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You are provided with an arrival visa at the immigration desk at the entry port in Nepal. This is generally the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. If you are coming straight from the flight, all you will need to get into Nepal is a valid passport and flight ticket. |
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You will be allowed a specific amount of baggage and weight – please check with your flight provider. |
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There may well be numerous taxis requesting or forcing you to take a ride at the airport to your destination. Don't be tempted and then later get stung by an overpriced or altered fare. Make sure you fix the price beforehand. For all of our volunteers, sponsors and donors, we provide a reception service in the airport and our fee includes the transportation costs (except flight).
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One of the best ways of reducing your tour costs in Nepal is to use local currency. For example $5 US may not seem like a lot to you, but it translates into 370 Nepalese Rupees – which locally is a large amount. |
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It is not recommended to pay any money to your taxi driver before you arrive at your destination. This applies to most services in Nepal. So, fix the price first and wait until the service is provided, then pay. The one exception is bus travel. You usually have to buy a bus ticket before traveling. |
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Don't accept anybody's help unless you really need it and you know your belongings will be safe. Don't be surprised if you are asked for money later in return for their help. You could happily give 20 – 100 Nepali Rupees as a thank you if someone does help you out. |
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Don't be surprised if people stare at you. We have a limited ethnic diversity in our country, so people naturally are curious. Just say 'Namaste' to them to be nice and cheerful. |
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Try to bargain while shopping. Nepal is bargaining zone. Prices are sometimes increased to several times the original price. As a guide, try to get a 30-40 % discount. This applies mostly in the tourist areas. |
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If you go deeper into the heart of Nepal, into traditional Nepalese villages or suburbs, where the locals rarely see tourists, you will find things are very different. The chance of being cheated or facing overpricing is much reduced. That is exactly the kind of place where we are located. You will be assigned work in a healthy and happy social environment. You will be made to feel as if you are a member of this society where you will get love, respect and peace. |
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Allow yourself an extra one or two days to get to and from the airport in Kathmandu due to the possibility of delays due to landslides, political strikes or bad weather.
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If you want to take picture of individuals it is always best to ask for permission. But taking pictures of crowds are fine. |
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It is generally considered safe to eat food bought from street vendors, if you see a line of locals queuing up to eat – this is usually an excellent recommendation. |
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In the tourist area, many vendors and storekeepers will ask you to browse through their various items for sale. If you are not interested, don't be shy and give a polite 'No thank you' before going on your way. Don't be surprised if the street vendor follows you for some distance and offers or even sometimes tries to force you to buy. Be polite and just walk away. |
