Only the nation's currency, the Nepalese Rupee, is accepted by businesses in Nepal. So, you need to exchange your currency. Urban areas and some rural ones have exchange centers. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at the airport itself or in banks. The easiest access is through ATMs. However, they may not give you a good rate or even be accepted in the worst case. They only accept cards from major international banking networks like Plus and Cirrus. There is a cash withdrawal limitation of about USD 100 to USD 340 in ATMs in Nepal. An exchange rate set by the bank and a service charge must be paid to use them. You also need to pay your bank's withdrawal charges at home usually.
However, you will not encounter any ATMs or exchange centers in the trail. So, you must exchange your currency in Kathmandu before heading on the trek. In Kathmandu, Thamel is where you will find many exchange centers. There, you may get slightly better deals than in banks or the airport.
Banks are open between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm on Friday. They are closed on Saturday. Credit cards are accepted only in urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You also need to pay the transaction charge for using it. The banks and not the business specifies this charge. Traveler’s cheques are also accepted only in urban areas. Traveler’s cheques can be carried in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars, but banks usually do not accept them. The only place you can cash them in is at the many FOREX (Foreign Exchange) offices located in Thamel, Kathmandu. If you are going to the bank or cash traveler's cheques, make sure to take your passport and other identity documents.
Can I change money, or are there ATMs while trekking?
You cannot exchange money, and there are no ATMs while trekking.