Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Bhutan uses 230V / 50Hz with Type C, D, G and M sockets. Bring a universal adapter that covers these types; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.
- Voltage
- 230V / 50Hz
- Sockets
- Type C, D, G, M
- Adapter
- Universal adapter useful
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are Bhutan Telecom (B-Mobile) and TashiCell. Prepaid SIMs can be bought at the airport and operator shops; you will need your passport to register. 4G/LTE is available in Thimphu, Paro and other towns, but coverage can be patchy in mountainous and remote areas.
- Operators
- Bhutan Telecom, TashiCell
- Where
- Airport, operator shops
- Registration
- Passport required
- 4G/LTE in towns; patchy in remote mountain areas
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM support in Bhutan is limited compared with more connected destinations, and travel eSIM coverage may rely on roaming partners. Check availability and coverage before you rely on it; a local prepaid SIM is often the more dependable choice on arrival.
- eSIM
- Limited availability
- Coverage
- Check before relying on it
- Alternative
- Local prepaid SIM
- Confirm your phone is eSIM-capable and unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels and cafés, especially in Thimphu and Paro, but speeds vary a lot by location and can be slow in remote areas. A local SIM is useful as a backup. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking.
- Availability
- Hotels, cafés
- Quality
- Varies by location
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- A SIM helps as a backup where Wi-Fi is slow
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Bhutan generally allows common apps and services, and travellers can typically use messaging, social media, maps and streaming. The bigger practical limit is network coverage and speed rather than blocking, especially in mountainous and remote areas.
- Apps
- Common apps generally work
- Main limit
- Coverage and speed
- Remote areas
- Connection can be weak
- Practical constraint is signal, not censorship
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include maps and offline maps (download areas in advance for weak-signal stretches), translation, a messaging app to stay in touch with your guide or driver, and your hotel or tour operator's preferred contact app. Download key maps and documents before heading into remote areas.
- Navigation
- Maps + offline maps
- Everyday
- Translation, messaging
- Tip
- Download offline before remote trips
- Offline maps help where the signal is weak
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Bhutan's country code is +975. App-based calls (WhatsApp and similar) are common where there is data coverage, and a local SIM gives you a Bhutanese number for calls and mobile data. Save numbers in full +975 format so they work from any network.
- Country code
- +975
- Calls
- App-based where data works
- Local SIM
- Number for calls and data
- Save numbers in full +975 international format