Organize your stay Nepal
Money Nepal
In Nepal. Nepal's official currency is the Nepalese rupee, created in 1932 to replace the silver mohar. Most of the currency is in the form of banknotes, in rather large denominations (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees). As in many countries in the region, you can use dollars or euros to pay for some of your expenses in Nepal, including accommodation. This is why prices are often quoted in dollars or euros. However, you can always pay in Nepalese rupees; you'll just have to make the necessary conversions. Please note that Nepalese currency is not convertible, so you won't be able to find it outside the country's borders, and especially not in India.
To change your euros or dollars into Nepalese rupees, there are exchange offices and banks in all tourist areas. But be sure to plan ahead if you're trekking or visiting the countryside. Banks often offer a better exchange rate than bureaux de change, but the latter are open every day (generally from 9am to 9pm). In all cases, bring a passport for the transaction. Exchange rates (June 2023): 1 US$ = 83 Rs and 1 € = 91 Rs.
In Bhutan. The national currency of the Kingdom of Bhutan is the ngultrum (Nu). Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 20, 10, 5 and 1 ngultrum. This currency is at par with the Indian currency, which is also legal tender in Bhutan. Exchange rates (June 2020): 1 US$ = 75 Nu and 1 € = 85 Nu.
Budget & Tips Nepal
In Nepal. Nepal is an inexpensive destination. You can get by on €30/day/person for comfortable accommodation (from Rs. 2,500 for a bed), world cuisine meals, sightseeing, and transportation by top-of-the-range tourist bus (from US$20) or cab. You can also visit Nepal and make the most of the luxury hotels (from €100/night), luxury restaurants and, above all, prefer domestic transport by plane rather than bus. Yes, although Nepal is above all a destination for backpackers, you can also find real oases of luxury all over the country!
- Tipping is a widespread practice. It is generally included in the 10% service charge. For trekkers, it's customary to tip your porters and guide (to be given separately) at the end of the trek. If you're satisfied with the service, expect to pay around 300 Rs/day.
- Haggling is a common practice (so beware of prices advertised by cab drivers or souvenir sellers at first sight!) To get an idea of the real price of a product, don't hesitate to visit several stores and discuss the prices to obtain a price that seems fairest to you. Remember that a difference of a few rupees may not mean much to you, but it can be very appreciable to the vendor in question.
- Taxes: all establishments will include a 10% "service" tax at the end of your bill, and luxury establishments an additional so-called government tax of 13%.
In Bhutan. The Kingdom of Bhutan is an expensive destination, due to its visa policy, now accessible only to the very wealthy. Before 2023, a "visa" cost between US$200 and US$250/day/person, depending on the season, and was in fact a package including everything: the visa itself, hotels, meals, transport and sightseeing. But since 2023, you've had to pay US$200/day/person for a visa just to breathe in Bhutan. You'll have to pay for the flight (US$ 450 return), meals, transport and visits in addition, i.e. roughly double. However, Bhutan has backtracked a little since then, and now offers special offers for 4 days of visa purchased and 4 days free.
Passport and visas Nepal
In Nepal. It is compulsory for tourists to obtain a Nepalese visa. It's easy to obtain, either before you leave for your home country at the Nepalese embassy, or on arrival at Kathmandu airport (15 days: US$25; 30 days: US$40; 45 days: US$70). Be sure to bring an identity photograph. To save time on arrival at Kathmandu airport, fill in the online form at online.nepalimmigration.gov.np and print out the bar-coded receipt. This will enable you to go straight to the counter to pay for your visa.
In Bhutan. Obtaining a Bhutanese visa is compulsory for European tourists. You need to contact an agency based in Bhutan or Kathmandu, which will organize the procedures for you and pay the required sum via bank transfer or in cash on arrival. Since 2023, you can also obtain your own e-visa online via the Ministry of Tourism's official website: www.visit.doi.gov.bt. The good news is that since September1, 2023 and until August 31, 2027, it costs "only US$100 per day per person for tourists paying in US dollars", i.e. a 50% reduction on the official price of US$200 suddenly decided the year before (to select only ultra-rich tourists). Faced with a drop in bookings in 2023, Bhutan has completely reversed its decision... and so much the better! Please note that you automatically pay in dollars via a Bhutanese agency or online, on Bhutan's official visa application portal. So you benefit from the said "50%" promotion, i.e. US$100 per day. The visa costs 50% of the price (i.e. US$50 per day) for 6-12 year-olds.
Smart tip : before you leave, photocopy all the documents you'll be taking with you. Take one copy of each document with you, and leave the others with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, it will be much easier to renew them with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr).
Driver's license Nepal
Nepal. You don't need a license to drive, but we strongly advise against renting a car if you want to stay alive, given the state of the roads and the way Nepalese people drive.
Bhutan. You won't need one, as foreigners don't rent cars in Bhutan.
Health Nepal
The most frequent problems encountered are sunstroke, digestive problems due to unfamiliarity with the cuisine, and bites, especially from mosquitoes. So remember to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, pills to soothe heartburn, diarrhoea and other discomforts. Here are a few basic rules of hygiene to limit health risks and any inconvenience likely to spoil your trip: wash your hands regularly; cut your fingernails short; avoid contact with stagnant water; avoid touching stray cats and dogs; carry an effective mosquito repellent and anti-malaria medication if you're going to the Terai during the monsoon season; carry disinfectant tablets for water; beware of leeches in the Terai region during the monsoon season; for those with weak lungs, take a mask with you when walking in Kathmandu, which is a very polluted city.
And what about your first-aid kit? Disinfectant, bandages, Steristrip or ordinary tape, paracetamol, antibiotic, antidiarrheal, intestinal disinfectant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mountain sickness medication, disinfectant eyewash.
Smart tip : for information and advice on the country's health situation, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the Société de médecine des voyages at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 40 61 38 46 (www.pasteur.fr/sante/cmed/voy/listpays.html) or visit the Cimed website (www.cimed.org), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Conseils aux voyageurs" section (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs) or the Institut national de veille sanitaire (www.invs.sante.fr).
Among the diseases present in Nepal and Bhutan:
- Bilharzia is the tropical disease with the highest mortality rate after malaria (200 million people worldwide). After an incubation period ranging from three weeks to six months, the disease manifests itself through high fevers, blood in the urine and allergic skin reactions. The best prevention is to limit contact with unsalted stagnant water. Once detected, bilharziasis is easily treated.
- Cholera. This contagious infection causes sudden diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. If left untreated, a major infection is fatal in half of all cases. Vaccine efficacy is not absolute: it protects only half of those vaccinated. Prevention against this disease is similar to that against other diarrheal diseases.
- Tourista or traveler's diarrhea. Statistically, one out of every two travellers is affected by tourista during the first 48 hours of their stay. These diarrhoeas and intestinal pains are caused by poor hygiene, undercooked food, over-spiced food or, more often than not, water. In fact, 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water. These symptoms usually disappear within one to three days. Take an antidiarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and stay well hydrated. If the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by blood or mucus discharge, consult a doctor. To avoid these inconveniences, buy sealed bottles of water, boil water (prefer coffee and tea to fruit juice), avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit, avoid ice cubes, don't brush your teeth with tap water and always carry disinfectant tablets.
- Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by a nocturnal mosquito, mainly in rural areas. Depending on the region, transmission may be perennial, or limited to the rainy or hot seasons. Most forms of the disease are symptomless, but it can also lead to severe neurological sequelae and even death. The Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique (HCSP) does not recommend systematic vaccination but, since September 2013, has strongly recommended it for children aged 2 months and over, for adults in the event of expatriation or a stay with exposure to an outdoor environment in rural areas.
- Avian flu usually affects poultry. However, the virus can be transmitted to humans. In principle, this transmission only concerns people in direct contact with affected animals, but some cases have suggested exceptional person-to-person transmission. To prevent transmission: avoid high-risk areas such as poultry farms and live-animal markets, and avoid direct contact with birds.
- Hepatitis A is usually benign, but it can be serious, particularly over the age of 45 and in cases of pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food. If you have liver disease, vaccination against hepatitis A is highly recommended before any trip where hygiene is precarious.
- Hepatitis B can be contracted through blood or sexual contact. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart (although accelerated one-month vaccinations are available for travellers in a hurry), followed by a booster six months later to reinforce the duration of protection.
- Leishmaniasis or mountain leprosy is transmitted (rarely) by mosquitoes in remote regions with lush vegetation. It has four variants, the most serious of which can lead to death within two years if left untreated. Classic symptoms include skin sores, chronic ulcers, facial nodules, fever and anemia. Timely treatment with medication can restore health.
- Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted by close contact or nasopharyngeal secretions. Fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and lethargy are the most common symptoms. The only way to combat meningococcal meningitis is to start a rapid course of intravenous antibiotics over a period of ten days. Vaccination is recommended during epidemics and for people under 30.
- There is a risk of malaria in rural areas of certain regions. In any case, it is absolutely essential to see a doctor if you develop a high fever during your stay or in the month following your return. In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent, covering clothing, mosquito netting, etc.). The risk of being bitten is highest between sunset and sunrise, especially near stagnant water.
- Rabies. Given the number of stray dogs in Nepal and Bhutan, it's best to avoid all contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The first symptoms (phobia of air and water) appear between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms have been observed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. In case of doubt, consult a doctor.
- Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by high fever, febrile diarrhea and impaired consciousness. The most serious forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. Contamination occurs through stool or saliva, either directly (human contact) or indirectly (ingestion of contaminated food: raw vegetables, seafood, water and ice cubes). The vaccine, which takes two to three weeks to take effect, protects you for three years.
In the event ofillness , contact the French consulate. They will help you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. To find out about emergency services and establishments that meet international standards, consult the following websites: www.cimed.org - www.diplomatie.gouv.fr - www.pasteur.fr
Mandatory vaccination Nepal
There is no mandatory vaccination for Nepal and Bhutan. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that you are up to date with the traditional vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis). Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended in the absence of previous immunity (all the more frequent if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad or if you are over 45 years old) as it is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. So is vaccination against hepatitis B. Rabies vaccination is also recommended because Nepal and Bhutan are home to many stray dogs, which are often carriers of the disease. If you plan to visit the Terai, beware of Japanese encephalitis. Again, it may be prudent to get vaccinated.
Security Nepal
Nepal and especially Bhutan are relatively safe destinations. Nevertheless, it is important not to trek alone in Nepal. This rule is reminded every three months by the Ministry of Tourism following accidents that occur on trek routes - even if easy to do - to isolated travellers. It is perfectly possible to travel in Nepal and Bhutan with children, provided that basic hygiene rules are applied.
Time difference Nepal
Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Spoken languages Nepal
In Nepal. The official language is Nepali, of Indo-European origin. However, there are many dialects in Nepal, almost as many as there are ethnicities! If you had to learn only one word, it would be "namaste" which is used daily to say: "Hello", "How are you? "... and is accompanied by a movement of joined hands.
In Bhutan. The official language of the Himalayan kingdom is Dzongkha, close to Tibetan. It was an oral language only until the 1960s. Nevertheless, English is widely taught in schools and many Bhutanese are fluent in it.
Communication Nepal
Telephones work very well in Nepal and Bhutan. Before you leave, remember to activate the international option (usually free) by calling your operator's customer service department. Who pays what? The rule is the same for all operators. When you use your French telephone abroad, you pay for the call, whether you make it or receive it. In the case of an incoming call, your correspondent also pays, but only the price of a local call. All calls made to or from abroad are not included in the package, including calls to voicemail. Calls from Nepal and Bhutan are very expensive. Whenever possible, try to connect to WiFi and use WhatApp, Skype or Messenger. You can also buy a SIM card locally. To connect abroad free of charge, you need to connect to a Wifi network. Deactivate "data abroad" in your settings to prevent your cell phone from connecting to every available network. The Internet network is relatively good in Nepal and Bhutan.
Electricity and measurements Nepal
Nepal. The electric current used is 220 volts. The plugs are the same as in France but an adapter can sometimes be useful because the distance between the terminals is sometimes different. Note however that in Kathmandu, power cuts are very frequent. Nepal uses the kilogram as the unit of measurement for weight. For measurements, the metric system is commonly used by the Nepalese who sometimes mix it with the English system.
In Bhutan. The electric current used is 220 volts and the country uses both the kilogram and the metric system.
Luggage Nepal
AsNepal is a land of backpackers, you'll find all kinds of clothes at unbeatable prices. Don't overload yourself! If you're planning a trek, it's best to pack light! The essentials: good walking shoes, several pairs of walking socks and waterproof clothing may be enough, as all other items can be rented or bought locally. On trekking trails, try as far as possible to dress respectfully (no shorts).
In Bhutan. A certain propriety of dress is de rigueur in Bhutan, so remember to take casual clothes that cover the legs and shoulders. In the dzongs, remember to bring a light jacket to cover your arms (for men) and/or a scarf (for women). We also recommend you bring a little wool, as evenings can be chilly at altitude. Similarly, if you're planning a trek, good walking shoes, pants (also for walking) and a windbreaker would be a good start.
