Today, we can hardly imagine an era without international transactions, and Nepalese people are well known for the difficulty they face when they use online services. And yet this is the point where a dollar card becomes convenient. They enable you to pay for products or services directly in foreign currency without the need to make any conversions.
What is a Dollar Card?
A Dollar Card is a prepaid or debit card that can be obtained through banks in Nepal and is used to make international online transactions in USD. At the same time, applications for the card are growing more and more. It is mainly used for buying software, advertising, or subscribing to shows online.
Types of Dollar Card
In Nepal, there are generally two types of Dollar Cards. They are Virtual and Physical Dollar cards. Let’s dive straight into the types of dollar cards available in Nepal.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between virtual and physical dollar cards:
| Feature | Virtual Dollar Card | Physical Dollar Card |
| Purpose | Online transactions only | Online transactions + ATM withdrawals |
| Form | Digital (no physical card issued) | Tangible card like debit/credit cards |
| Application Process | Online via mobile banking or websites | Requires visiting the bank |
| Fees | Slightly Lower than Physical Dollar Card | Slightly Higher than Physical Dollar Card |
| Usage Limit | USD 500 per year (as per NRB regulations) | USD 500 per year (same limit) |
Uses of Dollar Card
- Online Transactions:
A dollar card is widely used for transactions on Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce platforms. - Subscription:
ServicesIt helps pay for Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium, and other streaming services. - E-commerce:
PaymentsShop from international platforms that do not accept NPR-based payment methods. - Digital Marketing & Freelancing:
Used for running ads on Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn or paying for freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
How to Make a Dollar Card in Nepal?
Step 1: Visit Bank with necessary documents
Go to your nearest Bank branch and request a dollar card application form. But make sure you carry documents such as your PAN Card(original), Citizenship Card(original) and Passport(generally not required). If you are applying via Global IME Bank, you can make dollar card using GlobalSmart+ app easily.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
Provide the necessary details and attach required documents.
Step 3: Submit the Form
Submit your application and wait for approval.
Step 4: Load Funds & Use
Once approved, load funds from your account and start using the card for online transactions.
Why Do You Need a Dollar Card in Nepal?
Due to Nepal Rastra Bank’s regulations, international transactions using NPR cards are restricted. A dollar card is essential for:
- Freelancers & IT professionals – Paying for software, web hosting, and advertising.
- Students & researchers – Purchasing e-books, online courses, and journal subscriptions.
- Business owners – Paying for international services and digital marketing.
- Entertainment enthusiasts – Subscribing to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, and other online services.
Eligibility Criteria for a Dollar Card
To apply for a dollar card from Commercial Bank, you must:
- Be a Nepalese citizen
- Have an active bank account
- Provide necessary documents as per the bank’s requirements
Required Documents
- Citizenship or Passport
- PAN card
- Active bank account
- Proof of income or fund source
How to Load Money into Your Dollar Card?
- Visit your bank branch and deposit NPR into your dollar card account.
- Use a mobile banking app to transfer funds.
- Maintain a limit of $500 per year as per NRB regulations.
How to Secure Your Dollar Card?
- Never share your card details.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Monitor transactions regularly.
Global E-Com Card Features
Global IME Bank offers one of the most reliable dollar cards in Nepal, providing features like:
- Easy international transactions
- Secure online payments
- Hassle free process
- Recharge through an NPR account
- 24/7 online support
“As a digital marketer, I often had to run ads on specific days. It became a hassle for me to visit the bank every time I needed to load money onto my dollar card.
– Sudeshna Thapa, Digital Marketer
Then I discovered Global IME Bank’s seamless dollar card service and got my new dollar card through them. Now, I can easily load funds directly through mobile banking, without the need to visit the bank each time.”
Conclusion
After comparing all options of Dollar Cards in Nepal, Global IME Bank is one of the best options. Global IME Bank is reliable, affordable and best choice for following reasons:
- Quick and Easy Application: Apply via the banking app if you’ve provided your PAN card while opening the account. Many savings accounts offer discounts on the issuance fee.
- Flexible Loading: No restrictions on transaction amounts; load as little as $1 or $2 without hassle.
- No Enquiries: Enjoy stress-free loading without unnecessary questions.
- Instant Access to Cards: Get non-personalized, Virtual, or Personalized cards instantly at any branch.
Don’t wait—start your journey with a Dollar Card from Global IME Bank today!
FAQs
1. How to get a dollar card in Nepal?
To get a dollar card in Nepal, first of all you must have a bank account in your name and your PAN Card. Then you have to go to the nearest branch of your bank for a dollar card request. Fill out a request form there, and submit the necessary documents(pan card photocopy, citizenship photocopy). You will get your dollar card after some days.
2. What is the limit of a dollar card?
As per NRB, the maximum limit is $500 per year. That means you can add and do transactions of $500 in a year from a single dollar card (not more than that).
3. Which bank is best for dollar card in Nepal?
A lot of people prefer Global IME Bank’s dollar card because it is the only bank which provides the facility to simply load money through your mobile banking. You don’t have to visit the bank each time loading money in your dollar card.
4. Can I use dollar card for running facebook ads in Nepal?
Yes, generally most of the people in Nepal use dollar card to run facebook ads, instagram ads and google ads rather than using other payment medium.
5. What are the benefits of having a dollar card?
If you have a business, then you can use a dollar card for running meta ads(facebook ads, instagram ads) and google ads. You can also do online purchases through international marketplace. Additionally, you can also use your dollar card while travelling internationally.
6. Can a single person have multiple dollar cards in Nepal?
No, as per the “One Card per Entity” rule a person can have only one card. But since many business owners face the problem of dollar card limit which is $500 in a year. So in this scenario you can get other dollar cards in your family member’s name and use them with a mutual consent.
7. Can I use dollar card for buying things from international marketplace like Alibaba and Amazon?
Yes, you can easily use your dollar card for online purchases on Alibaba and Amazon.
8. How many days it takes to get a dollar card in Nepal?
At Global IME Bank, you can get your dollar card number issued in a day from which you can do your international transactions smoothly.
9. What are the documents required to get a dollar card?
Before visiting the bank for a dollar card, make sure you carry your PAN Card(original). Also if you have not opened any bank account previously in that bank then carry your Citizenship Card(original). Also if you are getting a dollar card for international travel purposes then make sure you carry your Passport. Otherwise in general cases, passport is really not required.
10. Can a dollar card get expired?
Yes just like other prepaid cards, dollar cards also get expired after a year. To renew it for the next year, you have to pay a renewal fee of Rs. 300 to reactivate it.
