Any way to change Nepalese Rupees in the UK?

bap98189

Long story, but we have ended up coming home from Nepal with about 34,000 Nepalese Rupees (roughly £240).

Is there any way to exchange these in the UK? I know the currency isn't strictly available outside of Nepal, so the high-street money changers and banks cannot do it, but I am hoping there is some way to change them into GBP as I doubt we will be returning anytime soon.

Alternatively if anyone is going on holiday to Nepal and wants some Rupees at a very favourable rate, send me a PM.

PompeyPete

Your last paragraph is your best bet. Post on Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet Thorntree too.

Hope you had great time, we had 5 wonderful weeks exactly a year before the devastating earthquake.

Voyager2002

Currency notes are sometimes sold on Ebay, but generally for just a fraction of their face value.

agrinnall

I don't know if the situation in Nepal is different now but when I was last there (25 years ago, yikes!) you had to change a certain amount of foreign currency into Rupees for every day you were in the country, and it was pretty hard to spend it all (I also returned home with a wodge of notes, although not as much as you). If that is still the case then few people would want to buy them at face value outside the country as they'd be faced with the same problem of getting rid of them before leaving.

PompeyPete

Like you say that was 25 years ago, you change money as you need it now. I think Bhutan has an expensive minimum daily spend.

I got rid of our last 50 quids worth on T-shirts in Kathmandu Airport DF shop.

Smudge's_Lot

Hi, I have a Nepalese friend who might be able to help you out, I will get in contact with him and let you know asap!
Regards

eDicky

There was a thread back in March, but for a smaller amount:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5433821

nigelgg

Try this site

https://www.bestforeignexchange.com/buy_Back_Currrency.php

DUKE

I didn't think you were supposed to take them out of the country. We spent our last few quid on rubbish at the airport, I was expecting to have a last Everest beer but they didn't sell it at the airport :eek: I'll second asking on TA too, unless you get a better offer.

bap98189

DUKE wrote: »

I didn't think you were supposed to take them out of the country. We spent our last few quid on rubbish at the airport, I was expecting to have a last Everest beer but they didn't sell it at the airport :eek: I'll second asking on TA too, unless you get a better offer.

You aren't supposed to take them out of the country, but spending about £300 in the airport shop really wasn't an option either. If it was only a few quid I'd donate it to a charity or something, but it's quite a lot of money.

We were assured by the security staff that we could change them inside the airport. Their advice was unfortunately wrong, and there was no way we had time to go back out of the departure lounge, then back through the 4 different security checks before the plane left, so we really had no choice other than to bring them home.

The lesson is when in Nepal change the money back the night before and just keep a few hundred rupees for a taxi to the airport. Fortunately I have had a few people contact me about buying them so fingers crossed I will be able to get some money back.

Smudge's_Lot

Have sent you a PM!!