Nepal

Landing in Kathmandu is a sensory explosion. From the moment you exit Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be met by a sea of taxi drivers. A pre-paid taxi to the tourist hub of Thamel typically costs between NPR 700 and NPR 900 (roughly $5–$7). To avoid the stress of haggling while offline, ensure your Hello eSIM is activated before you land. Having immediate data allows you to use local ride-sharing apps like Pathao or InDrive, which often offer fairer rates and more transparency than street taxis.

For those heading toward the mountains, the journey to Pokhara is a rite of passage. A 'tourist bus' costs about NPR 1,000 to NPR 1,600 ($7.50–$12) and takes roughly seven to nine hours, depending on the notorious Prithvi Highway traffic. Use the trip planning feature in the Hello app to store your bus tickets and hotel locations, making it easy to reference your itinerary even when you're weaving through mountain passes. For shorter distances within cities, colorful cycle rickshaws are perfect for navigating the narrow alleys of Asan Market, just be sure to agree on a price before you hop in.

In Nepal, the unofficial motto is 'Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour.' This staple dish—consisting of lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and pickles—is the lifeblood of the country. In local eateries, a plate of Dal Bhat will cost around NPR 300 to NPR 500 ($2.25–$3.75), and the best part is that refills of everything except the meat are usually free. For a quicker bite, you cannot miss Momos—steamed or fried dumplings filled with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables. A plate of ten usually goes for NPR 150 to NPR 300 ($1.15–$2.25).

When dining out with your trekking crew in Thamel or Pokhara’s Lakeside, the expense splitting feature in the Hello app is a lifesaver. It allows you to quickly divide the bill for those celebratory Everest Beers and plates of momos without the awkward math at the table. To keep your finances in check, use the budget tracking tool to log your meals in NPR. This helps you monitor your daily spend, ensuring you have enough left over for that high-altitude caffeine fix in Namche Bazaar where prices naturally rise with the elevation.

Nepal remains an incredibly affordable destination, but the costs of trekking permits and gear can sneak up on you. Most trekkers will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card and a National Park permit, which together cost approximately NPR 5,000 ($38). While Kathmandu and Pokhara have plenty of ATMs, they often charge a withdrawal fee of NPR 500 ($3.75) and have limits on how much you can take out at once. It is wise to carry enough cash for your entire trek, as ATMs are non-existent once you hit the trails.

Staying connected in the mountains can be pricey, with teahouses charging upwards of NPR 500 ($3.75) for a few hours of spotty Wi-Fi. An eSIM from Hello is a much more reliable and cost-effective alternative for staying in touch with family or checking weather updates at lower altitudes. Use the Hello app to track your budget in the local currency so you don't find yourself short on cash in a remote village. Whether you are buying a handmade yak-wool blanket or paying for a hot shower in a mountain lodge, keeping a digital log of your NPR spending ensures your Himalayan adventure stays on track financially.