Nepal
Is it Safe to Visit Nepal for Tourist?
Is It Safe to Visit Nepal for Travellers? Yes. Nepal is safe for travellers. Nepal falls under one of the safest countries for tourists as the people here offer warm hospitality and friendly welcoming atmosphere. Nepal has a low crime rate against tourists. Whereas pickpocketing can happen in crowded places like Kathmandu and Pokhara; so it is better to not display valuables in public to avoid such risks.
Is it safe to visit Nepal?
Maximum numbers of travellers travel around in Nepal without any problems. Crime rates related to tourists are very rare. It is better to stay in the safer zone and always gather or take information from your guide or the hotel staff that you are staying on.
Tourist Scams you should avoid in Nepal
Although Nepal is safe in terms of crimes, it is better to be aware of the possible tourist scams that most of the tourists fall into.
1. Taxi Scams in Nepal
Travellers need to be aware of potential taxi scams. While many taxi drivers operate honestly, some may take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Common scams include rigged meters, unnecessary detours, and inflated prices. Currently there are riding sharing app called Indrive and pathao, which provide very reasonable and fair rates.
To stay savvy, negotiate fares beforehand, use reputable taxi services, and be cautious of unmarked vehicles. Some of the taxi drivers even pretend not to know where your hotel is just to take you to a hotel they know and earn commission. So it is better to carry your hotel number and ask the driver to call them for the information and direction.
2. Begging Scams
Some of the people use begging as a business. It is often seen in the most popular tourist places of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara. It’s a business done with the emotions of the people. Mothers carrying babies and asking for the money or requesting you to buy milk or food are seen in the roads of Kathmandu. And also say no to the invitation of visiting peoples home if you do not know then, at the end, they will ask you for the money.
3. Holy Men
During festivals, holey men may offer ‘Tika’ on your forehead for good luck. However, beware of scams where they demand money afterward, sometimes up to NPR 500.
4. Watch Out for Credit Card Scams
Everywhere in the world, credit card scams are on the rise. Keep your card in sight when making purchases, and be careful with ATMs that seem suspicious. Some criminals can copy your card details to make pricey purchases or take out cash. If you see anything strange, give your bank a call.
5. Trekking Guide Scam
It is better to watch out when your trekking guide pushes you too hard or add something to your food to make you feel altitude sickness. This is rare but they do for the commission from helicopter rescues. So always book your vacation or hire a professional guide from the reputable and reliable travel agencies like Travel Around With US.
6. Lost Children
Watch out for a scam involving lost children, often tied to child trafficking. If a child approaches you with an address, be cautious. It might not be their real home but a drop-off point for traffickers. If you encounter this, take the child to the police immediately.
7. Thamel Street Scams
Thamel is one of the most touristic hub in Kathmandu. But it also has a history of tourist scams. Never sign up to any tour or trips with the random stranger that you met in pub or street. It is better to stick with the group and never leave your drink unattended.
How to stay Safely in Nepal?
Safety matters a lot when exploring diverse countries with unique cultures and traditions. Most importantly, travellers should always conduct thorough research to steer clear of potential pitfalls and legal complexities. Prior knowledge helps prevent unintended entanglements with local laws.
Some of the essential pointers that you should be careful before embarking on a journey in Nepal.
1. Drugs in Nepal
Keep It Simple, Just Say NO! In places like Thamel, Kathmandu, you might be offered drugs. Nepal has strict punishments when it comes to drugs. Don’t risk yourself by dealing with the dealers.
2. Beware of Child Trafficking in Nepal
Child trafficking is still a major issue in Nepal. Most of the children are brought from poor backgrounds especially from villages of Nepal and sold in the name of orphanage or education funds. Make sure to do a background check before donating funds over such cases.
3. Prostitution
In certain areas of Nepal, mostly in the Garden of Dreams area of Kathmandu, you might come across women standing on street corners. It’s important to note that prostitution is illegal in Nepal, including Kathmandu. Be cautious, as involvement in such activities can lead to significant penalties.
4. Respect Local Customs in Nepal: Clothing and Behavior Etiquette
Nepal is a conservative country where holding hands and affection are common, while kissing and touching are more suitable for private spaces. It’s important to note that revealing clothes are generally not accepted in Nepali society.
Staying Healthy in Nepal
Air Quality: Keep a mask handy due to air quality concerns in Nepal.
Water: Stick to bottled or treated water in hotels and tourist spots.
Food Caution: Ease into local cuisine to avoid stomach issues. Be mindful of spicy foods and choose hygienic eateries.
Healthcare: Nepal offers affordable and accessible healthcare. Medications and doctors are easily available in hospitals with no language barriers.
Transportation in Nepal
Lots of developmental progress has been put into roadways in Nepal. Due to geographical conditions, there are still some places in Nepal where transportation is still not good.
Motorbikes: Riding two-wheelers poses a significant challenge due to road safety conditions. Reckless driving practices is another challenging factor. Moreover, riding a motorbike in Nepal mandates possession of an international driver’s license, adding an extra layer of regulatory complexity. To ensure a safe experience, it is strongly recommended for individuals to familiarize themselves with the local driving style before venturing onto these roads.
Airways : Airlines like Ethihad, Qatar, Singapore, and so on operate flights in Nepal. Domestic carriers like Buddha, Shree, Yeti airlines are popular in Nepal. Due to the mountainous region, domestic airline crashes are quite frequent.
Buses: If you can do something cheap and rollercoaster ride, then go for buses. They are cheap but often take time to reach the destination. They are filled with passengers, sometimes even goats to be honest. Manners of drivers are rude but if you want local experience then better go for buses.
Is Nepal Safe for women or solo female travellers?
Nepal is generally safe for women travellers, even if you are a solo female traveller. Nepalese are friendly and respectful. Like anywhere, there are a few people to watch out for, so it’s essential to be aware of cultural differences. Sometimes you need to be cautious, and there could be unwanted attention, especially at night or in bars. Although these situations are not common, it’s still a good idea to stick with a group if you can.
As most of the people in Nepal are still conservative. It is better to dress more modestly by covering your shoulders and thighs, it can help you avoid any unwanted attention. If you have any more questions or want to talk about getting a female guide for your trek, feel free to reach out to us.
Is Nepal safe for LGBTQ travellers?
Nepal is generally welcoming for LGBTQ travellers, being the only country in the region that doesn’t criminalise same-sex relations and recognizes a ‘third gender’ in official documents. While the government has shown a more liberal attitude, traditional views persist in rural areas. While some Nepalis may disapprove of same-sex relationships, harassment is rare, and most people are open and accepting. While holding hands is common in public, it’s advised to save more intimate gestures for private spaces, considering Nepal’s relatively conservative nature.
Emergency Contact Numbers in Nepal
-Police (emergency): 100
-Missing Child: 104
– Fire: 101
–Emergency Police: +977-1-4228435
-Crime Information: +977-1-4412748
-Tourist Police: (Bhirkuti Mandap): +977-1-4226359/4226403
-Ambulance (Bishal Bazaar): +977-1-4244121
-Ambulance (Nepal Chamber): +977-1-4230213/4222890
-Ambulance (Paropakar): +977-1-4251614/4260869
-Ambulance (Red Cross): +977-1-4228094
-Ambulance (Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan): +977-1-4418619/4422280
Nepal Visa and Fees
In order to enter Nepal all the foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa. Visas are obtainable from Nepal embassy abroad or On arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport or in border.
Documents for Nepal Visa
- Valid passport of at least 6 months
- Two passport size photos (you can click in Tribhuvan Airport, but sometimes the photo machine may not work)
- Address of Hotel
- Cash for Visa fee payment
** There are some cases where passengers were asked to show return tickets as well.
Nepal Visa Fee/ Cost
Nepal visa fee should be paid in cash after arrival. USD and currency of other major countries are also accepted. As per January 2021 the standard Tourist costs are as follows:
- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days – US$30.00
- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days – US$50.00
- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days – US$125.00
Note **: If you are staying in Nepal less than 24 hours while in transit, a transit visa can be issued with a charge of US$5 and two photos and also need to showcase your international flight ticket.
Nepal Tourist Visa Extension
Tourists’ visas can be easily extended from Immigration office at Kathmandu and Pokhara, a maximum of 150 days within a calendar year, and there is a minimum fee requirement of US$30.
Online Visa For Nepal
As per the latest information regarding the arrival visa, visitors can now apply for an Online Visa for Nepal. After submitting the online visa form, you will receive a receipt. Make sure to print it as you need to show them and pay a necessary visa fee at Immigration Office.
http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
Countries which are required to get Visa prior to Arrival in Nepal
Below are the list of Nationalities who will not be given On Arrival Visa at the immigration office at the airport or any border point.
1. Nigeria
2. Ghana
3. Zimbabwe
4. Swaziland
5. Cameroon
6. Somalia
7. Liberia
8. Ethiopia
9. Iraq
10. Palestine
11. Afghanistan
12. Syria
13. Refugees travelling with Travel Document
For more details information on Nepal Visa, check at www.nepalimmigration.gov.np or contact Nepal Embassy before travelling plans.