USEFUL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Bhutan, a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, boasts a diverse and stunning geographical landscape. Nestled between India to the south and China (Tibet) to the north. It is a blend of majestic mountains, fertile valleys, and dense forests.
SIZE
Bhutan is relatively small compared to many other countries, covering an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers (14,824 square miles).
LOCAL TIME
GMT+6:00
CURRENCY
The official currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum or Nu. The rate of exchange is equivalent to the Indian Rupee 1:1. Hence, INR is accepted here, along with USD which is widely accepted as well. Major banks, hotels and exchange counters at airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency. ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. However, it is a good practice to keep cash in local currency in order to buy smaller items like souvenirs. Away from major towns, be prepared to pay cash at small shops and local markets.
PHONE AND INTERNET
You can get pre-paid tourist sim cards at the airport or visit any local mobile store. You can expect mobile phone coverage in main cities and towns, except in elevated remote regions. However, only select hotels offer complimentary WIFI in public areas and that most hotels provide internet on a chargeable basis. The connection however may be slower than expected. Global roaming is also accessible.
Telephone code: +975
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Plug types with 2 round pins (type C) or 3 round pins (type D), are the most common. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets.
VACCINATION
Immunizations are not required to visit Bhutan. (Except: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a vaccination certificate). However, it is advisable to check the latest travel health advisories from your national health center.
LANGUAGE
Bhutan is linguistically rich with over nineteen dialects spoken in the country. The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, however English is widely spoken across the country.
FOOD AND WATER
To be safe, we recommend drinking only bottled or mineral water. Bottled water is available even in small roadside shops. Do make sure that the bottles are sealed and not broken.
Bhutanese cuisine is inspired by the neighboring countries including India, Tibet, China and Nepal. It’s mountainous geography allows for limited farming. Rice is the staple food in Bhutan that is accompanied with different types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Chilli and cheese are the predominant flavors in almost every dish here. Bhutanese favourite dishes include Tibetan or Nepalese-style dumplings called momos; minced chicken and pork cooked with chili; and “Emadatse” (chili and cheese stew) which is the national dish and recipes vary depending on the region.
SHOPPING IN BHUTAN
The most popular shopping items in Bhutan include hand-woven fabrics and baskets, carved masks, thangkha paintings, colourful and creative postage stamps wooden bowls, handmade paper and finely-crafted metal objects. Thimphu and Paro are considered to be the best cities for shopping in Sri Lanka. Bargaining is expected.
SMOKING
In 2004, Bhutan took a historic step by becoming the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco products. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan not only prohibited the sale of tobacco products but also imposed strict regulations on their consumption. The act made it illegal to smoke in public places, and individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas could face fines and penalties.
SAFETY
Bhutan boasts an extremely low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries to visit. Visitors can explore cities, towns, and rural areas without excessive worry about personal safety. However, it’s always wise to research and plan ahead, stay informed about local conditions, and adhere to any advisories provided by your own country’s government.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES
Tipping is always at your discretion, although it is usual to tip guides, drivers, porters, as well as anyone who provides a direct service. We can give you a guideline to help you determine how much and when to be prepared to tip.
PEOPLE
Bhutan is home to a diverse population comprising various ethnic groups, the largest of which are the Ngalops and Sharchops. Bhutanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors often report feeling welcomed and comfortable while interacting with locals, which enhances the overall sense of safety. Bhutanese society is free of class or a caste system. Bhutanese society generally has been relatively gender sensitive, open and good-spirited.
Bhutan has relied on its geographical isolation to protect itself from outside cultural influences. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. The Bhutanese are a fun-loving people fond of song and dance, friendly contests of archery, stone pitching, traditional darts, basketball and football.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Bhutan’s road network has been continuously expanding, connecting remote villages and urban centers. All transportation in Bhutan is by road and there are no train lines and very limited domestic air service. Buses are a common mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. Bhutan’s buses range from small mini buses to larger coaches, providing transportation between cities and towns. Taxis are readily available in urban areas like Thimphu and Paro. The country has no traffic lights, instead there are traffic wardens. Traffic keeps to the left and is much more orderly than in most other South Asian countries.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL
We recommend travellers to obtain international travel health and accidental insurance. Having medical and accidental insurance is highly advisable in order to obtain the best services and healthcare during your trip, should you need any.
There are no private health clinics or physicians in Bhutan, but all district headquarters and towns have a hospital and pharmacies. The best facility is found at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. Treatment is free, even for tourists. However, serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (New Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, or Bangkok).
