Nepal eases post-demonetisation curbs on Indian currency; allows ₹200, ₹500 notes

Nepal now allows Indian and Nepalese nationals to carry ₹200 and ₹500 notes up to ₹25,000 per person, ending a near-decade restriction following India's 2016 demonetisation.

The Nepal Rastra Bank reissued a notice clarifying that only notes issued on or after November 9, 2016, are permitted; pre-demonetisation ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes remain banned.

Nepalese nationals cannot bring Indian currency from any country other than India, nor carry it to a third country except India.

Travellers may bring Indian currency equivalent to up to USD 5,000 without customs declaration only if denominations do not exceed ₹100; amounts above that require declaration.

The revision is expected to facilitate Indian tourists visiting Nepal and Nepalese nationals engaged in cross-border trade and business.