Scam in NepalShopping
Unexpected credit-card purchase fees in Nepal
How it works
Some 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.
Warning signs
- The agreed price does not mention card fees.
- The terminal total is higher than the negotiated price.
How to avoid it
- Ask about card fees during price negotiations.
- Agree on the final total for your chosen payment method.
- Check the terminal amount before approving payment.
If it happens to you
Ask the shop to explain the extra charge. Keep the receipt and contact your card issuer if the amount charged was not authorised.
- 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.
Questions
What is the unexpected credit-card purchase fees scam in Nepal?
Some 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.
How can I spot it early?
The agreed price does not mention card fees. The terminal total is higher than the negotiated price.
How do I avoid unexpected credit-card purchase fees in Nepal?
Ask about card fees during price negotiations. Agree on the final total for your chosen payment method. Check the terminal amount before approving payment.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask the shop to explain the extra charge. Keep the receipt and contact your card issuer if the amount charged was not authorised.
Where in Nepal does this happen?
Some carpet and rug shops in Thamel. 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.
Are there similar scams in Nepal?
Yes: counterfeit trekking equipment, counterfeit or expired food and cigarettes, fake pashmina.
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