Nepal Rastra Bank Modifies Dashain Currency Exchange System to Regular Operations

1st October 2026, Kathmandu

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced a structural shift in its currency management strategy for the Dashain festival.

NRB Modifies Exchange System

The central bank will no longer specify a dedicated date range or issue separate public notices for exchanging new and small-denomination banknotes, instead providing exchange facilities through its standard operational framework.

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Policy Adjustment and Operational Procedures

According to Anuj Dahal, Executive Director at NRB, the traditional practice of scheduling dedicated Dashain currency exchange drives has been discontinued in favor of continuous market supply based on real-time demand.

• Shift to Routine Operations: Banknote exchange facilities will be available directly through NRB banking counters during regular office hours without festival-specific schedules.
• Adequate Currency Reserves: NRB confirmed that it holds sufficient banknote stock to fulfill public demand. Exchanges will prioritize fresh banknotes, supplemented by clean, fit-for-circulation notes if demand exceeds fresh note inventory.
• Commercial Bank Supply: Commercial banks and financial institutions (BFIs) have already drawn fresh and small-denomination banknotes from the central bank to manage customer distributions across their respective branch networks.
• Context for Policy Shift: The central bank noted that the decision to omit specialized public call notices was also influenced by the solemn national atmosphere following recent severe natural disasters in the country.

Exchange Limits and Distribution Criteria

Nepal Rastra Bank has established clear caps on individual currency exchange allotments to maintain equitable distribution.

• Maximum Individual Cap: Exchange applicants can receive a maximum of two bundles of small-denomination notes per visit.
• Bundle Composition: Each bundle consists of 100 notes per denomination across NPR 5, NPR 10, NPR 20, NPR 50, and NPR 100 notes.
• Personal vs Commercial Usage: Distribution for personal use remains subject to real-time inventory availability, while commercial accounts may exchange both new and clean circulating banknotes to support operational requirements.

For More: NRB Modifies Exchange System