Travel guide · Kathmandu
Kathmandu Travel Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Carry cash, dress modestly at temples, build buffer days for flights — the practical tips that save your Kathmandu trip.
Kathmandu rewards travellers who arrive prepared. A handful of small habits — around money, water, dress and timing — will save you hassle and help you travel respectfully. Here are the tips that matter most.
The short answer
Carry plenty of cash in rupees, expect the occasional power cut, dress modestly at temples, and drink only bottled or filtered water. Bargain politely in markets but not in restaurants, pace yourself if heading to altitude afterwards, build buffer days around domestic and trekking flights, and grab a local SIM on arrival. Get these right and the rest falls into place.
Practical tips and mistakes to avoid
- Carry cash. Many places are rupees-only; withdraw larger sums to limit the flat ATM fee (around NPR 500 each).
- Expect power cuts. Brief outages still happen; most hotels have backup, but keep devices charged and a power bank handy.
- Dress modestly at temples. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where asked, and never assume photography is welcome at ceremonies.
- Bargain with a smile. Haggle in markets, not restaurants. Be fair, and don't grind vendors down over tiny amounts.
- Pace yourself for altitude. Kathmandu is fine, but ascend slowly if you trek afterwards and watch for altitude sickness.
- Drink safe water. Stick to bottled, filtered or purified water; a filter bottle cuts plastic and cost.
- Build buffer days. Mountain flights are often delayed by weather, so leave slack before your international departure.
- Get a local SIM early. Cheap data makes maps, ride-hailing and bookings far easier from day one.
For more, check whether your concerns are warranted in our honest take on is Kathmandu safe, time your trip with the best time to visit Kathmandu, and follow our step-by-step guide on how to get a SIM card.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cash in Kathmandu?+
Yes. Cash is king in Kathmandu — many guesthouses, eateries, taxis and shops take only Nepalese rupees. Cards work in larger hotels and some restaurants, but always carry rupees. ATMs are common in tourist areas, though they charge a flat fee of around NPR 500 per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once.
Can you drink tap water in Kathmandu?+
No, avoid tap water. Drink bottled, filtered or purified water and use it for brushing teeth too. Many hotels and cafes offer refill stations or boiled water, which cuts plastic waste, and a filter bottle or purification tablets are a good backup for travel and trekking.
What should I wear when visiting temples in Kathmandu?+
Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes and any leather items where signs request it, and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. At some Hindu temples, such as the main courtyard of Pashupatinath, non-Hindus are not allowed inside, so respect the boundaries.
How much should I bargain in Kathmandu?+
Bargaining is normal in markets and souvenir shops but not in restaurants, supermarkets or fixed-price stores. Stay friendly, start below the asking price and settle on something fair for both sides. Do not haggle aggressively over small sums, especially with street vendors and porters.
