During Your Trip: FAQs & Answers
Are there visitor information centres?
Yes. Bhutan’s Department of Tourism operates a visitor centre at Paro International Airport. There are also visitor centres at some of the border entry points.
Where can I exchange currency?
You can exchange foreign currency for Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) on arrival: at Paro International Airport, banks, larger hotels, and authorised currency exchange businesses.
How much cash can I bring into Bhutan?
Visitors may bring in cash equivalent to US$ 10,000 without declaring.
- According to Bhutan’s customs regulations, amounts exceeding US$ 10,000 must be declared.
- When exiting Bhutan, if you have more than US$ 10,000 (or equivalent), you need to make a declaration at customs.
Can I use my credit card and ATM card in Bhutan?
- Yes, in many urban areas, banks and ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard.
- However, credit card acceptance is more limited in remote areas.
- There are digital wallet apps: goBoB (by Bank of Bhutan) and MyPay (by Bhutan National Bank) that can link to your international card + local SIM.
- It’s recommended to bring some cash (US $ or Indian Rupees) even if you plan to use cards.
- Note: Some ATM / POS machines may not support only-chip cards; magnetic strip cards may work better.
Is there good internet connection and Wi-Fi in Bhutan?
- Most hotels (especially in cities) provide Wi-Fi.
- For more reliable access, it’s recommended to buy a visitor SIM and use mobile data.
- Mobile data can be relatively expensive.
Where can I get a visitor SIM card?
- SIM cards are available at the Paro International Airport visitor centre on arrival.
- You can also buy SIMs from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
Are there any restrictions on dress?
There’s no strict dress code for tourists, but modest, respectful clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites (temples, Dzongs): covering shoulders and knees is appreciated.
Do I need a guide to enter monuments and Dzongs, and are they chargeable?
- Yes — a guide is required to enter most monuments and Dzongs.
- Some monuments have entry fees, others don’t. For those that do, fees can usually be paid in cash or via the goBoB app.
Where are good places to buy handicrafts and gifts?
- Popular places include the Cottage & Small Industries (CSI) Market, the Centenary Farmers’ Market, the Textile Museum shop, and craft galleries like Tarayana.
- For help locating specific artisan shops, you can also ask your guide or hosts.
Are there certain things I can’t take out of Bhutan when I leave?
Yes. There are restrictions on cultural, historic, and religious artefacts. For non-antique items like ritual objects or handicrafts, you may need an Export Permit from the Department of Culture.
Can I use a drone for photography while in Bhutan?
A special permit is required to fly a drone (recreational or commercial) in Bhutan. You must apply for this in advance.
If I drive my own car into Bhutan, do I still need a guide?
Yes — even if you’re driving your own car, a guide is mandatory for travel around Bhutan.
Are Route Permits required for guests to move around between areas in Bhutan?
- As of the latest guidance, route permits are no longer required for tourists to move around.
- Exception: travelers on a business visa or on official duty still need route permits.