Visa on Arrival Process in Nepal
This applies to travelers arriving in the Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). Certain travelers (depending on Nationality) are eligible for a visa on arrival for 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days.
As you get processed through immigration, you’ll need your passport (with at least six months validity), two passport photos, your filled-out Arrival Card (which you get in flight prior to arrival), your filled out Tourist Visa form (which you fill out upon arrival using Kiosk machines, or via paper), and the exact cash amount needed for your visa.
Visa Fees (May 2018): 15 Days (25 USD); 30 Days (40 USD); and 90 Days (100 USD).
Electricity in Nepal
We experienced lots of power outages during our time in Nepal.
In Kathmandu, hotels have generators, so it shouldn’t impact your stay. However, if you’re trekking, most modest guesthouses won’t have a generator.
We didn’t have electricity for several days during our Annapurna Trek. It didn’t impact us too much, because we had a portable charger. And, not having Wifi was absolutely okay with us. Just remember to charge your devices when you can and bring a power bank.
Water Safety in Nepal
Only drink sealed, bottled water. However, if you can find filtered water, opt for that. Some hotels and guesthouses offer filtered water for a small fee.
Brush your teeth with bottled water.
When you order iced drinks (cocktails, iced teas, iced coffees, etc…), make sure the ice was made with filtered water.
When trekking, opt for a water purification system, like water purification tablets (e.g. Aquatabs) or SteriPEN. There are also safe water stations in trekking areas, but it’s best to have your own purification system as a back up.
Food Safety in Nepal
Wash your hands before eating.
Only eat fruits which can be peeled (mango, pineapple, coconut etc…).
Avoid salads.
Avoid meat and dairy, especially where electricity is an issue. No electricity means no refrigeration.
Toilets in Nepal
You’ll likely encounter both squat and western-style toilets during your visit.
In the squat toilet stalls, you’ll see a bucket full of water, with a scoop. The water and scoop is for cleaning yourself and for manually flushing the toilet.
If you’re not keen on this method, just remember to bring toilet paper with you into the bathroom. Dispose your used TP in a waste basket (not in the toilet).
Voltage & Power Plug Adapters
Electricity is 230V/50 cycles. 120V appliances from the USA will need a voltage converter.
If you’re coming from Europe, your plugs will likely work in Nepal.
You can purchase cheap adapters in Kathmandu.
Negotiating Prices
Merchandise, hotel rooms, transit rides (basically everything) do not have set prices. To get the best price (or simply a fair price), you have to negotiate.
If you’re interested in buying a certain item, walk around and ask several shop owners what the price is. Someone told us you should be paying 30% of the asking price. We never were able to drive the price that low, but we always paid less than the first offer.
Scams in Nepal
We encountered a few scams during our time in Kathmandu, including the following.
Children or young mothers asking for milk. Once you buy the milk at a designated store at an inflated price, the mother, or child returns the milk and pockets some of the mark-up.
‘Holy men’ who try to bless you by planting a tika (red paste) on your forehead. They demand a payment upon bestowing the blessing.
Lonely planet has summarized other scams you may come across.