Bhutan Travel Guide

Language

Dzongkha is the official language, and various Tibetan dialects are spoken. English has recently become the language of instruction in schools but is only spoken fluently by guides and tourist industry professionals.

Currency

The local currency is the Ngultrumbut subdivided into 100 Chetrums. The currency is pegged to the Indian rupee on scale of 1:1. The Ngultrumbut was only introduced in 1974 before which the country had no currency, relying on a system of bartering to acquire goods. US Dollars and Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at banks and large hotels. Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted.

Time

Local time is GMT +6 hours.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and three-pin rectangular plugs are in use.

Communications

The international dialing code for Bhutan is +975. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There is extensive mobile phone coverage, which is more reliable and widespread than the landline network. Internet access is available in all main towns and hotels.

Duty-Free

Travelers to Bhutan may bring with them up to 400 cigarettes/150g pipe tobacco/50 cigars, two liters of liquor, and goods for personal use. Guns and ammunition, narcotics, antiques and wildlife products are prohibited.

Tourist Office

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL), PO Box 159, Thimphu, Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647

Bhutan Embassies Abroad

• Bhutan Embassy, New York City, United States: +1 (202) 682 2268/2312.

Emergency

Fire: 110, Police: 113, Ambulance: 112

Language

Dzongkha is the official language, and various Tibetan dialects are spoken. English has recently become the language of instruction in schools but is only spoken fluently by guides and tourist industry professionals.

Currency

The local currency is the Ngultrumbut subdivided into 100 Chetrums. The currency is pegged to the Indian rupee on scale of 1:1. The Ngultrumbut was only introduced in 1974 before which the country had no currency, relying on a system of bartering to acquire goods. US Dollars and Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at banks and large hotels. Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted.

Time

Local time is GMT +6 hours.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and three-pin rectangular plugs are in use.

Communications

The international dialing code for Bhutan is +975. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There is extensive mobile phone coverage, which is more reliable and widespread than the landline network. Internet access is available in all main towns and hotels.

Duty-Free

Travelers to Bhutan may bring with them up to 400 cigarettes/150g pipe tobacco/50 cigars, two liters of liquor, and goods for personal use. Guns and ammunition, narcotics, antiques and wildlife products are prohibited.

Tourist Office

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL), PO Box 159, Thimphu, Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647

Bhutan Embassies Abroad

• Bhutan Embassy, New York City, United States: +1 (202) 682 2268/2312.

Emergency

Fire: 110, Police: 113, Ambulance: 112

Language

Dzongkha is the official language, and various Tibetan dialects are spoken. English has recently become the language of instruction in schools but is only spoken fluently by guides and tourist industry professionals.

Currency

The local currency is the Ngultrumbut subdivided into 100 Chetrums. The currency is pegged to the Indian rupee on scale of 1:1. The Ngultrumbut was only introduced in 1974 before which the country had no currency, relying on a system of bartering to acquire goods. US Dollars and Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at banks and large hotels. Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted.

Time

Local time is GMT +6 hours.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and three-pin rectangular plugs are in use.

Communications

The international dialing code for Bhutan is +975. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There is extensive mobile phone coverage, which is more reliable and widespread than the landline network. Internet access is available in all main towns and hotels.

Duty-Free

Travelers to Bhutan may bring with them up to 400 cigarettes/150g pipe tobacco/50 cigars, two liters of liquor, and goods for personal use. Guns and ammunition, narcotics, antiques and wildlife products are prohibited.

Tourist Office

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL), PO Box 159, Thimphu, Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647

Bhutan Embassies Abroad

• Bhutan Embassy, New York City, United States: +1 (202) 682 2268/2312.

Emergency

Fire: 110, Police: 113, Ambulance: 112

Language

Dzongkha is the official language, and various Tibetan dialects are spoken. English has recently become the language of instruction in schools but is only spoken fluently by guides and tourist industry professionals.

Currency

The local currency is the Ngultrumbut subdivided into 100 Chetrums. The currency is pegged to the Indian rupee on scale of 1:1. The Ngultrumbut was only introduced in 1974 before which the country had no currency, relying on a system of bartering to acquire goods. US Dollars and Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at banks and large hotels. Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted.

Time

Local time is GMT +6 hours.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and three-pin rectangular plugs are in use.

Communications

The international dialing code for Bhutan is +975. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There is extensive mobile phone coverage, which is more reliable and widespread than the landline network. Internet access is available in all main towns and hotels.

Duty-Free

Travelers to Bhutan may bring with them up to 400 cigarettes/150g pipe tobacco/50 cigars, two liters of liquor, and goods for personal use. Guns and ammunition, narcotics, antiques and wildlife products are prohibited.

Tourist Office

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL), PO Box 159, Thimphu, Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647

Bhutan Embassies Abroad

• Bhutan Embassy, New York City, United States: +1 (202) 682 2268/2312.

Emergency

Fire: 110, Police: 113, Ambulance: 112