Welcome to Bhutan 😊

Quick Facts About Bhutan

Money and Finances

The currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). Notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Ngultrums. Coins are available in denominations of 25 and 50 Chetrum.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in larger cities such as Thimphu and Paro, but they are not widespread throughout the country. It's recommended to carry enough cash when traveling to more remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. Some high-end hotels and restaurants may accept Visa and Mastercard, but it's best to carry cash when traveling in the country. AMEX is not accepted.

Internet and Phones

In Bhutan, the average internet speed is 6.8 Mbps for downloads and 2 Mbps for uploads. The government heavily regulates internet use and occasionally blocks certain websites and social media platforms.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Bhutan has two main telco companies, Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, both offering prepaid and postpaid mobile phone plans starting at around BTN 150 per month. Sim cards are available for purchase, but there may be compatibility issues with non-Bhutanese phones.

Dialling to Bhutan

To call Bhutan from another country, dial +975 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes in Bhutan are 02 for Thimphu, 07 for Paro and Chhukha, and 08 for Bumthang, Mongar, and Trashigang.

Transport Around Bhutan

Air Travel

The only international airport in Bhutan is located in Paro, about 65 km from the capital city Thimphu. Domestic flights are also available from Paro to other cities in Bhutan.

Train Travel

Bhutan does not have an inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Bhutan does not have a metro system.

Buses

Bhutan has a small but extensive bus network that connects cities and towns across the country. Example ticket prices range from 20-50 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) for short journeys and up to 200 BTN for longer journeys. Journey times can vary from a few hours to a full day.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are not available in Bhutan. However, local taxis and private drivers can be hired for travel within and between cities. The average cost for a 5 km journey is around 100-150 BTN.

Driving by Car

Driving in Bhutan can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and narrow roads. The speed limit is 30 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Bhutan follows left-hand drive and foreign visitors must obtain a local driving permit before renting a car.

Local Customs

In Bhutan, it is not customary to tip for services. Locals often greet each other with a handshake and a bow. The traditional greeting, 'Kuzuzangpo la,' can also be used. When speaking with strangers, it is important to maintain a polite and respectful tone. Men and women generally address each other formally, using titles such as 'Dasho' or 'Aum', depending on their rank or social status.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Bhutan has a universal healthcare system, which provides free healthcare services to its citizens. The country also offers national health insurance to all its citizens and residents. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around Nu. 500-700 (or USD 7-10).

COVID Situation

Bhutan was one of the first countries to introduce strict measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, including early border closures and lockdowns. As of August 2021, Bhutan has recorded a total of around 2,720 cases and 3 deaths. The country has a high vaccination rate, with over 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Bhutan include altitude sickness (as the country is situated in the Himalayan mountain range), dengue fever (especially during the monsoon season), and food and water-borne illnesses like hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Visitors are advised to take precautions and seek medical advice before traveling to Bhutan.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Bhutan, alcohol consumption is legal for those over 18 years old, but there are restrictions on the sale and distribution of alcohol. The sale of alcohol is banned on specific days and during certain hours. There are also limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased and consumed in public places and at home.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use in Bhutan is strictly prohibited and penalized with lengthy prison sentences, including for soft drugs such as cannabis. Possession, sale, and trafficking of drugs are illegal and punishable by imprisonment of 5-30 years, or even life imprisonment, depending on the quantity of drugs and the severity of the offense.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Bhutan, there are no laws prohibiting pre-marital relationships. However, Bhutanese society is generally conservative and traditionally views marriage as a sacred institution that should be entered into only after completing formal procedures and attaining higher education levels.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

In Bhutan, same-sex relationships are illegal and carry sentences of imprisonment. Bhutanese law is silent on homosexuality, but the Penal Code of Bhutan considers any sexual act outside of marriage to be ‘unnatural sexual intercourse’, which is a criminal offense, regardless of the gender of the partners involved.

Firearms / Guns

Ownership of firearms in Bhutan is strictly regulated and requires a license from the authorities. Possession of firearms without a license is a criminal offense and can result in imprisonment for up to 9 years. Bhutanese law also prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons in public places.