In Kathmandu and Pokhara, and even some trailheads like Beni, Lukla and Besi Sahar, you can change money officially at banks, hotel exchange counters and money changers authorized by the Nepal Rastra Bank. Himalayan Bank is the most convenient place to change rate in larger hotels is often unfavorable.
There are also numerous licensed money changers in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and a few trekking villages. These facilities are more convenient and efficient than banks but, despite their signs advertising 'no commission'. they offer rates slightly below what the banks give.you can change both cash and traveler's cheques in Nepal.US dollars are the most acceptable.
ATMs
Kathmandu and Pokhara have dozens of ATMs. Standard Chartered Bank machines are perhaps the most reliable,though Himalayan Bank, Nabil Bank, Mega Bank, Sunrise Bank, Citizen Bank, Global IME Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Nepal Investment Bank, Prabhu Bank, Bank of Kathmandu, Sanima Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal Bangladesh Bank, Prime Bank and Tourism Bank ATMs also accept international cards. There are even functioning ATMs in Jomsom and Namche Bazaar. Frequent power outages limit the machines working hours, so use one when you see it's working. Using an ATM attached to a bank during business hours will minimise the hassle in the rare event that the machine eats your card.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted at midrange and better hotels, restaurants and fancy shops in the Kathmandu valley and Pokhara only. Most places levy a 4% to 5% surcharge to counter the credit-card company's fees to the vendor.Branches of Standard Chartered Bank, Nabil Bank, and Himalayan Bank give cash advances against Visa and Mastercard in Nepali rupees only (no commission).
