Under the revised provision, both Nepali and Indian citizens may bring the higher denomination banknotes into Nepal from India or carry them from Nepal to India.
The Cabinet decision follows amendments by the Reserve Bank of India to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015.The amendment permits Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese nationals to carry higher-denomination Indian currency while travelling to and from India.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel, once the government decision is published in Nepal gazette, NRB will issue a circular to this effect that would legalise the use of higher denomination Indian banknotes by individuals travelling to Nepal from India or from Nepal to India.This will facilitate tourists and businessmen from both countries to travel or carry out business with each other.
“This was our longstanding request, and India responded positively,” Poudel was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post.
“Large numbers of Nepalis travel to India for various purposes, and the currency restrictions have created difficulties for a long time, especially for migrant workers who earn in India.” Many migrant workers are forced to bring home their earnings in low-denomination notes, making them more vulnerable to theft and pickpocketing during travel. A number of Nepalis have also been jailed for carrying ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes in the past, the report added.
The restrictions have hurt Nepal’s tourism sector as well, particularly casinos and hospitality businesses that cater to Indian visitors. Without the ability to carry higher-value notes, Indian tourists cannot spend freely, leading to lower revenues in border towns.
Tourism entrepreneurs say many Indians are unaware of the currency rules, leading to frequent arrests and fines.
