Your first 48 hours in a new country set the tone for your entire study abroad experience. Arriving prepared — with the right documents, a clear plan, and knowledge of what to expect — eliminates the anxiety that catches many Nepali students off guard. This practical checklist covers everything from before you board your flight to your first two days on campus.
Your first 48 hours in a new country set the tone for your entire study abroad experience. Arriving prepared — with the right documents, a clear plan, and knowledge of what to expect — eliminates the anxiety that catches many Nepali students off guard. This practical checklist covers everything from before you board your flight to your first two days on campus.
Before You Board: Essential Carry-On Documents
Never check your critical documents in your luggage — always carry them with you in your hand luggage. If your checked bags are lost (which happens more often than you might expect), you cannot enter your destination country without these documents:
- Valid passport (and a photocopy stored separately)
- Student visa or visa sticker in passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or university admission letter
- Accommodation confirmation or university hall booking
- Health insurance documents (OSHC for Australia, etc.)
- Financial documents (bank statements, scholarship letter)
- Emergency contact list (family in Nepal, university emergency contact)
- Sufficient prescription medications for 2-3 months (with prescription copies)
It is also wise to have digital copies of all documents saved in Google Drive or iCloud — accessible from any device even if your phone is lost.
At Immigration: What to Expect
Immigration at major international airports can be intense, especially at first-arrival ports in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the USA. Border officers are trained to assess whether travellers are genuine visitors with legitimate purposes. Be calm, polite, and confident — nervousness is normal but try not to let it dominate. Common questions immigration officers ask:
- “What is the purpose of your visit?” — Answer: “I’m here as a student at [University name].”
- “How long will you be staying?” — Know your course duration and visa validity
- “Do you have accommodation arranged?” — Have your accommodation booking ready to show
- “How much money are you carrying?” — Be honest; amounts under your country’s threshold don’t need to be declared
- “Do you have any connections in this country?” — Family, friends, community members are fine to mention
Always answer honestly and specifically. Short, clear answers are best. Do not volunteer additional information that wasn’t asked for.
Customs: The Biggest Mistake Nepali Students Make
Declaring food items is mandatory at most international borders — particularly at Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Many Nepali students bring home food (dried vegetables, spices, pickles, dried meats) in their checked luggage without declaring them. Failure to declare is a serious offence that can result in substantial fines (AUD 2,664 in Australia, USD 10,000 in the USA) and, in severe cases, a travel ban. When in doubt, always declare — the worst that can happen if you declare is that the item is confiscated. The consequences of not declaring are far more serious.
Getting a SIM Card
Having a working local phone number is your highest priority after clearing immigration and customs. Your options are:
- Airport SIM: Convenient but typically 20-40% more expensive than city rates; often limited data or short validity
- Campus or city store SIM: Better value; major carriers (Optus/Telstra in Australia, EE/Vodafone/Three in UK, Rogers/Fido in Canada) offer prepaid SIMs for AUD/CAD/GBP 10-30 for starter plans
- eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase and activate a local data plan online before you leave Nepal. Providers like Airalo offer affordable international eSIMs. You can use it immediately upon landing without needing to visit a shop.
Currency Exchange
Airport currency exchange counters have the worst exchange rates and highest fees — avoid exchanging large amounts there. Exchange a small amount (USD 100-200 equivalent) before departure in Kathmandu for immediate needs (transport, food), then use your international debit card (or a Wise/Revolut card if you have one) for subsequent purchases. ATMs at or near the airport generally offer better rates than airport currency exchange desks.
Transport from Airport to Accommodation
Research your transport route before you land. For most major study cities, options include airport train or metro, airport bus, and taxi/rideshare. Airport taxis are almost always the most expensive option. Pre-book an airport transfer if you are arriving late at night and are unfamiliar with the city. Many universities arrange or recommend transport for new international students arriving at the start of semester — check your university’s arrival guide.
| Task | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Get local SIM / activate eSIM | Within first hour of arrival | Airport SIM fine for first day; upgrade later |
| Withdraw local currency from ATM | Day 1 | Use bank ATM, not currency exchange desk |
| Register with university international office | Day 1–2 | Required to activate student ID and enrolment |
| Get local transport card | Day 1–2 | Opal (Sydney), Oyster (London), etc. — save money vs cash fares |
| Open local bank account | Day 2–5 | Bring passport, admission letter, and address proof |
| Save emergency contacts in phone | Day 1 | University emergency line, local police non-emergency, Nepali embassy |
| Connect with Nepali Students’ Association | Week 1 | Fastest route to community and peer support |
What happens if I forget to declare food at Australian customs?
Australia's biosecurity laws are among the strictest in the world. If you are caught with undeclared food items, you face an on-the-spot infringement notice (currently AUD 2,664 for individuals) and the items are confiscated and destroyed. Repeat or serious offences can lead to criminal prosecution with fines up to AUD 420,000 and/or imprisonment. Always declare all food, plant material, and animal products — even if you're not sure, declare it.
Do I need to register with the police after arriving in the UK?
Some international students entering the UK on a Student visa from certain countries (check your visa endorsement for "Register with police") are required to register with the local police within 7 days of arrival. Check your visa vignette sticker — if it says "Police registration required," visit the local Overseas Visitor Records Office (OVRO) promptly. Failing to register when required is a breach of your visa conditions.
Can I use my Nepali debit card abroad?
Standard Nepali bank debit cards (VISA/Mastercard linked to Nepali accounts with NPR) have very limited usability abroad — foreign transaction fees are high and daily limits are low. Before departure, consider opening a Wise or Revolut account (if available to Nepali residents) for multi-currency use. Most students open a local bank account in their destination country within the first week and transfer funds internationally from Nepal to that account.
Should I exchange a large amount of Nepali Rupees to foreign currency before departure?
Exchange enough for immediate needs (USD 150-200 equivalent) to cover your first 1-2 days — transport, food, and urgent purchases before you can access a local ATM or open a bank account. Beyond that, exchange rates at Kathmandu forex bureaus are generally better than airport rates abroad, but large cash amounts create security risks during travel. ATM withdrawals in your destination country using an international card is generally the most practical approach.
- Australia arrival guide (www.studyaustralia.gov.au)
- Canada arrival guide (www.educanada.ca)
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
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