
The Nepalese Rupee is the official currency of Nepal. It's a fascinating currency with a rich history.
The Nepalese Rupee is subdivided into 100 paisa. This is an important fact to know when navigating everyday transactions in Nepal.
You'll find the Nepalese Rupee in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. The most commonly used denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 rupees.
The Nepalese Rupee has undergone several changes over the years, including a demonetization of higher denomination notes in 2016. This change aimed to reduce corruption and increase transparency in financial transactions.
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Banknotes and Exchange
The Nepalese rupee has a fascinating history when it comes to banknotes. On 17 September 1945, the government introduced banknotes for 5, 10, and 100 rupees, with the name mohru used in Nepalese.
The current banknote series, introduced in 2012, features a range of denominations, including 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rupees. Each note has a unique design, with different themes and colors to distinguish them.
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For example, the 5-rupee note features a lilac and pink color scheme, with an image of Mount Everest and a temple of Taleju on the obverse. The 100-rupee note, on the other hand, features a green and lilac color scheme, with an image of Mount Everest, Mayadevi, and a map of Nepal.
Here's a breakdown of the current banknote series:
As for exchange rates, the Nepalese rupee has fluctuated against the Indian rupee over the years. In 1952, the government pegged the Nepalese rupee at 1.28 per Indian rupee, but the market rate remained at 1.60 per Indian rupee. Today, $1 US is worth approximately 133.9 Nepalese rupees as of September 21, 2024.
Banknotes
Banknotes are an essential part of Nepal's financial system, and they're also a great way to learn about the country's rich history and landscapes.
The most recent series of banknotes, released in 2012, features images of Mount Everest on all denominations from रु5 to रु1,000.

Mount Everest is a prominent feature on all banknotes, making them a great souvenir for tourists and a unique way to showcase Nepal's natural beauty.
You can spot Mount Everest on banknotes ranging from रु5 to रु1,000, and each denomination has its own unique design and features.
Here's a breakdown of the different denominations and their features:
Each banknote has its own unique design and features, making them a great way to learn about Nepal's history and landscapes.
Exchanging NPR
Exchanging NPR can be a complex process, especially for foreigners. There are three primary exchange rates operating in Nepal: an official central bank rate, a legal private bank rate, and an illegal black market rate.
The most favorable exchange rates are generally found in the black market, making it a popular choice for locals. However, tourists and travelers often use private banks, which offer less favorable rates.
You'll find authorized agents at the Kathmandu airport and formal exchange-rate businesses that transact at private banking rates. Make sure to obtain and keep receipts for all your currency exchange transactions to prove that only legal agents were used.
As of Sept. 21, 2024, $1 U.S. is worth 133.9 Nepalese rupees.
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Exchange Rates and Economy
The Nepalese rupee has had a complex history when it comes to exchange rates. The rupee was fixed at 1.28 per Indian rupee from 1857 to 1930, and later fluctuated against the Indian rupee until 1952 when the government pegged it at 1.28 = 1.
The market rate remained at 1.60 = 1 until 1966, when the Indian rupee ceased to be legal tender in Nepal. The Nepalese rupee was then pegged against the Indian rupee, the US dollar, and gold from 1967 to 1975, starting at 1.35 = 1, 10.125 = $1, and 1 = 0.08777g gold.
In 1983, the Nepali rupee's anchor was changed to a trade-weighted basket of currencies, which in practice amounted to a hard peg against the Indian rupee. This remained until 1993, when the peg was officially set at 1.60 = 1.
The Nepalese rupee has depreciated significantly against the US dollar over the past 10 years, from approximately 77 NPR in September 2009 to 133 NPR in September 2024.
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Indian Rupee Currency
The Indian Rupee currency is used in India, a neighboring country to Nepal. It's a widely recognized currency, often referred to as the "Rupee" just like the Nepal Rupee.
The Indian Rupee is pegged to the value of the Nepal Rupee, meaning their exchange rates are closely tied. This is a common practice among countries with closely related economies.
The Indian Rupee is also used as a reference point for the Nepal Rupee, which is pegged to it. This helps maintain a stable exchange rate between the two currencies.
The Indian Rupee has a long history dating back to the 19th century, with the first rupee coins minted in 1835. This makes it one of the oldest currencies still in use today.
The Indian Rupee is widely accepted in Nepal, especially in border towns and cities. Travelers often exchange their currency for rupees to make purchases or pay for services.
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Conclusion
The Nepalese rupee has a long and complex history, but one thing is clear: it's still the official currency of Nepal today. The country has been using a version of the rupee since the 15th century.
The Nepalese rupee has undergone many changes over the years, but it's still widely accepted and used in Nepal. You can even exchange your foreign currency for Nepalese rupees at airports and banks.
The Nepalese government has been working to improve the country's economy, and the rupee has been a key part of that effort. In recent years, the government has implemented policies to stabilize the currency and reduce inflation.
The Nepalese rupee is divided into 100 paisa, but coins and banknotes are widely used and accepted. You can find Nepalese rupee notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 rupees.
The Nepalese rupee is not pegged to any other currency, making it a floating currency. This can make it difficult to predict its value, but it also gives the government more flexibility to make economic decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it NRs or NPR?
The Nepalese Rupee is symbolized as NRs, which is an abbreviation for NPR.
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