Top payment methods in Nepal: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Nepal? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Nepal, with a population of around 31.61 million people, has a GDP of approximately 46.08 billion making it the 98th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
The economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and remittances from its large overseas workforce. It is heavily dependent on its neighbor India for trade and transit, and is also developing closer ties with China.
| Country | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Population | 31.61 million |
| GDP (USD) | 46.08 billion |
| Global Ranking | 98th |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Nepal?
The digital payment space in Nepal is dominated by mobile wallets like eSewa and Khalti, which are used for everything from mobile top-ups and utility bills to QR payments and event ticketing. Despite the growth of these wallets, physical cash, the Nepalese Rupee, remains the primary medium of exchange for most day-to-day transactions. For larger online transactions, the connectIPS system allows for direct bank account-to-account transfers and payments.
How to pay in Nepal
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Nepal.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay) | Digital wallets are the dominant form of digital payment. eSewa is the market pioneer, with Khalti and others being extremely popular for P2P transfers, utility payments, and QR code payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Nepalese Rupee) | Cash is the primary and most important payment method for the majority of daily transactions throughout the country. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | The use of debit and credit cards is growing, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley and other cities, for POS and e-commerce payments. | Online/In-person |
| Mobile Banking (connectIPS) | Mobile banking apps, often linked to the connectIPS system, allow for direct bank transfers and bill payments. | Online |
Traveling beyond Nepal? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Nepal?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Nepal.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.