atms – there are few atms in bhutan, but only in the main towns. a word of caution, the atms do not always work and if they do, one is usually only able to withdraw small amounts and that too in local currency. also your transaction is subject to bank charges.

 

currency – indian travellers can carry indian currency in inr 100 denominations or smaller notes into bhutan which is widely accepted. denominations of rs. 500 and above are legally banned in bhutan. please note that ngultrum (nu) is at par with indian rupee. travellers of other nationality can carry a mixture of travellers cheques (american express is most widely accepted) and cash in us dollars which can be exchanged at the paro airport, banks and hotels in main towns only.

 

credit cards – there are no facilities for credit cards although only few handicraft stores and hotels accept visa card with a surcharge added. further it is also recommended that you speak with your service provider to find out about the acceptability of credit card in bhutan.

 

cigarettes and tobacco – bhutan is the only country on this planet that has banned consumption and sale of tobacco products. tourists are allowed to import of cigarettes and any other related products up to 200 (ten packets) cigarettes on payment of 200 percent duty. please refrain from smoking in public places and a fine of nu 500 is applicable if you are caught smoking in public place. also you will have to produce proof of payment of import duty and tax.

 

alchohol – alcoholic beverage up to 1 litre for personal consumption. also tuesdays is a dry day in bhutan and no alcohol is served. please refrain from drinking in religious or public places.

 

clothes & accessories – carry clothing as per the season and temperature in bhutan at the time of travel. as a general tip, it would be wise to always have a jacket when travelling in bhutan regardless of the seasons. also remember to carry hiking shoes.

 

tip – while tipping is not compulsory in bhutan guides and drivers only have work for around half of the year and therefore tips are valuable for making up their income. the tipping of your guide and driver is purely a personal matter. however, we would suggest a tip per day of 10 usd for your guide and 6 usd for your driver. obviously this is very much a rough guide and you are completely free to give whatever you feel is appropriate. in restaurants its an acceptable practise to leave 10% on top of the final bill.

 

electrical plugs – all major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with a circular two-pin and three-pin power outlets. for all electrical appliances that you bring with you, please carry the appropriate adapters. however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. also bring along a multi-purpose electrical plug as most hotel rooms have limited electrical plugs.

 

photographs – when taking photos/filming inside dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.  in general apart from the courtyards, guests are not allowed to take pictures inside the monastery, temple and dzongs. you are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive bhutanese architecture and the exterior of dzongs and chortens in particular.

 

travel insurance – please take your travel insurance cover from your respective country, as it is recommended.

 

language – dzongkha is national language of bhutan but there 18 other languages including nepali. however, english and hindi are very widely spoken.

 

dress code – please take off your hats while visiting dzongs, monasteries and in front of the national flag. also ensure that you are properly dressed while visiting dzongs, temples and other government offices. no shorts, half pants, tank tops or any other form of skimpy clothing are permitted while entering dzongs, temples and other government offices.

 

telephone connections – international roaming in bhutan is very expensive. please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to bhutan. if you need, its best to use a local tourists sim which is easy to get. in order to get the connection they have to submit the copy of the voter i card or the passport together with 2 passport size photographs to the vendor. the guide shall assist in getting the sim.

 

guides – the guides are important part of tour. all guests must follow the instructions of guides. the guides provided are trained and certified by the tourism council of bhutan.

 

timing difference – bhutan is half an hour ahead of indian standard time and six hours ahead of greenwich mean time.

 

camping facilities – camping facilities in bhutan are very basic with simple bhutanese food. do not expect international quality of camps in bhutan.

 

gifts – do not hand gifts, sweets or money to strangers and children. if you want to present please consult your local guide. however giving of alms to beggars and holy men near the markets and outside temples or lhakhangs is an accepted practice. in exchange a prayer will be prayed for you. whenever you in doubt, always ask your guide about what to do.

 

permits – the holder of the online / tourist permit is not allowed to seek any employment in bhutan. misuse of permit is a penal offence and a fine of nu 3300 along with deportation as per irr 2015 is applicable.

 

personal belongings – bhutan is a very safe place. your belongings are safe in hotel/car but on a bad day, anything could go wrong so we always suggest you to carry your camera, wallet, passport and your valuable goods with you all the time

 

public display of affection – public displays of affection between opposite sex or similar sex are frowned upon. please refrain from doing that in public places

 

road conditions – the road conditions beyond punakha is bad because of road widening works. as a result guests takes more than standard time to reach their destination.

 

traffic rules – bhutan has strict traffic rules. only cross the road on zebra crossing.

 

twin bedded rooms – most of the hotels in bhutan have twin beds. we will try to give king/queen beds in case of availability. if the hotels are unable to provide king/queen beds, than the guests will have to stay in twin bedded rooms only.

 

misc – urinating along the road side and sacred places are strictly prohibited. fine of nu 1000/- is applicable for such act as per wastes prevention and management regulation act, 2012. also in case you are travelling between june – sept please carry mosquito and insect repellent

 

some bhutanese etiquette & conventions:

• always walk in clockwise direction while visiting religious places, around chortens and prayer wheels.
• always take off your shoes before entering a temple.
• do not speak loudly when visiting dzongs and temples.
• refrain from pointing your feet at anyone; cross your legs or kneel when sitting in religious places
• please remember not to point with a single finger at a sacred object or place. it is considered being disrespectful. use your palm to show something.
• please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings.
• use your right hand or both hands to give or receive.
• please do not walk over any clothes, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites. it is considered disrespectful. if needed walk around it.
• don’t wash, swim or throw objects into lakes, many of which are considered sacred.
• please throw rubbish only in designated areas and do not litter.
• please ask permission before entering a scared place, homes or private land.
• please take permission before taking photographs or videos of any person.