Indian Currency in Nepal: What Travellers Should Know
Currency advice is one of the areas where old travel blogs can be risky. Nepal Rastra Bank’s published FAQ states that Indian currency notes of INR 100 or smaller denominations may be brought, taken out and exchanged in Nepal. Payment acceptance in day-to-day travel is a separate practical issue, so travellers should still carry Nepalese rupees for local expenses and confirm current rules shortly before departure.
Official rule versus shop acceptance
What currency can legally be brought or exchanged and what a particular hotel, restaurant or driver will accept are not the same question. Keep local currency available.
Exchange before or after the border
Use authorised exchange/banking channels and compare convenience rather than carrying an unnecessarily large amount of cash.
Cards and QR payments
Digital payment availability is improving but should not be your only plan, especially outside major tourist areas.