Bhutan Travel Guide

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Shopping

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

1 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 Exchange

Leading foreign currencies are accepted but traveler's checks are preferred and receive a better exchange rate. Major hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing will also exchange foreign currency.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Most cards have limited acceptability. ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.

Travelers Checks

These can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL hotels. Travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but foreign currency must be declared upon arrival.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1200.

Exchange Rate