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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: NepalReport prepared by U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, released July 1999
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CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL* BUSINESS CUSTOMS
The main language of business is Nepali. However, many businessmen can speak both Hindi and English. A majority of the population follows the Hindu religion. The unique feature of Nepalese society is its ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Traditional and conservative in nature, the Nepalese are congenial people who take pride in their national heritage. Business ties, as in much of Asia, are often tied to commonalties. Foreigners must be prepared to get the proper introductions and spend the proper amount of time on confidence building before entering into business negotiations.
* TRAVEL ADVISORY AND VISAS
There have been no civil disturbances targeted at foreign investors in the past five years. Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are usually non-violent and not directed at foreigners. During general strikes, many businesses close for one to two days and transportation and city services may be disrupted. These strikes rarely result in little or no damage to private property.
A violent Maoist insurgency in isolated Midwestern Districts of Nepal has claimed approximately 888 lives since it began in February 1996. The violence has not affected the Kathmandu Valley to a great degree, but foreigners, and particularly Aid workers, in the Midwestern Districts of Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot, Salyan and Gorkha have been threatened and, occasionally, attacked. Because of the potential for violence, the U.S. Embassy currently forbids travel of U.S. Government employees to or through the Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Salyan and Gorkha districts. The Department of State cautions Americans to also avoid travel to these districts as well. In addition, the U.S. Embassy restricts U.S. Government employee travel to or through the Dolpa, Dang, Sindupalchok, Kavrepalanchok and Ramechaap districts. Only essential travel is permitted in these areas. American citizens traveling in these districts are advised to exercise extreme caution. American citizens traveling to Nepal are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival or before traveling domestically to receive the latest information about the security situation, since the potential for violence now extends to areas that have in the past been relatively free of such activity.
Medical care is extremely limited and generally is not up to Western standards. Serious illness often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (in Singapore, Bangkok or New Delhi). Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. In general, U.S. medical insurance is not valid in Nepal. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide for payment overseas. Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is strongly recommended. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. The cost is typically $3,000 to $10,000 USD. For this reason, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends visitors obtain travel insurance to cover such emergencies.
More common are illnesses caused by impure water or food. Some locally bottled water may be unsafe. Drinking only boiled water or bottled water that has been disinfected (with iodine, chlorine, etc.) is advised. Locally bottled soft drinks, club soda, and beer are generally safe.
Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's International Traveler's Hotline at 888/232-3228, the autofax service at 888/232-3299, or by visiting the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.
Street crime is prevalent in Kathmandu as well as in other areas frequented by foreigners. While the rate of violent crime is low in Kathmandu, it has increased over the past two years. In particular, harassment of women is a problem. Instances of harassment range in severity from verbal abuse to physical assault. Visitors are advised to dress modestly, particularly when traveling in remote areas.
To avoid falling victim to crime, visitors are advised to travel in groups, avoid carrying large sums of cash, exchange money only at banks and hotels, and limit shopping to daylight hours. Travelers should be especially alert at or near major tourist sights where most pick pocketing occurs. Passports and cash should be carried in a protected neck pouch - not in a backpack. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy.
Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are both available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they are traveling. While drugs are often readily available from street vendors in some parts of Kathmandu, penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Visitors arrested for drug offenses can expect to wait in jail for weeks before their cases are concluded. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
American citizens should be extremely cautious traveling overland in Nepal, especially by bus. In general, roads are in very poor condition and lack basic safety features. Many mountain and hill roads are impassable during monsoon season (June-September) due to landslides, and are very hazardous even in the best weather. Visitors are cautioned to avoid traveling on night buses - fatal accidents are frequent. In the Kathmandu Valley, roads are congested. Not only is traffic badly regulated, the volume of vehicles on the roads is increasing by 15 percent a year. Many drivers are neither properly licensed or trained. Vehicles are poorly maintained; sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are non-existent in many areas; and drivers do not yield pedestrians the right of way. Of the 4,500 traffic-related deaths in 1997, two-thirds were pedestrians.
Travelers occasionally report immigration difficulties in crossing the Nepal-Tibet boarder overland in either direction. U.S. citizens planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal may contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border crossing points.
As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Nepal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Nepal's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 800/322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at 703/697-7288.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Nepal. See Appendix E for U.S. Embassy contact information.
Nepal is a developing country with extensive facilities for tourists which vary in quality according to price and location. A passport and visa are required for entry. A single-entry tourist visa for a stay of up to 60 days is issued at ports of entry upon arrival as well as from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad for $30 USD.
Re-entry visa fees for tourist visas vary with the number of re-entries and duration of stay requested. Visitors, who wish to obtain the facility of single, double or multiple re-entry, can get it by paying an additional $25, $40 and $60 USD respectively.
A visitor, who has already visited Nepal with a tourist visa, who intends to come again within 150 days of the same visa year, can obtain an entry visa by paying $50 USD for 30 days at the entry points or at the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad. In addition, visitors who wish to stay for more than 60 days in Nepal can extend their tourist visa by paying the equivalent of $50 USD in Nepalese currency for 30 days from the Department of Immigration.
A business visa with multiple-entry facility for the period of one year and five years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry by paying the equivalent of $100 and $250 USD respectively in Nepalese currency.
Travelers can obtain additional information by contacting the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, NW; Washington, DC 20008; Telephone 202/657-4550 or the Nepalese Consulate General in New York at Telephone 212/370-4188.
* HOLIDAYS
A. National Holidays (1999)
Prithvi Jayanti 11 January Basanta Panchami 22 January Martyr's Day 30 January Shiva Ratri 14 February National Democracy Day 19 February Women's Day 8 March Fagu 1 March Ghode Jatra 17 March Chaitrastami 25 March Ram Nawami 25 March Nepali New Year's Day 14 April 2543rd Buddha Jayanti 30 April Janai Purnima 26 August Gai Jatra 27 August Krishna Asthami 2 September Indra Jatra 24 September Ghatasthapana 10 October Dashain 17-24 October (8 days) Tihar 7-10 November Constitution Day 9 November H.M. King's Birthday 29 December B. National Holidays (2000) * Prithvi Jayanti 11 January Martyr's Day 30 January Basanta Panchami 10 February National Democracy Day 19 February Women's Day 8 March Fagu 19 March Ghode Jatra 4 April Chaitrastami & Ram Nawami 12 April Nepali New Year's Day 13 April* NOTE. Exact dates for holidays are announced by the Government at the beginning of each Nepali year (mid-April).* WORK WEEK
Just recently, all government offices and private businesses began to operate a five-day work week from Monday to Friday. Typical intended business hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
While the aspect is gradually changing, you will find most businesses (including stores) closed on Saturday.
* BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
The country has only some 10,000 kilometers of motorable roads so surface travel is difficult, especially so during the June - September rainy season known as the "monsoon." In addition to the national carrier, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, six private firms offer helicopter or fixed-wing air service within the country to a number of locations. International calls and fax facilities are readily available but can be expensive. AT&T service is not available. Nepal has a wide variety of hotels ranging from five-star to budget; it is also possible to rent apartments and homes. The most prevalent illnesses encountered by foreign visitors are respiratory infections, allergies, and gastrointestinal infections due to ingesting contaminated food and water.
U.S. business travelers are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts: Guide for Business Representatives" available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; Telephone: 202/512-1800; Fax: 202/512-2250. Business travelers to Nepal seeking appointment with U.S. Embassy Kathmandu officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached by Telephone at 011 977 1 411 613; Fax at 011 977 1 419 963, or Email at AMEMB@COL.COM.NP for your inquiries.
* TEMPORARY ENTRY OF GOODS
Goods - including vehicles, machinery, and equipment - may be imported temporarily for special purposes such as domestic exhibitions or fairs by making a refundable deposit of the applicable duty. Such goods must be taken out of the country within three months of the completion of the work unless the duty has been paid and the item sold for the use of others or retained for personal use. An extension of the three-month period may be granted on appropriate and reasonable grounds upon payment of an additional ten percent of the applicable duty amount. If the duty is not paid or the goods are not re-exported within six months of entry, action may be taken on a charge of smuggling.
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[end of document] Note* International Copyright, United States Government, 1998 (or other year of first publication). All rights under foreign copyright laws are reserved. All portions of this publication are protected against any type or form of reproduction, communications to the public and the preparation of adaptations, arrangement and alterations outside the United States. U. S. copyright is not asserted under the U.S. Copyright Law, Title17, United States Code.
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