NRB Begins Exchange of Clean Notes for Dashain Across the Country

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has begun providing clean note exchange services for Dashain from today, a facility that will remain available until September 26. The service is being offered through the Currency Management Department in Thapathali and NRB’s provincial offices in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Pokhara, Siddharthanagar, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi.

Commercial banks across the country have also been authorized to facilitate clean note exchange, enabling the public to access the service conveniently from their nearest branches. This year, instead of issuing brand-new currency, the central bank has opted to distribute clean notes currently in circulation. Citizens can exchange up to Rs. 18,500, which includes bundles of 100 notes in denominations of Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, and Rs. 100.

Dashain traditionally sees a sharp rise in cash demand as remittances, allowances, and festival-related expenses flow from urban centers to rural areas. The exchange of clean notes is a long-practiced tradition, supporting both cultural preferences and liquidity needs. However, given the high costs of printing—ranging from Rs. 1.40 to Rs. 4.68 per note—and the rapid wear and misuse of new notes, NRB has in recent years shifted from printing fresh currency to recycling clean notes, reducing the financial burden on the state.