Planning for Dashain? Exchange New Banknotes Any Time During Regular Banking Hours

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has decided not to set a specific time frame or deadline for exchanging new and small denomination banknotes for the upcoming Dashain festival. Instead, the central bank is making currency exchange a regular service available during standard office hours.

Unlike previous years, when the central bank announced fixed dates specifically targeted at Dashain currency exchange, the facility will now run year round as a routine operational service. NRB stated that it holds sufficient currency reserves to meet public demand, adding that clean, well maintained notes will also be provided alongside crisp new bills if high demand creates shortages.

The exchange service is available directly through NRB banking counters as well as branch offices of commercial banks and financial institutions across the country. Under the current provision, individuals visiting the central bank to exchange currency can obtain up to two bundles of bills per transaction. Each bundle contains 100 individual notes of the Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, and Rs 100 denominations.

NRB clarified that while brand new bills are primarily prioritized for commercial purposes, a mix of new and clean banknotes will remain accessible for general everyday use. As a result, the public planning to obtain currency for festival traditions no longer need to wait for a special central bank schedule and can visit during regular banking hours.