Money and payments
Cards and cash
Credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Visa Maestro are compatible with most ATMs in Bhutan, most of which are concentrated in Thimphu and Paro.
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Asia · Southern AsiaOutline guideCountry in South Asia
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Kingdom of Bhutan (Dzongkha: འབྲུག་ཡུལ་, Druk Yul) is a small country in the Himalayas between Tibet and India. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is famously known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan is a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Bhutan.
Cards and cash
Credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Visa Maestro are compatible with most ATMs in Bhutan, most of which are concentrated in Thimphu and Paro.
Dzongkha
Bhutan is a linguistically diverse country, with many languages spoken throughout the country.
SIM cards can be purchased at the Paro airport; with unlimited 14-day 4G plans costing 2000Nu (as of April 2025).
Tap water is not safe to drink.
Much of what is considered good manners in South Asia is applicable to Bhutan.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital city
an administrative town in the north. Seat of the first and second king. Often considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan.
one of the largest towns in east Bhutan.
the location of the international airport and Taktsang Monastery.
Home to Bhutan's most celebrated dzong.
a town on the Indian border. The point of entry for travellers arriving from Siliguri.
an administrative town in the southeast, near the Indian border.
a picturesque administrative town in the east.
Jigme Dorji National Park is in north western Bhutan.
Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park is in Central Bhutan. JSWNP represents the best example of the mid-Himalayan ecosystems of the Eastern Himalaya that contain several ecological biomes ranging from sub-tropical forests at lower altitudes to alpine meadows at its highest altitudes.
Royal Manas National Park is in Central Bhutan.
Phrumsengla National Park (formerly Thrumshingla National Park) is located in Eastern Bhutan.
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is in North East Bhutan.
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary) is in Samdrup Jongkhar district in South-eastern Bhutan.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is in Trashigang district of Bhutan.
Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (formerly Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve) is in the Haa district in western Bhutan.
Central Bhutan is a very picturesque and historically and culturally important region of the country.
Eastern Bhutan is a region in Bhutan.
Western Bhutan is a region in Bhutan.
Public transport and paid services in Bhutan.
By bus
The roads that cross the country are characterised by their twists, turns, and steep inclines, but despite the difficult topography, they are generally very well-maintained and safe.
By plane
Plane travel is a fast and relatively safe alternative to tackling Bhutan's twisty roads, but schedules are sparse and flights are cancelled at the drop of a hat.
By car
Road traffic in Bhutan is left-hand drive. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and rockslides and landslides are common.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Bhutan.
Finding apps for Bhutan…
Other ways to travel:Hitchhiking
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Paro · International · PBH
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Thimphu
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 5° | 6° | 9° | 12° | 14° | 17° | 17° | 16° | 15° | 12° | 9° | 6° |
| Avg. low | -8° | -7° | -4° | -1° | 3° | 8° | 9° | 8° | 7° | 2° | -2° | -6° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 5 | 12 | 32 | 60 | 108 | 153 | 259 | 206 | 134 | 51 | 3 | 2 |
| Humidity | 65% | 67% | 68% | 73% | 79% | 84% | 88% | 88% | 88% | 82% | 76% | 67% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$30
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$80
Per person, per day
Luxury
$205
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $45 | $120 |
| Food and drink | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| Local transport | $5 | $5 | $15 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $35 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Bhutan. Bhutan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, specifically in rural areas. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Bhutan regularly experiences flooding, landslides, and wildfires. The country is also vulnerable to earthquakes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Bhutan. Review our Travel Guidance for Bhutan to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Bhutan.
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Food & drinkWhile South Asia is a vast subcontinent with diverse climate and culture, some culinary traditions can be found across the region.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesBuddhist circuit is a route that follows the footsteps of Gautama Buddha starting from his place of birth to his place of death.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Great Himalaya Trail is in Nepal. See Himalayas for general information on the range.
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Culture & historyAs the birthplace of several world religions, South Asia, also known as the Indian Subcontinent, is home to countless sacred and holy sites.
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