Money, Banking & SIMSection 02

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Section 02
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Your Nepali cards may not work at a UK card terminal, and opening a UK bank account can take one to three weeks after you arrive. Plan for that gap.

In small notes (£5/£10/£20). Enough for transport, a SIM, first groceries and a deposit while your bank account is still being opened.

Cabin onlyRs 70,00014d before

A multi-currency card (Wise / Revolut / a bank forex card) is far cheaper than exchanging cash. Test it works before you fly.

Cabin only21d before

Otherwise the first foreign transaction gets blocked.

7d before

For the taxi home if a flight is cancelled, and for your return.

Cabin only

Someone at home who can send money the same day if needed.

14d before

Giffgaff / Lyca / Smarty SIMs can be posted to your UK address before you arrive, or use an eSIM on landing. Airport SIMs are overpriced.

21d before

Get this done in Nepal — free there, a hassle in the UK.

14d before

For the journey only.

0.1 kgRs 700

Family, university international office, Nepali Embassy London, insurance hotline — on paper, not only in your phone.

Cabin only

Declare large cash

You must declare cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent) when entering the UK. Undeclared cash can be seized.

Carrying that much is inadvisable anyway — transfer tuition and living funds through the bank.