Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Bhutan depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for BhutanEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 113
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 110
Currency
- Name
- Bhutanese Ngultrum
- Code
- BTN
- Symbol
- Nu
Pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee, which is also accepted. All tourism is pre-paid through a licensed tour operator; a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100/night is levied on international tourists. ATMs in Paro and Thimphu. USD needed for SDF payment.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type D, Type F, Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
BTT (UTC+6) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
March–May brings rhododendrons in bloom and clear skies — perfect for the Tiger's Nest hike and the Paro Tsechu festival (March/April). October–November is the other prime window — crystal clear post-monsoon skies and mountain views. June–September is monsoon; December–February is cold at altitude.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tour guide | $15–20 USD per day | All tourists must travel with a licensed guide; tips are essential income |
| Driver | $10 USD per day | — |
| Restaurants | 10% | Often included in tour package pricing |
Dress Code
- Modest dress is expected throughout the country
- Traditional dress (gho for men, kira for women) must be worn when visiting dzongs, monasteries, and government offices
- Visitors to Tiger's Nest: no shorts or sleeveless tops — long trousers and covered shoulders required
- Remove shoes before entering all monasteries and temples
Social Etiquette
- Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country — environmental respect is deep and genuine
- The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) governs policy over GDP — a real, functioning philosophy
- Photography at Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) is permitted in the grounds but forbidden inside the monastery
- Never point feet at religious objects, monks, or elders
- Clockwise circumambulation of stupas and prayer wheels is always correct
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Tobacco is heavily restricted — sale is prohibited; import requires a 100% customs duty. Smoking in public is illegal.
- LGBTQ+ activity was decriminalised in 2021 — a historic change; social attitudes are still conservative
- Plastic bags are banned
- All tourism must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (TCBF) — independent travel is not permitted except for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Dzongkha) | Kuzuzangpo la | koo-ZOO-zahng-poh LAH |
| Thank you (Dzongkha) | Kadrinchhe la | kah-DRIN-cheh LAH |
| How are you? (Dzongkha) | Chho ga de mo? | choh gah deh MOH |
| Good / fine (Dzongkha) | Legso | LEG-soh |
| Tiger's Nest (local name) | Paro Taktsang | PAH-roh TAHK-tsahng |
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