Scam in NepalBuses and trains
Higher bus fares for foreigners in Nepal
How it works
Foreign passengers may be charged more than local passengers. Payment is collected when you get off, so an unclear fare can lead to a dispute at the end.
Warning signs
- You board without being told the fare.
- The quoted price differs from the fare charged to local passengers.
How to avoid it
- Ask the fare before boarding.
- Confirm the price for your destination.
- Keep the agreed amount ready.
If it happens to you
Calmly refer to the fare agreed before boarding. Avoid letting a small fare dispute become a confrontation.
- Move to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Stop further payments. Freeze missing cards and tell your card issuer about any unauthorised transaction.
- Save receipts, bills, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- If it is safe, ask the business to correct the bill or refund a misrepresented purchase.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for insurance.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blogNepalTravellers report paying several times the local bus fare between Dumre and Besisahar and another inflated visitor price onward to Bhulbhule.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blog2018Taking Public Transport in Nepal - The Step-by-step GuideThe author reports being overcharged on buses to Besisahar and from Bandipur to Kathmandu and describes intermediaries extracting extra money from travellers.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the higher bus fares for foreigners scam in Nepal?
Foreign passengers may be charged more than local passengers. Payment is collected when you get off, so an unclear fare can lead to a dispute at the end.
How can I spot it early?
You board without being told the fare. The quoted price differs from the fare charged to local passengers.
How do I avoid higher bus fares for foreigners in Nepal?
Ask the fare before boarding. Confirm the price for your destination. Keep the agreed amount ready.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Calmly refer to the fare agreed before boarding. Avoid letting a small fare dispute become a confrontation.
Where in Nepal does this happen?
Buses from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. It has been reported in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur.
How much can it cost me?
The example given is approximately NPR 40 for local passengers and NPR 50 for foreigners.
How common is this scam in Nepal?
Occasional. Nepal has several scam and overcharging risks for visitors, especially when shopping, arranging transport or going out. Watch for fake goods, pickpockets, unclear fares and street offers to visit dance bars; some poor-value deals are ordinary charges rather than fraud.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud at a police station. Bring available receipts, payment records and a short account of what happened. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number. Freeze missing cards and report payments you did not authorise. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Business or venue management: if safe, show the agreed price and receipt. Ask for a corrected bill or refund, and keep a record of the response. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police paperwork, receipts and evidence of the loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Nepal?
Flood-response toll-free emergency line in Nepali, announced in August 2026: 1234, Dedicated flood-response hotline accessible within Nepal, announced in August 2026: 1144.
Reviewed by @snuck