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

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Kathmandu, Nepal because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and easy access to the rest of the world. Kathmandu is a great place for digital nomads to work remotely, as it has a reliable internet connection and a wide range of co-working spaces. The best neighborhood to live in Kathmandu is Thamel, as it is centrally located and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The approximate population of Kathmandu, Nepal is 1.5 million. The weather in Kathmandu, Nepal is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (10-30 Celsius). The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Kathmandu is around $500-$1000 USD, depending on lifestyle. To rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Kathmandu, it will cost around $400-$600 USD per month.

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How do I meet people in Kathmandu?

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

"Expats in Kathmandu often join clubs and activities such as hiking, yoga, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending events hosted by the local expat community, such as potlucks, movie nights, and game nights. Additionally, expats can join local sports teams, volunteer with local organizations, or attend cultural events such as festivals and concerts," said one person in Kathmandu.

What is life like in Kathmandu?

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

"Kathmandu is a vibrant and bustling city that is becoming increasingly popular with expats and digital nomads. The city offers a unique blend of traditional Nepalese culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for those looking to experience a different way of life. The cost of living is relatively low, and the city is well-connected with the rest of the world, making it easy to stay connected with family and friends. The city is also home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore the local culture. Additionally, the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a great place to explore and relax," said one person in Kathmandu.

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Where should I live in Kathmandu?

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

"One option for finding a place to live in Kathmandu is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Nepal Real Estate, Nepal Property, and Nepal Home offer a variety of listings for apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties. Additionally, there are many real estate agents in Kathmandu who can help you find a place to live. You can also ask friends and family who live in Kathmandu for recommendations. Finally, you can look for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines," said one person in Kathmandu.

What do I need to know before moving to Kathmandu?

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

"Before retiring in Kathmandu, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in many other countries. They should also be aware of the local culture and customs, and be prepared to adjust to the local way of life. Additionally, expats should research the availability of healthcare services and the quality of medical care in the area. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations, and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order. Finally, expats should be aware of the local climate and the potential for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kathmandu.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Kathmandu?

"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)," explained one expat living in Kathmandu, Nepal.

"Expats in Kathmandu appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful traditional dress, and diverse cuisine. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, who are always willing to share their culture and customs with visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and tranquil rivers. Finally, Kathmandu's vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars, clubs, and restaurants, is a great way to experience the city's unique culture," said one person in Kathmandu.

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

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

"Expats in Kathmandu often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's traffic and air pollution can be overwhelming for those who are not used to it. Furthermore, the city's conservative culture can be difficult to adjust to, as it is quite different from many other places in the world. Finally, the cost of living in Kathmandu can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one expat who made the move to Kathmandu.

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

"If you plan to stay in Kathmandu 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. Additionally, you may need to apply for a residency permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. This permit will allow you to stay in Nepal for a certain period of time," said one expat who made the move to Kathmandu.

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

We asked people in Kathmandu 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," said one person in Kathmandu.

"In Kathmandu, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to show disrespect to elders, so it is important to show respect when interacting with them. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to avoid touching someone of the opposite gender, as this is considered offensive. Finally, it is important to avoid taking photographs of people without their permission, as this is considered intrusive," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kathmandu.

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What are healthcare services like in Kathmandu?

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

"Healthcare services in Kathmandu, are a mix of public and private facilities, with the public sector being the primary provider of healthcare services. The city is home to several major hospitals, including Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Bir Hospital, and Patan Hospital, which offer a range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments. Additionally, there are numerous smaller clinics and health posts scattered throughout the city, catering to the needs of the local population. Despite the availability of healthcare facilities, the quality of care in Kathmandu can be inconsistent, with many public hospitals facing challenges such as overcrowding, limited resources, and outdated equipment. The private sector, on the other hand, offers better quality care but can be expensive for the average citizen. Furthermore, there is a shortage of qualified medical professionals, particularly in rural areas, which can make access to healthcare services difficult for some residents. In recent years, the government of Nepal has been working to improve the healthcare system in Kathmandu and across the country by investing in infrastructure, training medical professionals, and implementing various health programs. These efforts have led to improvements in areas such as maternal and child health, as well as the control of communicable diseases. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all residents of Kathmandu have access to quality healthcare services," explained one person living in Kathmandu, Nepal.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Kathmandu?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Kathmandu, often appreciate the rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, diverse food options, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and historical sites in and around the city. However, they may also face challenges such as poor infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, and frequent power outages. The city's heavy traffic, pollution, and noise can be overwhelming, and the lack of proper waste management can lead to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, expats and digital nomads may find it difficult to navigate the bureaucracy and language barriers when dealing with local authorities or setting up a business," explained one expat living in Kathmandu, 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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