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In This Guide
The Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
- Banknotes: Nu. 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000
- Indian Rupee Acceptance: INR is widely accepted as legal tender. However, due to Indian regulations, INR 500 and INR 2,000 notes are often restricted or not accepted. Stick to INR 100 notes for the smoothest experience.
- Where to Exchange: The best rates are at Paro International Airport or banks in Thimphu and Paro. Most hotels also offer exchange services for major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD).
ATMs and International Withdrawals
- Card Compatibility: Look for ATMs from Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank (BNB), or Druk PNB. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard.
- Withdrawal Limits: Typically Nu. 10,000 to Nu. 15,000 per transaction.
- Fees: Expect a local processing fee (approx. Nu. 200–300) in addition to your home bank's international fees.
- Reliability: Technical outages can happen. Never rely on an ATM as your only source of funds.
Digital Payments and Cards
- Credit/Debit Cards: Accepted at high-end hotels, luxury boutiques, and major handicraft emporiums in Thimphu and Paro.
- Surcharges: Many merchants apply a 3% to 7% service fee on card transactions to cover bank processing costs.
- Mobile Wallets: Locals use apps like goBob, myPay, or eTeeru. goBob and myPay can be registered even before reaching Bhutan, and the wallets can be loaded using a card. Indian travelers can now use BHIM UPI at many merchants via QR codes.
Budgeting for Extras
- Souvenirs: Budget Nu. 2,000–10,000+ depending on shopping plans
- Snacks & Drinks: Nu. 500–1,000 per day for items outside included meals
- Tips for Guide: $10-15 USD per day (for the group)
- Tips for Driver: $7-10 USD per day (for the group)
- Hot Stone Bath: Nu. 1,000-2,500 per session
Money Tips for Travelers
Pro Tips
- The "Leftover" Rule: You cannot exchange Ngultrum back into foreign currency outside of Bhutan. Spend your remaining cash or exchange it back at the airport before you clear immigration.
- Carry USD: US Dollars (especially $50 and $100 bills) often get a better exchange rate than smaller bills and are widely accepted in larger shops if you run out of local currency.
Tipping Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is not traditional in Bhutanese culture, but has become expected in tourism contexts.
Guides: USD $10-15 per day for the entire group is standard. For exceptional service, consider $15-20. Tip at the end of your trip.
Drivers: USD $7-10 per day for the group. Drivers work long hours on challenging mountain roads and deserve recognition.
Trekking Staff: Budget $5-10/day for trek guides, $3-5/day for cooks, $2-3/day for horsemen. Pool tips and distribute at trek's end.
Hotels & Restaurants: Not expected, but small tips (Nu. 100-200) for exceptional service are appreciated.
Tip: Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips - they're easier than converting large amounts to Ngultrum.
Understanding the SDF
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is Bhutan's unique approach to tourism financing.
Current Rate: USD $100 per person per night for international tourists. Reduced rates for SAARC nationals, children, and students.
What It Covers: The SDF funds free healthcare, free education, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development. It's not a "profit" for operators.
Payment: Collected by your tour operator before arrival. Included in your total tour payment, not paid separately in Bhutan.
Exemptions: Diplomats, invited guests, and those on special permits may have different arrangements.
Note: The SDF replaced the old "minimum daily tariff" system in 2022, giving travelers more flexibility in choosing accommodations and services.
Banking Hours & Services
Understanding local banking schedules helps you plan cash needs.
Bank Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Airport Exchange: The exchange counter at Paro Airport operates for all arriving and departing flights, regardless of time.
Hotel Exchange: Most tourist hotels offer currency exchange, though rates may be slightly less favorable than banks.
ATM Availability: 24/7 at bank branches in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Check with your guide for locations in other towns.
Plan Ahead: Before leaving Thimphu or Paro, withdraw enough cash for your entire trip to remote areas.
Emergency Money Situations
What to do if you run into financial difficulties during your trip.
Lost/Stolen Cards: Contact your bank immediately to block cards. Your guide can help with international calls. Major banks have emergency card replacement services.
Emergency Cash: Western Union has limited presence in Thimphu. Your tour operator may be able to advance cash against a guarantee (discuss beforehand).
Card Not Working: Notify your bank of your travel dates before departure to prevent fraud blocks. Carry cards from multiple banks as backup.
USD as Backup: US Dollars ($50 and $100 bills) are accepted at many shops and can be exchanged anywhere. Always carry some as emergency backup.
Before You Go: Inform your bank of travel to Bhutan, note emergency numbers, and bring cards from at least two different banks.
