked them

Checked on 30 October 2026. Where a fact comes from one source only, or sources disagree, the guide says so. Prices, hours and rules change, so check before you fly.

• Reserve Bank of India, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 24, 20 March 2019.
• The Tribune, India TV News (26 July 2026), NRI Affairs and Bajarko Chirfar (24 July 2026), reports on Nepal Rastra Bank’s notice on Indian currency notes.
• Sharesansar, NRB reissues guidelines on bringing foreign currency cash into and out of Nepal, 24 July 2026.
• Kantipur, banks and money changers may exchange up to INR 25,000 per person, 23 July 2026.
• The Kathmandu Post, column on the NPR–INR peg, 26 February 2026.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, airport profile report (2020); The Himalayan Times, report on an Everest Bank ATM at the airport (undated).
• The Tribune, UPI goes live in Nepal (March 2024); Fonepay and NPCI International release (undated); Diplomat Nepal, August 2026.
• Nepse Trading, report on Nepal Rastra Bank’s ATM withdrawal limit (undated); Mountmania, tourist ATM withdrawals in Nepal, 12 April 2026.
• Airconnect, Kathmandu airport transport guide (2026); Mountmania, airport to Thamel guide (September 2024).
• Windhorse Tours and andBeyond, travel guides on changing rupees back.
• Reserve Bank of India circular of 8 December 2025, RBI FAQ and HSBC India’s LRS FAQ, as summarised in our India cash rules guide.

Editorial note: The counter, rate and airport information in this guide is editorial and is not paid for. Rates and fees change, so confirm the final rate at the counter before exchanging.