Travel Notes for Bhutan

The BTN, ngultrum is the official Bhutanese currency. One ngultrum is equivalent to one Indian rupee.

Make sure to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. It is also handy for buying souvenirs and snacks. Cash can be withdrawn from ATM’s at banks in the larger cities by using a Master or Visa card.

Payment by credit card is highly limited and a surcharge of 5% is levied on transactions if these facilities are available.

ATM’s are available in all the major towns in Bhutan. Three banks will accept foreign credit cards, namely Bhutan National Bank, Druk Punjab National Band and the Bank of Bhutan. Money can be withdrawn at ATM’s with a Master or Visa card on applicable service fees.

We recommend you get cash upon arrival in Paro or Thimphu before you start your travels to areas further afield. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nu at arrival.

Layers: Make sure to bring layers of clothing: a warm woolen under layer for the upper body and legs, a mid-layer, and for outer wear rain pants and a waterproof jacket.
Hat: You may be exposed to lots of sunshine while trekking in the mountains, so bring a Tilly Hat or good quality peak hat to cover your head and neck.
Sunscreen: In higher altitudes, the sun can be quite strong, and it is essential to use protection.
Lip balm: The climate in Bhutan can become very dry, so a good lip balm or chapstick and moisturizer for the body is a good idea.
Medicine for motion sickness: You will be traveling on lots of winding roads, so if you are prone to motion sickness, pack medicine.

Remember that as a traveler, you play a role in representing your home country. We suggest embracing this opportunity to showcase its positive aspects. Here are a few rules you should endeavor to follow when visiting Bhutan:

Refrain from passing negative comments on religion, the royal family and chief abbot.
Avoid wearing shorts during sightseeing, you can’t go inside any temple or monasteries then. Please take off your hats and sunglasses while going inside any religious place.
You shouldn’t play loud music in public, which includes inside religious sites and national parks.
It’s considered impolite to take photos or videos of individuals without first asking their permission. Also, ask for permission from the attending authority before taking any photos or videos inside places like monasteries. You’ll have a tour guide with you at all times who can serve as your translator.
In Bhutan, Tuesday is ‘Dry Day’. This means locals don’t drink alcohol on Tuesday. So it would be respectful to avoid alcohol on Tuesdays too.
On a similar – though in fact stricter – note, it’s illegal for tobacco to be sold in Bhutan. Tourists can bring cigarettes into the country, but you should only smoke them in designated places.
It’s disrespectful to wear revealing clothes when visiting religious sites like monasteries and temples. Also be prepared to take off your shoes in religious sites if requested to do so.
The Bhutanese are very eco conscious. If you can, avoid using single-use plastic bottles, cans and the like.
Bhutan’s official language is Dzongkha (Zongkha) but English is widely spoken.