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Pros and Cons of Living in Nepal | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Nepal

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Oct 28, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Nepal include its stunning natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage, and its friendly people. Additionally, Nepal is a relatively inexpensive place to live, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of affordable housing options. Furthermore, Nepal is a great place to explore and experience the outdoors, with its many mountains, rivers, and forests. The cons of living in Nepal include its lack of modern infrastructure, its limited access to healthcare and education, and its vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, Nepal is a developing country, and its economy is still relatively weak. Furthermore, the country is prone to political instability, and there is a risk of civil unrest.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Nepal?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Nepal responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Nepal often appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, its friendly people, and its low cost of living. They also enjoy the opportunity to experience a different culture and explore the many historical and religious sites. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and the limited availability of western amenities to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be a source of frustration for those who don't speak Nepali," said one in Nepal.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Nepal appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Nepal appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful traditional clothing, and diverse religious practices. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Nepal, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Finally, expats enjoy the delicious Nepalese cuisine, which is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese flavors," replied an expat in Nepal.

"The friendliness of the Nepalese, their spiritual practices and belief, the social nature of the culture, and the way that they care for you - I have far more friends and family in Nepal in the US (my wife is a Hindu Nepalese, bahun caste)," remarked one in Kathmandu.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Nepal is the language barrier. Many locals speak Nepali, which can be difficult for expats to understand. Additionally, the cultural norms and values can be quite different from those of the expats' home countries, which can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be quite different from what expats are used to, which can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Finally, the local infrastructure and transportation can be unreliable and difficult to navigate, which can be a source of frustration for expats," said one person in Nepal.

"Bandhs, Maoists, load shedding, bad water supply, and everyone asking me if I can get them a visa," remarked one expat in Kathmandu.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

William Russell
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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