Planning a trip to Nepal? The Nepal government has announced a major relief for Indian and Nepali travelers by relaxing the rules for carrying Indian currency.
Under the new rules, citizens of both countries can now carry Indian cash up to a specified limit, making travel and business between India and Nepal much more convenient.
The move is expected to reduce the hassle of currency exchange for many travelers.
However, the new rule applies only to certain currency notes and comes with a few important conditions.
New Limit for Carrying Indian Currency
According to a notification issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Indian and Nepali citizens can now carry up to Rs 25,000 in Indian currency while entering or leaving Nepal.
This means:
A person can carry a maximum of Rs 25,000 in Indian currency.
The rule applies to both Indian and Nepali citizens.
The change is aimed at making travel and cross-border business easier.
These Indian Notes Are Still Not Allowed
Although the rules have been relaxed, not all Indian currency notes are permitted.
The old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes issued before the 2016 demonetisation remain banned in Nepal.
Travelers should ensure they do not carry these old notes, as they are not covered under the new rules.
Important Conditions Travelers Should Know
The new rules also include some restrictions.
Nepali citizens can bring Indian currency into Nepal only from India.
Indian currency cannot be taken from Nepal to any country other than India.
The revised rules are mainly meant to facilitate travel and business between India and Nepal.
Following these conditions is important to avoid any issues during travel.
Rules for Carrying Foreign Currency
Nepal has also clarified its rules for foreign currency.
Both Nepali citizens and foreign travelers can bring up to US$5,000 (or an equivalent amount in other foreign currencies) into Nepal without declaring it at customs.
If the amount exceeds US$5,000, travelers must declare it to customs authorities upon arrival.
Good News for Frequent Travelers
The revised rules are expected to benefit tourists, business travelers and people who frequently travel between India and Nepal.
By allowing travelers to carry up to Rs 25,000 in Indian currency, Nepal has made cross-border travel simpler while reducing the need for frequent currency exchange.
