Are there visitor information centres?
Yes – Bhutan's Department of Tourism has a dedicated visitor centre at Paro International Airport. Others may be found at the four border entry points.
Where can I exchange currency?
You can change your local currency for ngultrum upon arrival at Paro International Airport or at banks, larger hotels and authorised currency exchange businesses in Thimphu.
How much cash can I bring into Bhutan?
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
Can I use my credit card and ATM card in Bhutan?
ATM and banks accept Visa and Mastercard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the
digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country. Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely.
Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies, or in Bhutanese ngultrum.
Is there good internet connection and Wi-Fi in Bhutan?
Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a guest SIM card for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection. Mobile data in Bhutan can also be expensive. You can find the B Mobile SIM in mobile stores in larger cities, which you can easily top up using the Bank of Bhutan app
goBoB. This app also facilitates other payments within the country.
Where can I get a visitor SIM card?
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
Are there any restrictions on dress?
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Do I need a guide to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan, and are they chargeable?
Yes, a guide is required to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. While some of the monuments and Dzongs have no entry fee, others have a fee on arrival, which can be paid in cash or via the GoBob app.
Where are good places to buy handicrafts and gifts?
Are there certain things I can’t take out of Bhutan when I leave?
Keeping important antiques and artefacts in Bhutan is a key part of how we preserve our heritage for future generations. We have a law that sets out which artistic, historic, cultural, religious, social, archaeological and technical objects you may not take with you when you leave. To ensure any items you acquire comply with the law, you will need an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts.
Find out more about the permit and how to apply for one here.
Where can I find customs information?
You can find a full, detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items
here.
Who should I contact in an emergency?
If it is related to your tourism experience, you can phone the Department of Tourism directly on +975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan). If you require one of the emergency services, please telephone 110 for fire, 112 for an ambulance or 113 for police.
Can I use a drone for photography while in Bhutan?
A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please email
media@tcb.gov.bt to find out more about the regulations.
If I drive my own car into Bhutan, do I still need a guide?
Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.
Are Route Permits required for guests to move around between areas in Bhutan?
Route Permits are no longer required to move around Bhutan. However, anyone on a business visa or for an official purpose is required to have a Route Permit.
Are permits required to enter National Parks in Bhutan?
Are there any fees to enter monuments or other sites in Bhutan?
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees,
please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am - 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.
