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Digital Nomad Guide to Nepal | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Nepal

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Nepal is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Nepal are Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Digital nomads like living in Nepal because of its low cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $500-$1000 in Nepal. The culture of Nepal is a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism, and is heavily influenced by the country's geography and history. The Nepali people are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Popular foods in Nepal include momos (dumplings), dal bhat (rice and lentils), and sel roti (a type of sweet bread). Other popular dishes include thukpa (noodle soup), aloo tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry), and chowmein (stir-fried noodles).

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How do I meet people in Nepal?

When we asked people living in Nepal about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Nepal often join clubs and activities such as hiking, yoga, and meditation. Expats can also join language classes, book clubs, and art classes. Other ways that expats meet people in Nepal include attending local festivals, joining volunteer organizations, and attending networking events. Expats can also meet people by attending events hosted by the local expat community, such as potlucks, movie nights, and game nights," remarked one member in Nepal.

What is life like in Nepal?

When we asked people living in Nepal what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nepal can be both rewarding and challenging. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from trekking in the Himalayas to exploring the ancient cities of Kathmandu and Patan. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the infrastructure is still developing, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Nepali. Despite these challenges, expats and digital nomads can find a vibrant and welcoming community in Nepal," said one person in Nepal.

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Where should I live in Nepal?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Nepal can be a daunting task. The best way to start is by researching the different areas of the country and deciding which one best suits your needs. You can look for rental listings online, or contact a local real estate agent who can help you find a suitable property. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Nepal for advice and recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can visit the area to get a better feel for the neighborhood and to view potential properties," said one expat who made the move to Nepal.

What do I need to know before moving to Nepal?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Nepal, they said:

"Before retiring in Nepal, expats should be aware of the country's visa requirements. They should also research the cost of living in Nepal, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. It is also important to be aware of the political situation in Nepal, as it can affect the safety and security of expats. Finally, expats should consider the climate and terrain of Nepal, as it can affect their lifestyle and comfort," said one person in Nepal.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Nepal?

"Expats in Nepal appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful traditional clothing, and diverse religious practices. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Nepal, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Finally, expats enjoy the delicious Nepalese cuisine, which is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese flavors," said one person in Nepal.

"The friendliness of the Nepalese, their spiritual practices and belief, the social nature of the culture, and the way that they care for you - I have far more friends and family in Nepal in the US (my wife is a Hindu Nepalese, bahun caste)," said one expat who made the move to Kathmandu.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Nepal?

"Bandhs, Maoists, load shedding, bad water supply, and everyone asking me if I can get them a visa," explained one expat living in Kathmandu, Nepal.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Nepal is the language barrier. Many locals speak Nepali, which can be difficult for expats to understand. Additionally, the cultural norms and values can be quite different from those of the expats' home countries, which can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be quite different from what expats are used to, which can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Finally, the local infrastructure and transportation can be unreliable and difficult to navigate, which can be a source of frustration for expats," said one person in Nepal.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Nepal for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Nepal for a while, you will need to obtain a visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a business visa, or a work visa. You may also need to provide proof of your financial resources, such as a bank statement, and a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to register with the local police station upon arrival in Nepal," said one person in Nepal.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Nepal?

We asked people in Nepal if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"Yes - during our five hour wedding ceremony I occasionally used my left hand! But friends helped out - there were a lot of intricate mudras or handling of objects, and as I am ambidextrous, just using the right hand doesn't happen naturally for me," explained one person living in Kathmandu, Nepal.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Nepal. Avoid touching someone on the head, as this is considered disrespectful. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Refrain from taking photographs of people without their permission, and be aware that public displays of affection are generally not accepted. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the local language and to be respectful when speaking to people," said one expat in Nepal.

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What are healthcare services like in Nepal?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Nepal, they replied:

"Nepal has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Nepal is generally considered to be low, with limited access to specialized care and medicines. Foreign residents in Nepal have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as good as in other countries. Expats in Nepal typically use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care. Private healthcare services in Nepal are provided by both local and international providers, and are generally considered to be of a higher quality than the public healthcare system," said one foreigner in Nepal.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Nepal?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Nepal often appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, its friendly people, and its low cost of living. They also enjoy the opportunity to experience a different culture and explore the many historical and religious sites. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and the limited availability of western amenities to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be a source of frustration for those who don't speak Nepali," explained one person living in Nepal.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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