Kumari Bank Offers Convenient Travel Card and Dollar Currency Exchange Services

9th October 2025, Kathmandu

Kumari Bank Limited, a prominent force in Nepal’s commercial banking sector, has decisively enhanced its suite of international financial services by launching a highly strategic combination of a dedicated Travel Card and an expanded Dollar Currency Exchange service.

Kumari Bank Travel Card

This dual-pronged initiative is a direct response to the escalating demand from Nepali citizens embarking on international journeys for education, employment, and tourism. The bank’s commitment to facilitating global mobility for its customer base, while simultaneously championing digital banking adoption, underscores its forward-thinking approach in a competitive market. By ensuring widespread access to essential foreign currencies and providing a secure, digital payment solution, Kumari Bank is cementing its position as an indispensable financial partner for the modern Nepali traveler. The success of this integrated service model lies in its fusion of extensive physical accessibility with digital-first convenience.

Extensive Accessibility: The Core of the Currency Exchange Service

Kumari Bank has strategically optimized its branch network within the Kathmandu Valley to provide unparalleled access to critical foreign currencies, specifically the US Dollar (USD) and the Australian Dollar (AUD). This deliberate distribution model is designed to eliminate the historical hassle and lengthy travel previously associated with acquiring foreign cash, making pre-travel logistics significantly smoother for customers.

Focus on US Dollar (USD) Availability:

Recognizing the USD as the universally accepted reserve currency for international travel and transactions, Kumari Bank has made a significant operational commitment: USD cash exchange services are available at all of its inside-valley branches. This level of comprehensive availability ensures that no customer within the Kathmandu Valley needs to seek out a specialized forex counter or travel great distances simply to obtain the most essential foreign currency. This ubiquity in service provision is a crucial value-add that prioritizes customer confidence and efficiency.

Strategic Access to Australian Dollar (AUD):

The Australian Dollar is particularly vital for the large segment of Nepali youth pursuing higher education in Australia, a top destination for Nepali students. To cater effectively to this specific demographic, AUD cash exchange is available at 20 strategically selected, major branches across the valley. These key locations—including Naxal, Laldarbar, New Baneshwor, Ratopul, Putalisadak, Chabahil, Newroad, Thamel, Bouddha, Gongabu, Koteshwor, Jhamsikhel, Gatthaghar, Maharajgunj, Suryabinayak, Kumaripati, Dhumbarahi, Bagbazar, Kupondole, and Teku—are hubs of commercial, educational, or residential activity, thereby maximizing convenience for the target clientele. This segmented approach ensures that the highest-demand currencies are available where they are needed most, streamlining the critical preparation phase for those moving abroad.

The Digital Advantage: Introducing the Kumari Bank Travel Card

Complementing the physical cash exchange service is the introduction of the Kumari Bank Travel Card, a secure, multi-purpose digital instrument designed to replace the risks and inconvenience of carrying large sums of physical cash abroad. This preloaded card can be denominated and loaded with foreign currency, such as USD or AUD, adhering to the foreign exchange regulations set by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

Security and Convenience in International Payments:

The Travel Card operates on a prepaid basis, meaning the available funds are limited to the loaded amount, which inherently mitigates the financial exposure in case of theft or loss—a key security advantage over traditional cash. Travelers can use the card for a wide array of international financial activities, including point-of-sale (POS) purchases at merchant locations, hotel reservations, secure online transactions, and cash withdrawals from international ATMs that accept the card’s network (typically VISA, as per available public information). This feature aligns perfectly with Kumari Bank’s broader mission to promote a cashless economy and equip its customers with state-of-the-art digital financial tools that are globally compliant and convenient. The card’s capability for digital spending tracking further empowers travelers to manage their budgets effectively while overseas.

Commitment to Transparency and Customer Support

A significant element of the new service offerings is the bank’s emphasis on transparency and reliable customer support, which are critical differentiators in the foreign exchange market.

Transparent and Competitive Rates: Kumari Bank commits to offering competitive exchange rates and a structure of clear, transparent pricing. This includes compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the potential levy of an additional 30 paisa per unit for USD and AUD cash sell transactions (Airlift charges), as stipulated by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) circular on cash handling charges. By explicitly communicating all applicable fees, the bank fosters trust and ensures customers have a full understanding of their total transaction costs, avoiding the unpleasant surprise of hidden charges.

Reliable Support Channel: The bank has ensured that travelers have immediate access to expert assistance. Customers with inquiries regarding the Travel Card, cash exchange, or any related services can contact the bank’s support center directly at 01-5970499. This dedicated line provides essential guidance and ensures that customers can resolve issues swiftly, which is paramount when managing finances in an unfamiliar international setting.

The Vision for Digital Expansion and Future Services

Kumari Bank’s introduction of the Travel Card and enhanced currency exchange is an integral part of its long-term vision for digital transformation. The bank is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation in Nepal, continually rolling out modern financial products to improve customer experience. Looking ahead, the bank has signaled plans to expand its travel-focused services even further, including the potential development of multi-currency Travel Cards and online foreign exchange booking systems. These prospective services would allow for greater flexibility and personalization, enabling travelers to pre-order their currency online and manage multiple foreign currencies on a single digital card, thus significantly enhancing the overall value proposition for its growing customer base of global citizens. The bank is effectively leveraging its technological capabilities to provide not just banking services, but a true end-to-end financial solution for international travel.

For More: Kumari Bank Travel Card