Nepal Rastra Bank has issued a public advisory warning that printing, transporting, or transacting counterfeit currency is illegal and urging citizens to remain vigilant during financial transactions. The central bank has advised that any suspicious banknote should be reported to the nearest police office, bank branch, financial institution, or directly to Nepal Rastra Bank, along with information about its source.
According to the notice, individuals should carefully examine banknotes by observing, touching, and tilting them if they appear unusually smooth like ordinary paper, display faded colors, show irregular or externally attached security threads, or lack clearly embossed features. The advisory specifically details security features embedded in Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denominations to help the public distinguish genuine notes from counterfeit ones.
For the Rs 1000 note, the bank states that when held against light, a Laligurans watermark and the number “1000” are visible, along with a complete “1000” formed through a see-through register. The printed areas are raised and rough to the touch, including an embossed English letter “M” designed to assist visually impaired users. When tilted, the security thread appears to move, certain design elements show a silver hue, and iridescent ink becomes distinctly golden. Under Ultra Violet (UV) light, the image of Sagarmatha, the Governor’s signature, and the serial numbers illuminate.
Similarly, for the Rs 500 note, the bank notes that a Laligurans watermark and a complete “NRB” see-through register can be observed against light. The woven security thread, visible under light, contains the inscription “NRB 500” and a tiger motif. The note’s surface is rough with raised printing, and two tactile dots assist visually impaired users. When tilted, the security thread changes color from red to green, and the rooster motif shifts from gold to green. Under UV light, Sagarmatha, the Governor’s signature, and serial numbers glow.
The central bank has urged the public to remain alert and conduct secure transactions, emphasizing collective responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of the national currency. It has also provided an online grievance portal at www.gunaso.nrb.org.np and a contact number, 01–5719604, for financial consumer protection support.