Read on for important tips when travelling to Bhutan including currency, safety, passport, visas and luggage allowances.
What do I need to know about Bhutan?
All you need to know to travel to the last Himalayan kingdom
What do I need to know when travelling to Bhutan?
Bhutan is a very safe and happy country. A striking space filled with magic and myth, shrouded in mystery and monasteries, the lush Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan brims with a wealth of natural beauty, vibrant culture, spiritual and historical attractions and intrepid adventure just waiting to be explored.
Proudly keeping this destination sacred, it was only in 1974 that Bhutan allowed international travellers to explore its wondrous lands. With only a few travel visas allocated each year, this is an unforgettable travel experience made even more significant with its authentic, sustainable approach to tourism. Bhutan is also the only country in the world to have a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, and began this process of measuring its GNH when it opened up to globalisation.
Here is all you need to know when travelling to the blessed and bountiful beauty of Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) (per person per day)
Bhutan is recognised as one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries. In an attempt to preserve Bhutan’s cautious tourism policy of ‘high value, low impact’ (crafted to safeguard its rich living culture and natural beauty), the SDF is levied by the Royal Government of Bhutan to all tourists visiting Bhutan. Levied to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, the SDF contributes to Bhutan’s social welfare, developmental activities, conservation of the environment, promotion of culture, as well as enhancement of infrastructure and facilities for tourists. Please contact your preferred travel specialist should you have any further queries.
Currency
Cash and traveller’s cheques (American Express, Mastercard and Visa) can be exchanged at the Paro International Airport (easiest and recommended location), larger hotels (not guaranteed), and at some banks in Paro and Thimphu. Once you leave these cities, however, it will be almost impossible to exchange money.
- Local shops, outside of Thimphu, do not have credit card facilities. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is, therefore, useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.
- There are bank branches in all major towns. A few hotels and shops in Thimphu accept payment by credit card, but with a surcharge added.
- The Bank of Bhutan’s ATMs in Thimphu and Paro are the only ATMs which allow withdrawal of local currency through Mastercard (both debit and credit).
- The maximum amount per withdrawal is Nu. 18 000. There is no limit on the transactions per day except the maximum limit as stipulated by Mastercard. Approximately USD 2.5 to 3 may be charged per withdrawal.
- In larger cities and towns, many stores accept USD. However, to ensure the best exchange rate, we recommend changing your money into local currency. Indian rupees (Rs), except old Rs 500 and Rs 2 000 notes, are also accepted in most towns. Rupee notes (usually Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, and Rs 100 only) are often given in change throughout the country.
Safety
Bhutan is a very safe and happy country to travel to, however, it is always recommended to remain aware while travelling.
The kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world’s little-known treasures, where quality of life is measured in terms of Gross National Happiness, rather than purely material measures. Bhutan is also the only country in the world to have a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, and began this process of measuring its GNH when it opened up to globalisation.
Passport and visa requirements
Passports must have at least two (2) blank pages and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
&Beyond Bhutan will be responsible for issuing your visa. This visa will be emailed to you prior to your arrival into Bhutan.
Luggage allowance
The free baggage allowances on scheduled Druk Air international flights are as follows: Business Class 40 kg (88 lbs) and Economy Class 30 kg (66 lbs).
The following articles may be carried free of charge over and above the Free Baggage Allowance:
- A handbag, pocket book or purse, which is appropriate to normal traveling dress and which is not being used as a container to carry articles which would otherwise be regarded as baggage
- An overcoat wrap or blanket
- An umbrella or walking stick
- A small camera and/or a pair of binoculars
- A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight
- A fully collapsible wheelchair and/or crutches or other prosthetic device for the passenger’s use provided the passenger is dependent on them
Photography
Public computer access may not be available during the adventure. If you are shooting digital and plan to take a large number of photos, be sure to bring enough memory cards or your own computer equipment and image backup onto which you can download your pictures. A flash unit can be helpful for taking pictures of people as well as for reducing harsh shadows that can often develop during midday conditions.
Make sure your camera gear is properly protected from any potential rain or humidity. If you are using a point-and-shoot camera, store it in a heavy, zip-top plastic bag whenever not in use to protect it from the elements and to keep it in working order.
Other important information
Smoking in a public place, as well as the sale of tobacco, is banned in Bhutan. Tourists may bring 200 cigarettes per person into the country, but there will be a 200 percent import tax levied upon them. Please make sure to declare if you are carrying cigarettes, as customs do check and bringing undeclared cigarettes into Bhutan is considered smuggling. If you do take cigarettes into Bhutan, you will be issued a permit that must be carried with you during your time in the country. Although rare, in the event that you are smoking and not in possession of the permit, legal action can be taken.
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