Kathmandu is generally considered a safe destination for both residents and international visitors, known for its warm hospitality. However, common sense precautions are advised.
**Emergency Numbers:** * Police: 100 * Tourist Police: 1144 (Specialized unit with English-speaking officers for visitors) * Fire: 101 * Ambulance: 102
**Safety Tips for Visitors:** * **Petty Crime:** Pickpocketing can occur in highly crowded areas like Kathmandu Durbar Square or during major festivals (e.g., Indra Jatra). Keep valuables secure. * **Traffic:** Traffic in Kathmandu can be chaotic. Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, as pedestrian crossings are not always respected. * **Wildlife:** At Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath, macaque monkeys are common. Do not feed them, avoid direct eye contact, and secure loose items like sunglasses and food. * **Structural Safety:** While immense progress has been made since the 2015 earthquake, always obey signage around monuments undergoing reconstruction and avoid climbing on fragile ruins.