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 and offers a magnificent assortment of hand-woven and handcrafted goods. Some hotels have a souvenir shop.
Silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Thimphu Valley are able to make handcrafted articles to order. Bhutanese stamps are collectors’ items. Shopping is otherwise limited and bargaining is not customary. Phuentsholing has a small department store, the only one of its
kind in Bhutan.
Shopping hours Mon-Sun 0800-2000 for most shops.
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 50, 25 and 20 chetrum. Smaller denomination notes and coins have been discontinued but are still in circulation and are legal tender. US Dollars are also widely accepted.
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. ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.
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 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1200.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | Nu70.75 |
| $1.00= | Nu48.72 |
| €1.00= | Nu66.28 |
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