Markets are held regularly, generally on Saturday and Sunday, and are a rich source of local clothing and jewelry, as well as food. The Handicraft Emporium on the main street in the capital is open daily except Sunday and offers a magnificent assortment of handwoven and handcrafted goods. The
Motithang Hotel in Thimphu has a souvenir shop. Silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Thimphu Valley are able to make handcrafted articles to order. Shopping is otherwise limited. Phuentsholing has the first and only department store of Bhutan.
Shopping hours Mon-Sun 0900-2000 (closed
Tues).
Currency Information:Currency1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (which is also acccepted as legal tender). Notes are in denominations of Nu500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Nu1, and 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 chetrum. US Dollars are also widely accepted throughout the kingdom.
Currency ExchangeLeading foreign currencies are accepted but traveller’s cheques are preferred and receive a better exchange rate. Major hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing will also exchange foreign currency.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMost cards have limited acceptability.
Traveller's ChequesThese can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL hotels. Travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 1000-1300. Some smaller branches may be open Saturday or Sunday for currency exchange.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | Nu84.59 |
| $1.00= | Nu42.82 |
| €1.00= | Nu57.19 |
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