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Some scams

Southern Asia

Tourist scams in Nepal

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.
  1. 1 ShoppingVery commonCounterfeit trekking equipmentEquipment sold outside genuine brand branches is very likely to be a copy. A familiar logo does not prove that an item is genuine. Copies may not last beyond one expedition.Trekking equipment shops outside genuine brand branches, including shops in Namche Bazaar. 3Read
  2. 2 ShoppingVery commonCounterfeit or expired food and cigarettesLocal shops may sell counterfeit food or cigarettes, or products past their use-by date. Familiar packaging does not guarantee a genuine or fresh product.Kathmandu 3Read
  3. 3 ShoppingCommonFake pashminaFake pashmina scarves and shawls are common. A seller's use of the word 'pashmina' does not establish that an item is cashmere.Kathmandu 2Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonFake cultural objects and false materialsSellers may offer counterfeit cultural objects or present plastic as wood. Claims about age or authenticity also need care. A genuine old object can create separate export problems.Kathmandu 2Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonPickpocketing in crowdsPickpockets take belongings in crowded places. The theft may happen before you notice anything missing.Kathmandu 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingCommonPoor-quality souvenir teaTea sold as a souvenir in Thamel can be very low quality. Attractive packaging can make it look like a better purchase than it is. Poor quality alone does not prove fraud.KathmanduRead
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalInflated taxi, rickshaw and driver quotesA driver may quote an inflated fare or leave the price unclear until the journey ends. Higher prices after dark, in quiet areas or during fuel shortages can also occur without fraud.Taxi and rickshaw journeys, airport transfers, and car-with-driver bookings across Nepal. Fare bargaining is also advised in Janakpur. 3Read
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalQuestionable taxi metersSome taxi meters may not work properly. A meter is therefore not a complete safeguard against an excessive fare.Kathmandu 2Read
  9. 9 Buses and trainsOccasionalHigher bus fares for foreignersForeign 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.Kathmandu, Bhaktapur 2Read
  10. 10 NightlifeOccasionalStreet touts leading visitors to dance barsA stranger offers to take a visitor to a dance bar. Tourists have been ripped off after going inside. The exact billing trick is not specified.Kathmandu 3Read
  11. 11 Food and drinkOccasionalWatered-down two-for-one drinksA two-for-one cocktail offer may provide watered-down drinks. The apparent saving can be poor value.Kathmandu, PokharaRead
  12. 12 ShoppingOccasionalUnexpected credit-card purchase feesSome shops add a service fee for credit-card payment. It can become an unexpected extra if you negotiate the item price without discussing payment fees. A disclosed fee is not itself fraud.Kathmandu 1Read
  13. 13 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor-value airport currency exchangeAirport 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.Kathmandu 2Read
  14. 14 Food and drinkOccasionalExpensive highway meal stopsRestaurants at bus meal stops can be very expensive. A scheduled stop may leave you with limited choices. High prices alone do not establish a scam.Kathmandu, Janakpur 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • Crowded places, KathmanduPickpockets are a particular concern in crowds.
  • Thamel, KathmanduWatch for poor-quality souvenir tea and credit-card service fees at some carpet shops. Check material and authenticity claims when shopping.
  • Tribhuvan International Airport, KathmanduCurrency exchange counters can offer poor rates and add service charges. Agree on airport transport fares before leaving.
  • Tourist areas, KathmanduSome venues offer watered-down two-for-one cocktails.
  • Tourist areas, PokharaSome pubs, restaurants and sports bars offer watered-down two-for-one cocktails.
  • Trekking equipment shops, Namche BazaarEquipment bought outside genuine brand branches is very likely to be counterfeit.
  • Kathmandu–Bhaktapur bus routeForeign passengers may be charged a higher fare than local passengers.
  • Highway meal stops on the Kathmandu–Janakpur routeRestaurants used by buses can be very expensive.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the total fare and destination before getting in.
  • Confirm whether the fare covers every passenger.
  • Compare quotes if a price seems high.
  • For a metered ride, agree on any extra payment before departure.

Money

  • Compare the amount you will receive after all exchange charges.
  • Keep currency exchange and ATM receipts. They are needed at the airport bank to change remaining rupees back.
  • Count exchanged cash before leaving the counter.
  • Agree on prices before accepting goods, meals or transport.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check the ATM fee before approving a withdrawal. Fees can vary by machine and card.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Check the final terminal amount before approving a card payment.
  • Ask shops about card service fees before settling on a price.
  • Keep card-issuer contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
  • Keep wallets and phones out of exposed pockets.
  • Separate your spare card and emergency cash from your main wallet.
  • Avoid walking alone in unlit areas.

Nights out

  • Decline street offers to take you to dance bars.
  • Check drink prices and offer conditions before ordering.
  • Keep track of your orders and payments.
  • Leave calmly if a venue makes you uncomfortable.

Where you stay

  • Check that your room door locks properly.
  • Check that windows are secure.
  • If the room is insecure, use a hotel safety deposit box or keep valuables securely with you.

What travellers say about Nepal

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Nepal?

Stay alert, especially when shopping, arranging transport or going out. Fake goods, pickpockets and unclear prices are the main concerns covered here. Agreeing on prices and checking purchases can prevent many problems.

Should I use a taxi meter or agree on a fare?

Agree on the fare method before leaving. Some Kathmandu meters may not work properly, and many drivers will not use them. A clear fixed price can help if you know your destination and have compared quotes.

Can foreigners be charged more on buses?

Yes. On the Kathmandu–Bhaktapur route, an example fare is approximately NPR 40 for local passengers and NPR 50 for foreigners. Ask before boarding because payment is collected when you get off.

How can I avoid fake trekking gear?

Buy important equipment from a genuine brand branch. Copies are very likely elsewhere in Nepal. Genuine branded gear should not be much cheaper than it is at home.

Can I trust pashmina and cultural souvenir claims?

Check them carefully. Fake pashmina and cultural objects are common, and plastic may be presented as wood. Ask about materials and origin. Have a suspected antique checked before planning to take it home.

Is airport currency exchange a scam?

A poor rate or disclosed fee is not necessarily fraud. At Tribhuvan International Airport, exchange counters can offer lower rates and add service charges. Ask for the final payout and compare the full cost with an ATM withdrawal.

What extra charges should I check when paying by card?

Some carpet shops in Thamel add a card service fee. Ask during price negotiations and check the terminal total. ATM withdrawal fees also vary, so read the charge before approving.

Should I follow someone offering to take me to a dance bar?

Decline street offers from strangers. Tourists have been ripped off after following people into Kathmandu dance bars. Choose your own venue and check prices before ordering.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Be especially careful in crowded places in Kathmandu. Keep bags closed and in front of you, and keep phones and wallets out of exposed pockets. Check your room's locks and windows before leaving valuables there.

What food and drink purchases need extra care?

Check dates and packaging because counterfeit and expired food and cigarettes are very common in Kathmandu shops. Some two-for-one cocktails in Kathmandu and Pokhara are watered down. Carrying food and water can also help you avoid expensive highway meal stops.

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