YouTrip Card Nepal Guide 2026: NPR Exchange Rates, ATMs & Trekking Tips
The complete money guide for Singapore travellers heading to Nepal — NPR exchange rates, YouTrip ATM tips, trekking cash strategy, and the best places to withdraw.
YouTrip is a Singapore multi-currency Mastercard that works across 150+ countries, including Nepal. The card converts your SGD to Nepalese Rupee (NPR) at the Mastercard wholesale rate with 0% markup — and offers up to SGD 400 in free ATM withdrawals monthly. As at October 2026, 1 SGD = 118.53 NPR (XE mid-market rate), making YouTrip one of the most cost-efficient cards for Nepal travel.
Not financial advice. All figures are for educational reference only. Data verified as at 15 October 2026 unless noted.
Table of Contents
Contents — Click to expand
What Currency Do You Need in Nepal?
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) — and unlike popular tourist destinations such as the Maldives or Bali, Nepal is overwhelmingly a cash-first country. While upscale hotels in Kathmandu’s tourist district (Thamel) and some trekking lodges may accept credit cards, the vast majority of daily spending — local restaurants, market stalls, entry fees, teahouses, porter wages — requires cash in NPR.
As at October 2026, the key exchange rate for Singapore travellers is:
- 1 SGD = 118.53 NPR (XE mid-market rate, 15 October 2026)
- SGD 100 ≈ NPR 11,853
- NPR 1,000 ≈ SGD 8.44
Unlike destinations such as Dubai or the Maldives, USD is not widely accepted in Nepal outside of a few international-standard hotels in Kathmandu. You will need to exchange into NPR — either before departure (limited options in Singapore) or via ATM on arrival in Nepal.
Can you exchange SGD to NPR in Singapore? A handful of licensed money changers in Peninsular Plaza and People’s Park Complex may carry NPR, but availability is inconsistent and spreads tend to be wide (often 5–10% below mid-market rate). The most practical and cost-efficient approach for most Singapore travellers is to arrive in Kathmandu with a YouTrip card and withdraw NPR directly from a local ATM.
| Amount (SGD) | Approx. NPR (YouTrip rate) | What It Covers in Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 50 | NPR ~5,920 | Budget meals + local transport for 2–3 days |
| SGD 100 | NPR ~11,850 | Thamel guesthouse (2 nights) + meals |
| SGD 200 | NPR ~23,700 | Full day trek teahouse package (Annapurna) |
| SGD 500 | NPR ~59,250 | 5–7 days trekking budget (teahouse, food, porter tip) |
Source: XE.com mid-market rate (15 October 2026). Actual YouTrip rate may vary slightly based on Mastercard’s wholesale rate at time of transaction. Nepal pricing estimates based on typical Kathmandu and Annapurna trail costs in 2026.
How YouTrip Works in Nepal
YouTrip is a Mastercard-powered prepaid e-wallet issued by You Technologies Group, licensed by MAS. It is designed specifically for Singapore travellers and accepted in 150+ countries and territories worldwide — Nepal included.
Here is the important thing to understand about using YouTrip in Nepal: NPR is not one of the 12 currencies you can hold in the YouTrip wallet. The 12 holdable currencies are SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, HKD, AUD, NZD, CHF, SEK, MYR, and THB. When you spend in NPR (either by tapping your card at a card terminal or withdrawing at an ATM), YouTrip automatically converts from your SGD balance at the Mastercard wholesale rate — with 0% markup and 0% foreign transaction fee.
This is what makes YouTrip a standout option for Nepal: you are getting a rate very close to the interbank mid-market rate, with no hidden conversion fee charged by YouTrip. Compare this to a standard DBS or OCBC debit card, which typically applies a 1.8–3.5% overseas transaction fee on top of an already-marked-up exchange rate.
YouTrip ATM Withdrawals in Nepal
For ATM use in Nepal, YouTrip’s policy (as at October 2026, sourced from you.co) is:
- Free ATM withdrawals up to SGD 400 per month (cumulative across all ATM withdrawals)
- Beyond SGD 400/month: a 2% fee on the excess applies
- No specific Nepal or NPR surcharge beyond the monthly free threshold
A typical Nepal ATM withdrawal of NPR 20,000 (≈ SGD 169 at the October 2026 rate) sits comfortably within the SGD 400 free monthly limit for most travellers. This means your only cost is the local Nepal bank ATM service fee of NPR 500–800 per transaction (approximately SGD 4.22–6.75), charged by the Nepalese bank, not by YouTrip.
For a step-by-step guide on using your card at foreign ATMs, see our how to use YouTrip overseas guide.
If you have not signed up for YouTrip yet, you can use a YouTrip referral code to get an instant sign-up bonus when you create your account.
SGD to NPR Exchange Rates 2026
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at a fixed rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR, set by Nepal Rastra Bank. This peg means NPR tracks INR movements, which in turn are influenced by broader emerging-market currency dynamics. For Singapore travellers, the practical implication is that SGD/NPR rates do move, and loading your YouTrip at a favourable moment can make a modest difference.
Source: XE.com mid-market rate (15 Oct 2026); Wise/Revolut/bank estimates based on published fee schedules as at October 2026. Chart for illustration purposes.
Nepal ATM Guide: Fees, Limits & Best Banks for Foreign Cards
Cash access in Nepal depends heavily on which ATM network you use and where you are in the country. Based on data from trekking resource MountMania (May 2026), here is what Singapore travellers should know:
Best ATMs in Nepal for Foreign Cards
| Bank | No. of ATMs (Nationwide) | Max Per-Transaction Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global IME Bank | 350+ | Up to NPR 35,000 | Tourist favourite; highest limits; lower charges |
| NIC Asia Bank | 470+ | Up to NPR 30,000 | Widest network; good international card support |
| Himalayan Bank | 100+ | Up to NPR 35,000 | Reliable; popular with experienced Nepal travellers |
| Nabil Bank | 250+ | Up to NPR 25,000 | Tourist-friendly; widely available in Kathmandu/Pokhara |
| Standard Chartered Nepal | 20+ | Up to NPR 35,000 | Best for international Mastercard/Visa compatibility |
Source: MountMania.com — “Best ATM in Nepal for Foreigners” (May 2026). ATM counts and limits are indicative and may change without notice.
ATM Fee Structure in Nepal (October 2026)
- Nepal bank ATM service fee: NPR 500–800 per transaction (charged by the Nepalese bank, regardless of which card you use)
- Per-transaction withdrawal limit: NPR 10,000–35,000 depending on the bank and machine
- Daily limit: NPR 30,000–60,000 across multiple transactions
- YouTrip’s own ATM fee: Zero, within the SGD 400 monthly free threshold
Practical tip: To minimise the NPR 500–800 per-transaction fee, always withdraw the maximum amount the ATM allows per transaction. At Global IME or Himalayan Bank, that is up to NPR 35,000 (≈ SGD 295 at the October 2026 rate) — well within YouTrip’s SGD 400 free monthly limit.
Source: YouTrip (you.co), Wise, Revolut published fee schedules (Oct 2026). Nepal ATM fee: NPR 500–800 per transaction (Global IME/Himalayan Bank, MountMania data). Figures illustrative for NPR 20,000 withdrawal.
YouTrip for Trekking: Everest & Annapurna Cash Strategy
October and November are peak trekking season in Nepal — the windows when Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the Annapurna Circuit attract the most Singapore visitors. If you are planning either of these treks, your cash strategy needs to account for the fact that ATMs become increasingly scarce the higher you go.
Everest Base Camp Trek — ATM Coverage
- Kathmandu: Full ATM access (all major banks). Withdraw generously here.
- Lukla: Limited; some ATMs but often offline or out of cash.
- Namche Bazaar (3,440m): Last reliable ATM point on the EBC trail. Himalayan Bank has an ATM here. Withdraw as much as your YouTrip allows (up to NPR 35,000 at one go).
- Above Namche Bazaar (Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep): No ATMs. Cash only for teahouse accommodation, meals, and tips.
Annapurna Circuit — ATM Coverage
- Pokhara (Lakeside): Excellent ATM coverage. This is your last major cash point before the circuit begins.
- Besisahar and Chame: Some ATMs exist but reliability varies. Do not count on them.
- Manang and above: No ATMs. Cash required for the upper circuit.
How Much Cash to Carry for Trekking
As a rough guide for Singapore trekkers on a mid-range budget (teahouse accommodation, set meals, no luxury extras):
- EBC (18–21 days): Budget NPR 200,000–350,000 (≈ SGD 1,690–2,950) including TIMS permit, park fees, guide/porter tips
- Annapurna Circuit (15–18 days): Budget NPR 150,000–250,000 (≈ SGD 1,270–2,110)
- Annapurna Base Camp (7–10 days): Budget NPR 80,000–130,000 (≈ SGD 675–1,100)
Given YouTrip’s SGD 400/month free ATM threshold, a typical EBC budget may require making 5–7 separate ATM withdrawals across your trip. Plan each withdrawal at a reputable ATM to minimise the NPR 500–800 per-transaction fee.
YouTrip vs Other Cards for Nepal Travel
For a detailed head-to-head on YouTrip vs Wise for general travel, see our Wise Card vs YouTrip comparison. For Nepal specifically, the key differentiators are the ATM monthly threshold, rate transparency, and how each card handles a non-holdable currency like NPR.
| Feature | YouTrip | Wise Card | Revolut | Bank Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPR exchange rate | Mastercard wholesale (0% markup) | Mid-market (~0.35% fee) | Mid-market (weekdays, 0%) | Bank rate (~3–5% markup) |
| Free ATM/month | Up to SGD 400 | Up to SGD 100 | Up to SGD 350 | Typically none free overseas |
| Overseas ATM fee (excess) | 2% on excess | 1.75% on excess | 2% on excess | SGD 5 + 2.5–3.5% per withdrawal |
| Nepal ATM bank fee | NPR 500–800 (local charge) | NPR 500–800 (local charge) | NPR 500–800 (local charge) | NPR 500–800 (local charge) |
| Annual fee | None | None | None (Standard plan) | Varies |
Source: YouTrip (you.co), Wise.com, Revolut published fee schedules as at October 2026. Bank card data based on typical DBS/OCBC/UOB overseas card terms.
Verdict for Nepal: YouTrip offers the most generous free ATM threshold for Nepal’s cash-heavy travel style. Its SGD 400/month free window covers most trekking budgets without incurring YouTrip’s own excess fee. This makes it the top pick for independent Nepal trekkers from Singapore. If you want a head-to-head on which card wins for other travel scenarios, check out our guide on the best credit card for travel in Singapore.
Nepal Money Checklist for Singapore Travellers
Use this checklist before and during your Nepal trip to avoid common cash mistakes. Given Nepal’s limited card acceptance and ATM reliability issues in remote areas, preparation is everything.
Before Departure (Singapore)
- ✅ Top up your YouTrip wallet with enough SGD to cover your estimated trekking budget
- ✅ Sign up for YouTrip using a YouTrip referral code if you have not already, to claim your sign-up bonus
- ✅ Note YouTrip’s ATM monthly free threshold (SGD 400) — plan withdrawal amounts accordingly
- ✅ Exchange a small amount of NPR at Peninsular Plaza or People’s Park Complex as a backup (call ahead to confirm NPR stock)
- ✅ Inform your Singapore bank of overseas travel (if using as backup)
- ✅ Download the YouTrip app and enable transaction notifications
On Arrival in Kathmandu
- ✅ Use a YouTrip card at a Global IME Bank or Himalayan Bank ATM — aim for NPR 25,000–35,000 per withdrawal to limit ATM service fees
- ✅ Avoid airport ATMs (higher fees; worse limits)
- ✅ Keep a mix of NPR 1,000 and NPR 500 notes (small notes are useful for tips and markets)
Before Entering Trekking Regions
- ✅ Withdraw heavily at your last major ATM access point (Namche Bazaar for EBC; Pokhara for Annapurna)
- ✅ Budget for trekking permits: TIMS card (~NPR 2,000) + National Park entry fee (≈ USD 30 equivalent in NPR or cash)
- ✅ Plan for porter and guide tips in cash NPR
For broader personal finance context, you might also find our Singapore retirement calculator useful for tracking how your travel budget fits your longer-term financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTrip work in Nepal?
Yes. YouTrip is accepted in 150+ countries worldwide, including Nepal. The card converts SGD to NPR at the Mastercard wholesale rate with 0% markup. You can use it to withdraw NPR at Mastercard-network ATMs across Nepal — most commonly at Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank, Global IME Bank, NIC Asia Bank, and Standard Chartered Nepal branches.
What is the SGD to NPR exchange rate today?
As at 15 October 2026, the mid-market rate is 1 SGD = 118.53 NPR (source: XE.com). The YouTrip rate (Mastercard wholesale rate) is typically within 0.1–0.5% of this mid-market rate. For the latest live rate, check XE.com or the YouTrip app in-app rate display before topping up.
How much does it cost to use YouTrip at Nepal ATMs?
YouTrip charges nothing for ATM withdrawals up to SGD 400 per month (cumulative). Beyond that, a 2% fee applies to the excess. The only cost you will pay in Nepal is the local Nepal bank ATM service fee of NPR 500–800 per transaction (approximately SGD 4.22–6.75), which is charged by the Nepalese bank regardless of which card you use. To minimise this, withdraw as much as the ATM allows per transaction (up to NPR 35,000 at Global IME Bank or Himalayan Bank).
Are there ATMs on the Everest Base Camp trek?
ATMs are available in Kathmandu and some in Lukla, but the last reliable ATM point on the EBC trail is at Namche Bazaar (3,440m), where Himalayan Bank operates a machine. Above Namche Bazaar — including Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and Base Camp — there are no ATMs. Withdraw generously at Namche before continuing the trek. Always plan for cash-only operations above Namche.
Can I use YouTrip to pay directly at teahouses and restaurants in Nepal?
In Kathmandu’s tourist areas (Thamel, Patan) and in Pokhara’s Lakeside district, card payment is increasingly accepted at mid-range restaurants and hotels. However, teahouses and lodges on trekking routes do not accept cards. All payments above Lukla (EBC) and above Besisahar (Annapurna) are cash-only. Use YouTrip primarily for ATM withdrawals to obtain NPR cash for the trek.
Should I exchange SGD to NPR in Singapore before flying?
In most cases, no — unless you want a small amount of emergency cash for the taxi or transfer on arrival. NPR is an exotic currency in Singapore, and money changers who carry it (typically at Peninsular Plaza or People’s Park Complex) tend to offer rates 5–10% below the mid-market rate. Using YouTrip to withdraw NPR at a Kathmandu ATM on arrival gives you a significantly better rate. For the Maldives or other destinations where a specific currency strategy matters, see our YouTrip Maldives guide for comparison.
Is YouTrip better than Wise for Nepal travel?
For Nepal specifically, YouTrip has an edge due to its higher free ATM threshold of SGD 400/month, compared to Wise’s SGD 100/month free limit. Since Nepal requires frequent large ATM withdrawals (especially before trekking routes), YouTrip’s higher threshold means you can avoid excess ATM fees more easily. Both cards offer rates close to the mid-market rate, but Wise charges a small conversion fee (~0.35%) while YouTrip does not. For a full side-by-side, see our Wise Card vs YouTrip comparison.
This article was researched with the help of AI. While we strive to keep all information accurate and up to date, there may be errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us.
