📢 What’s Changed?

For nearly a decade after India’s 2016 demonetisation, Nepal permitted only Indian currency notes of up to ₹100. Under the new regulations, Indian and Nepali citizens can now carry ₹200 and ₹500 Indian notes, provided they meet the prescribed conditions.

💵 New Indian Currency Rules for Nepal

✅ Indian Currency Notes Allowed

💸 ₹100 notes

💸 ₹200 notes

💸 ₹500 notes (issued on or after 9 November 2016)

🚫 Still Not Allowed

❌ Pre-demonetisation ₹500 notes

❌ Old ₹1,000 Indian notes

These older banknotes remain prohibited in Nepal.

💰 Maximum Cash Limit

Travellers can carry Indian currency up to ₹25,000 per person in the permitted denominations while entering or leaving Nepal. The limit applies to both Indian and Nepali nationals.

✈️ Why This Matters for Indian Travellers

The revised rules make travel between India and Nepal much smoother.

Key Benefits

💳 Less need to exchange small denominations

🛍️ Easier shopping and local spending

🏨 Convenient hotel and transport payments

🚖 Better travel experience for road trips

🤝 Improved cross-border tourism and trade

The change removes a major inconvenience that many travellers had faced since 2016.

📍 Where Can You Use Indian Currency?

Indian currency is commonly accepted in many tourist areas and border towns in Nepal, though acceptance may vary by merchant.

Popular destinations include:

🏔️ Kathmandu

🛕 Pashupatinath Temple

🏞️ Pokhara

🐅 Chitwan National Park

🧘 Lumbini

🌄 Janakpur

For smaller shops or remote areas, carrying some Nepalese Rupees is still advisable.

💳 Can You Use UPI in Nepal?

Yes. Many merchants in Nepal now support cross-border UPI payments, making digital transactions easier for Indian visitors where accepted. Availability can vary by business, so keeping some cash is still recommended.

🧳 Travel Tips Before You Go

✅ Carry only post-2016 ₹500 notes.

✅ Do not exceed the ₹25,000 cash limit.

✅ Keep a mix of cash and digital payment options.

✅ Carry your passport or valid travel ID.

✅ Exchange currency only through authorised counters if needed.

✅ Check with your hotel about accepted payment methods.

Nepal’s decision to allow ₹200 and ₹500 Indian banknotes marks a significant step toward making travel more convenient for Indian visitors. With a ₹25,000 per-person limit on eligible notes and continued acceptance of post-2016 currency, travellers can now manage everyday expenses more easily while exploring one of South Asia’s most popular destinations.

Before you travel, ensure your currency complies with the latest rules and keep a combination of cash and digital payment options for a hassle-free experience.