Nepalis are pretty much used to getting ripped off by hefty service and VAT charges in restaurant bills. A half-filling plate of momo priced at Rs 150 in the menu can easily go up to Rs 185 with 13% vat charge and 10% service charge. In such situations, most of us simply accept our fate. But recently, a fearless Nepali man refused to put up with all this and filed a lawsuit against a restaurant for charging more for a plate of momos than what the menu stated.
And what’s more, the man actually won a Rs 10,000 settlement against the resort. Well, after such a massive victory of the common Nepali man against overpricing in the country, we couldn’t help but think of all the things in our country that are quite plainly overpriced!
After momos, here are 10 overpriced things in Nepal that people people should file a lawsuit against!
1. Petrol
Petrol must be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about overpriced things in Nepal. Gone are the days where petrol was only Rs.80 per liter. Now, the cost has gone so high up that we even contemplate not leaving our houses. Paying over 180 rupees for a liter, which on average covers you for barely 40 kms, isn’t ideal.
2. Public bus fare
Public buses are used by a wide variety of Nepali people and some may not have a problem with the bus fare. In fact, it can be the most reasonable option for them. However, it might not be the same case for the significant population of the country who survive on less than average salaries. With the recent hikes in public bus fares, it is quite common for people to spend more than Rs 50 on bus fares on the daily — which is absolutely crazy, given the fact that they’re supposed to be ‘public’ transport, to be used by everyone.
3. Overpriced clothes and shoes
If you enter a mall or a good-looking shop, you’re doomed, and the ‘only 1000’ signs surround you. It’s not that there aren’t any reasonable stores; they’re just tough to find. A simple t-shirt can easily cost you more than ‘just’ 1200 rupees and it’s the same case for shoes too. But, with dedication and top-notch bargaining skills, you can still find cheap clothing of good quality. However, finding cheaper shoes of good quality is quite a task. They might just give up in 2 months and you’ll end up spending even more money.
4. Water in restaurants
We can see a rise in ‘aesthetic cafes’, which in the name of ambience, drain your pocket. It’s slowly become a social status thing to visit expensive restaurants, and post pictures on social media. Because of this, restaurants openly sell the most overpriced things in Nepal. So much so that they even justify charging 100 rupees for a bottle of plain water! Yes, it is ridiculous. But, most people just choose not to pick a fight and the cycle repeats.
5. Schools
It’s a known fact that private schools charge significant fees and this doesn’t even include the school dress, books, and the excursion fees added later. But, it’s shocking to know that big-name schools can charge up to 35,000 a month even for kindergarten. It’s clearly overpriced and education should be made affordable for everyone.
6. Movie hall food
The experience of watching movies, that too on a big screen, is incomplete without munching on a snack. And since people aren’t allowed to take their own, they have to buy the theatre snacks. The movie experience almost becomes less enjoyable with the not-worth-it popcorn in your guilty hands which are reeling from spending 400 rupees just for a paper bag-full of makai.
7. Cars and bikes
One of the most overpriced things in Nepal must be private vehicles, with a massive import tax of 240%. Due to this, an average income family can only dream of owning larger vehicles. The sad part is that our public transport system is so terrible that a simple two-wheeler becomes quite essential for a middle-class family. But the government chooses to hit right where it hurts with a massive vehicle import tax, followed by a yearly road tax that is increased on a regular basis. This would be a non-issue if only we got a good public transport system. But, alas! It is not so.
8. Local Nepali products
Every Nepali agrees with the idea of supporting products of our own country. But, this ideal sometimes feels difficult to put into practice since many local businesses charge significant amounts for their products. Naturally, people resort to cheaper alternatives, most of which are imported. There are of course affordable Nepali brands out there that we love. However, some Nepali products just feel overpriced.
9. Haircuts
Recently, the cost for haircuts were increased to 200 and Nepali people were furious. But, that isn’t applied everywhere and a simple haircut can cost you 300 rupees which is absurd! However, seems like this too is the best-case scenario since fancier salons can charge you upto 500 easily. And if you’re someone with long hair, that can go even higher.
10. Parking
In crowded city areas, parking charges are taken hourly and if you have to park for a whole day, don’t be shocked at the amount you might have to pay. Since parking spaces are limited, the owners probably feel free to overcharge. However, with recent changes being made in parking facilities, overcharging for parking might stop altogether.
The man really showed courage by calling out the resort. Hopefully after this, people are encouraged to speak up if they feel like some prices are unfair.
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