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1. Currency and Payments in Everest Base Camp (EBC) When trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC), understanding how money works in the region is just as important as knowing your gear and route. The Everest region, despite being remote, operates with a mixture of traditional and modern payment systems — but cash still rules the mountains. Knowing which currency to carry, where to exchange it, and how to make payments can make your trekking experience smoother and stress-free. This guide explains everything about currency, payments, ATMs, exchange rates, and budgeting for your Everest adventure — in a simple, practical way. Currency Overview The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), symbolized as Rs or ₨. It’s used throughout the country, including the Everest region. ● Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees

2. ● Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rupees Foreign currencies like US Dollars, Euros, or Indian Rupees (100 notes only) can be exchanged in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar, but they’re not accepted directly in most lodges or shops along the trek. Key Tip: Always carry Nepali Rupees in cash once you leave Kathmandu, as electronic or foreign currency payments are extremely limited in higher altitudes. Where to Exchange Money In Kathmandu: The best place to exchange money is Kathmandu, before flying to Lukla. You’ll find: ● Banks and currency exchange counters in Thamel and other tourist areas. ● Competitive exchange rates and lower service charges. ● ATMs that dispense rupees directly. In Lukla and Namche Bazaar: You can also exchange money in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but: ● The exchange rates are less favorable. ● Service fees are higher. ● Sometimes, exchange offices run out of cash during peak trekking season. Beyond Namche Bazaar: Once you go higher (Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep), there are no money exchange services, so carry enough cash for the entire trek. ATMs on the Trail

3. There are a few ATMs in the Everest region, but they are not always reliable due to power cuts, signal issues, or running out of cash. ATM Locations: ● Lukla: 1–2 ATMs near the main market ● Namche Bazaar: 2–3 ATMs (Standard Chartered, Nabil Bank, etc.) ATM Fees: ● Most ATMs charge a transaction fee (Rs 500–700 per withdrawal). ● Daily withdrawal limits: around Rs 25,000–35,000. Important Tip: Always withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu, and treat ATMs in the mountains as backups, not primary sources. Digital Payments and Cards While digital payment systems are growing in Nepal, they are rarely accepted in the Everest region. Credit/Debit Cards: ● Accepted only in a few high-end hotels or bakeries in Namche Bazaar. ● Extra service fees of 3%–5% are often charged. ● Beyond Namche, cards are not accepted at all. Mobile Payment Apps: Local apps like Khalti or eSewa are common in cities but not used in remote trekking areas due to limited internet and electricity. In short: Cash is king. Cards and apps are secondary — use them only in Kathmandu or Namche.

4. How Much Cash to Carry Your total cash requirement depends on the number of trekking days, accommodation style, and spending habits. Here’s a general breakdown for a 12–14 day EBC trek: Expense Type Daily Estimate (NPR) Total Estimate (NPR) Meals & Tea 2,500 – 4,000 35,000 – 45,000 Accommodation 500 – 1,000 6,000 – 10,000 Drinking Water 300 – 600 4,000 – 6,000 Hot Showers & Charging 200 – 500 3,000 – 5,000 Wi-Fi Access 500 – 1,000 5,000 – 8,000 Souvenirs & Tips Variable 5,000 – 10,000 Total Average Budget: Rs 60,000 – 80,000 (approx. USD 450–600) Carry a bit extra (Rs 10,000–15,000) for emergencies or flight delays. Payment Methods at Teahouses Cash Only All teahouses, bakeries, and lodges along the trail accept cash only. You pay for: ● Food and drinks ● Room charges ● Hot water or charging facilities ● Wi-Fi and shower fees Paying Per Meal or Per Night Some lodges allow you to pay at checkout, while others prefer daily payments for meals and rooms. Tipping:

5. Tipping is a cultural norm in Nepal. Common rates: ● Guide: USD 10–15 per day ● Porter: USD 5–10 per day Tips are usually given in cash at the end of the trek. Currency Value and Exchange Tips ● Check daily exchange rates in Kathmandu before leaving. ● Avoid exchanging at airports — rates are usually poor. ● Count your money carefully and keep receipts. ● Always carry small denominations (Rs 100, Rs 500) for easy payments — large notes can be difficult to change in remote areas. Pro Tip: Store cash in multiple places in your backpack and clothes for safety. Hidden and Extra Costs While trekking to EBC, some costs may surprise new trekkers. Here are common hidden expenses to plan for: ● Battery charging: Rs 300–600 per hour ● Hot showers: Rs 500–800 per use ● Wi-Fi access: Rs 500–1,000 per session ● Snacks or soft drinks: Rs 300–600 each ● Mineral water bottles: Rs 200–500 each (prices rise with altitude) Being aware of these helps you budget accurately and avoid running out of cash mid-trek.

6. Managing Money Safely Keeping your money safe during the trek is crucial. Tips: ● Use a money belt or hidden pouch for large notes. ● Keep small bills handy for quick payments. ● Avoid displaying money in public. ● Don’t rely on just one guide or porter to hold all your cash. ● Keep emergency USD 50–100 hidden separately in case of urgent needs. Sample Budget for Entire Trek Here’s a sample budget (in NPR) for a 15-day EBC trek, excluding flights and permits: Category Cost (NPR) Food and Lodging 50,000 Guides & Porters 25,000 Miscellaneous (charging, Wi-Fi, etc.) 10,000 Tips and Souvenirs 10,000 Emergency Reserve 10,000 Total Estimate 105,000 (USD ~780) This estimate ensures you have enough for all essentials with some flexibility. Do’s and Don’ts for Payments Do’s: ✅ Exchange cash in Kathmandu ✅ Carry small notes for daily spending

7. ✅ Tip your guide and porter respectfully ✅ Keep backup cash in a waterproof bag Don’ts: ❌ Don’t depend on ATMs above Namche Bazaar ❌ Don’t rely on card payments in teahouses ❌ Don’t bring damaged or torn notes — they may be rejected ❌ Don’t forget to plan for small extras like hot water or Wi-Fi Sustainability and Money Use Using local currency and paying directly in cash supports local Sherpa families and lodge owners. It ensures the money you spend goes directly to the community, helping preserve local livelihoods and traditions. By avoiding unnecessary plastic waste, tipping responsibly, and supporting local businesses, your payments contribute to sustainable tourism in the Everest region. Conclusion Understanding currency and payments in the Everest Base Camp region is an essential part of a successful trek. The Himalayas are remote, beautiful, and challenging — but not always connected to modern banking systems. While ATMs and cards exist, they’re unreliable beyond Namche Bazaar. The key to a stress-free journey is carrying enough Nepalese rupees in cash, managing it wisely, and budgeting for small but frequent expenses. Paying in local currency not only makes your trip smoother but also empowers local communities, ensuring that the money you spend directly supports the people who make the EBC trek possible — guides, porters, and teahouse owners. In the end, trekking in the Everest region isn’t just about reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain — it’s also about respecting and supporting the economy that thrives beneath it. A little planning with your money goes a long way in ensuring your Everest adventure is smooth, sustainable, and truly unforgettable.