Poor-value airport currency exchange in Nepal

Currency exchange counters at Tribhuvan International Airport.

How it works

Airport exchange counters offer lower rates and charge service fees compared with exchange booths in Thamel or elsewhere in the city. This is a poor-value exchange risk, not necessarily a scam.

Warning signs

A service charge reduces the amount you receive.
You are shown a rate without a clear final payout.

How to avoid it

Ask how many rupees you will receive after all charges.
Compare the full cost with an ATM withdrawal, including ATM fees.
Exchange only what you need immediately if the rate is poor.
Keep the exchange receipt.

If it happens to you

Check the cash and receipt before leaving the counter. Raise any difference from the agreed payout immediately.

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.

Where it happensCurrency exchange counters at Tribhuvan International Airport.Kathmandu

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the poor-value airport currency exchange scam in Nepal?

Airport exchange counters offer lower rates and charge service fees compared with exchange booths in Thamel or elsewhere in the city. This is a poor-value exchange risk, not necessarily a scam.

How can I spot it early?

A service charge reduces the amount you receive. You are shown a rate without a clear final payout.

How do I avoid poor-value airport currency exchange in Nepal?

Ask how many rupees you will receive after all charges. Compare the full cost with an ATM withdrawal, including ATM fees. Exchange only what you need immediately if the rate is poor. Keep the exchange receipt.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Check the cash and receipt before leaving the counter. Raise any difference from the agreed payout immediately.

Where in Nepal does this happen?

Currency exchange counters at Tribhuvan International Airport. It has been reported in Kathmandu.

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