Kathmandu Travel Tips

Kathmandu Tipping Advice

When visiting Kathmandu, one must remember that tips are expected by porters, guides and waiters. In restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill is considered polite if a service charge is not included. Porters charge a fixed rate per heavy bag they carry. Agreeing on a charge beforehand is a better practice, as it avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Visitor Essentials

Visas

Except for citizens of India, visitors to Nepal require visas. On-arrival visas can be obtained if the stay is for less than 30 days, although, it is better to get the visa before visiting, as the lines at the visa office are long and getting the visa can be time consuming.

Health Risks

Cholera is serious problem in Kathmandu as well as many other cities in Nepal; therefore, visitors should only drink bottled water purchased from a reputable source - using boiled water when brushing teeth and making ice is also advised. When eating meat or fish, make sure it has been freshly cooked and is well done. Also avoid eating raw vegetables, unpeeled fruit, salads and even mayonnaise if possible. In addition to Cholera, Malaria is another problem faced in Kathmandu - but when necessary precautions such as the vaccines and the use of mosquito repellents have been taken, the city is a great place for an enjoyable holiday.