Checklist

Checklist

The following information should provide some useful information to plan your travel.

Travel / Medical Insurance

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has a travel and medical plan solely for visitors. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner. You may also visit the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan website at www.ricb.com.bt for more information.

Money

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 , 1000  and 2000 are not accepted in Bhutan. 

International Credit cards payments are accepted in most hotels and business establishments.

Banking

Bhutan has four banks –Bank of Bhutan Limited, Bhutan National Bank, Druk PNB and the T Bank – that provide the standard banking facilities including internet banking. Traveller’s cheque can be easily endorsed and exchanged for local currency.

Electricity

Electricity runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. Most hotels offer multi plug sockets.

Photography

Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography. However, you should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions. In some areas photograph/filming is not permitted.

You are free to capture images of the landscape, flora and fauna and Bhutanese architecture.

Shopping

Handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products.

You may be interested in exquisite Buddhist thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s colourful postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

Gratuities

Tipping is a purely personal matter. It is up to you whether to give gratuity to your guides and drivers. We recommend placing the gratuity in an envelope if you decide to give.

Communications

Tourists sims for cell phones are available once you arrive in Bhutan. Bhutan has two telecom operators with nationwide coverage and roaming options.

Clothes & Other Paraphernalia

Given the altitudinal variations that can happen within a short distance, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. Be prepared for sudden change in temperatures. Having some warm clothes at all times is a good idea.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully if visiting monasteries, dzongs and other religious institutions. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any place with the national flag raised.

Weights and Measures

Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in grams (g) and kilogrammes (kg).

Time

Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time.

Health Inoculations

Please seek advice from your doctor on vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travel to Bhutan in South Asia. As a minimum, you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.

Precautions

Please ensure belongings especially passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Do not leave such items within sight in locked vehicles.

Avoid drinking tap water or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. Treated and bottled water is available to buy.

Sale of tobacco products is prohibited in Bhutan, but visitors can bring is a small quantity for personal consumption after paying duty. Smoking in public is prohibited and hotels and restaurants have designated spots.