Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a very safe country. Just use common sense, and you'll be fine. We walk most places and have done so from very early in the morning to very late at night and always felt safer in Nepal than any city in the US. - Jun 2024
Mostly crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing etc. You'll need to be careful in high tourist areas. Just be smart and have a good bag and try not bring anything too valuable. I think it is very similar in other big cities. You should also be very careful when drinking at bars and clubs. - Aug 2022
There have been some bombings (usually 5-6 per year), usually by the communist group. Women can be groped on the street or grabbed, this is not super common, but it does happen. Don't walk alone at night and steer clear of groups of young men. It's a decently safe post. - Aug 2019
Not really, this is one of the safest places I have ever lived. As a single female, I have never felt threatened or uncomfortable. Be careful while driving as the drivers are terrible and if you get into an accident, people will "mob" around the scene. - Aug 2015
Not really - you will feel very safe here. Women should be careful about walking alone at night, though, and should definitely not hike or trek alone. - Jul 2014
There are no streetlights, so it is very dark at night. Bring a good supply of small flashlights you can put in your bag. Even so, street crime doesn't seem to be a huge problem. In Thamel, keep your hands on your bag. - May 2014
It is pretty safe here. For females, hiking alone has become dangerous, so if you are in a group you are fine. Driving here is dangerous. You will be hit or hit somebody almost guaranteed. Pretty scary. - Apr 2014
Kathmandu is generally very safe. You do have to pay attention in tourist areas like Thamel - pickpocketing does occur. But, we allow our 17-year old daughter to take taxis with her friends on occasion. On the whole, the Nepalis are kind and helpful to foreigners. - Dec 2013
This city is safer than most in the US. - Jun 2013
I have known of two bombs that have gone off in the city in four years. That is the only thing that really concerned me. The situation does seem to be improving, though. The political protests are organized ahead of time, and people are warned to stay off the streets. If you cooperate, there is no danger. They are good at not targeting foreigners. - May 2013
This feels like one of the safest cities I've ever lived in, although I know there is still some petty crime. The security concerns are all politically-related (protests, strikes that shut down the city) and for Embassy personnel, RSO is very good about keeping everyone aware of what's going on... so no real concerns for personal safety. - Jun 2011
None really. The friendly culture makes violence unlikely. - Sep 2010
Not really. The Maoists can be a pain and stir up problems. Usually crime is minor towards the expat community. - Jan 2010
Certainly you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Generally we feel quite safe. The embassy is very security conscious. - May 2008
