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| Main | Very Rough Guide Indeed | Contents | ||
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In 1996, the black market was the best way to get your Nepali rupees. However, in 1998 the black market rate was 10-15% lower than the official rate; the best place in the country to change money was the exchange booth at Kathmandu airport. GB£ got a better rate than US$, with travellers cheques getting a higher rate than cash. However, things may change as the Asian economies recover, so for reference, the black market works like this: find virtually any carpet shop in Thamel, go inside and ask to "changemoney?". Don’t let one of the wide boys off the street take you in to a shop, you’ll lose out because he’ll get commission and guess who pays it? You will get the best rate for large-denomination banknotes in US$ or GB£ but big-value traveller’s cheques get a pretty good rate too. You can bargain to get a good rate, shop around to get an idea of what the black market rate actually is. The rate you’ll be offered changes with the bank rate and also the tourist season: in September and December you’ll get a better rate than in the height of high season.
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1. Disclaimer
6. Hey, friend, youwanna changemoney? |
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This page last updated: 9/9/99 |
