Government Clarifies Regulations on Carrying Nepali and Indian Currency

Kathmandu. The government has clarified the regulations regarding the amount of Nepali and Indian currency that Nepali and Indian citizens are allowed to carry into and out of India.

According to the notice published in the Nepal Gazette, Nepali and Indian citizens are permitted to carry unlimited amounts of Indian bank notes in denominations of 100 rupees or less, as well as any denomination of Nepali currency, when traveling to India. 

However, for Indian currency in denominations of 200 and 500 rupees issued and circulated after November 9, 2016, a limit of 25,000 Indian rupees per person has been set for bringing into Nepal from India or taking from Nepal to India.

The Indian government had announced the demonetization of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 9, 2016. In this context, the notice clarifies that no transactions are allowed using Indian 500 and 1,000 rupee notes that were in circulation prior to November 9, 2016.

Regarding Nepali currency, it is prohibited to carry or send amounts exceeding the limits prescribed by Nepal Rastra Bank. For Indian currency, it is prohibited to carry or send it to any country other than India. 

However, foreign currency obtained through foreign exchange transactions from legally licensed individuals or institutions can be taken or sent out of Nepal.

Additionally, if foreign nationals need to take or send foreign currency exceeding the limits set by Nepal Rastra Bank, they are required to declare the cash foreign currency they brought with them upon entering Nepal to a customs officer and have it certified. 

The government stated that this notice aims to make currency transactions at border points organized, transparent, and legally compliant.